Authoritarianism Rising: Emperor Trump?
During the course of yet another cheerleading interview with the propagandistic Fox News, Mr. Trump, in discussing the gaping holes in personnel in the State Department, narrows his eyes and with the sociopathic braggadocio that we have seen so many times, states "Let me tell you, the one that matters is me. I'm the only one that matters, because when it comes to it, that's what the policy is going to be. You've seen that, you've seen it strongly."
This is yet another example of the malignant spread of authoritarianism throughout the body politic of the United States. Mr. Trump and those of his coterie continue to flout the processes of government that ensure an orderly sharing of power and that many voices get to weigh in on policies and practices which affect the lives of millions. Mr. Trump openly admits that he is unilaterally making policy decisions.
Case in point, look at the number of Executive Orders originating from the desk of Mr. Trump. So far, he has penned (or someone has penned for him) 50 orders. Mr. Trump has been in office for under 10 months. He will certainly dictate a few more by the end of his first year in office. Using averages, he will add another 15 or so to his tally, ending with roughly 70 Executive Orders in his first year. By extrapolation, if Mr. Trump remains in office for all 4 years of this term, he will have signed 280 Executive Orders. Yes, 280-in one term. Mr. Trump’s predecessor, in his 8 years in office, signed 276. I remember when the right-wing press screamed about President Obama becoming a dictator based on his use of Executive Orders. They are quite notably quiet regarding this gross abuse of Executive power.
In a sentence or two before the above pronouncement of his aspiring regality, Mr. Trump claims that his expertise as a businessperson wholly qualifies him as an expert on the intricacies of foreign policy and that he doesn’t need to rely on those people who have been intimately involved in particularly touchy negotiations in the powder kegs of the world. He brags that this is all about cost cutting. This is the man who embarrassed our country during a speech at the UN in which he praised the health care system in the nonexistent country of Nambia. Yes, his expertise is well-noted.
During another interview, Mr. Trump lamented that he isn’t allowed to influence the Department of Justice and the FBI. Mr. Trump stated, "The saddest thing is that because I'm the President of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. I am not supposed to be involved with the FBI." He was specifically speaking of investigating Hillary Clinton. This is the saddest part of being President of the United States, that he can’t use the powers of the federal police for his own vendettas? The saddest part isn’t that a gunman mows down 59 Americans and injures hundreds more in Las Vegas? Or that 4 members of the Special Forces were ambushed and killed in Niger (or was that Nambia?)? No, nothing like this. He is lachrymose due to the limits of his power to exact revenge.
The spread of authoritarianism doesn’t solely emanate from his eminence, wannabe Emperor Trump. There are myriad examples of the sway towards authoritarianism throughout our government. Just look at the work of the GOP-controlled Congress in various behind-closed-doors sessions in hopes of stripping healthcare from millions and, more recently, the plan to cut taxes for the wealthiest and corporations and to strip necessary social services from those who most need them in order to fund said tax cuts. Look at whom the wide preponderance of legislation passed at federal and state levels benefits—those at the pinnacle of society. Look into the work of the federal judiciary and the decisions being handed down. Or, even more obvious, the dismantling of the departments of the Executive Branch. Again, the protections and safeguards for the vast majority of Americans are being rescinded and repealed. The continued Trumpian neoliberal calls for “deregulation” are nothing more than invitations to increased authoritarianism. The rule of law is being replaced by the decisions of a relatively small group of wealthy and powerful businessmen and carried out by their bought and paid-for legislators.
And what is happening to make sure this creeping authoritarianism remains? Look at Mr. Trump’s executive order rolling back the Obama Administration’s suspension of the 1033 Program. This program allows for local police forces to purchase military grade equipment. Take a moment to ponder on this. Who are the police going to be using these munitions on? US. You and me. If and when it gets to the point of mass protests against the degradation of our system of government and in support of power by the people, local police forces will be authorized to use the weapons intended for enemies of the U.S. We will become enemies of the authoritarian state, if it ever comes to that point.
I fear that we are far closer to a crisis than what many think. The massive weight of Mr. Trump’s ego and his desire to rule, as opposed to a typical President’s desire to lead, added to the overwhelming wealth and political power of the economic elite, is utterly crushing the vestiges of democracy and the will of the people. Sadly and inexplicably, roughly a third of our populace continues to support this creeping authoritarianism, urging it on, begging for it, even. Despite the rising mountain of anecdotal evidence, many of this intransigent, rabid base will never be convinced of their folly.
I urge you to keep reading, researching, sharing, debating and arguing in order to stand as a bulwark against the neoliberal authoritarianism glowering and snarling at us. It can only be We the People that do so.
