In other words, a totalitarian system of government. This condition has been evolving right before our eyes and, yet, many Americans still can’t seem to comprehend what is happening. America has undergone a slow but sure transformation of its democracy, a democratic republic, into this axis of power, control and intimidation.
We can dismiss and totally deny this notion but when we examine the current state of this country and its government there is no doubt that our democracy is, under siege. Of course, opinions such as this are of no real value on their own so let’s provide facts and evidence to support that contention.
We need to view the America of today from two perspectives; one in which this transformation has been developing for decades and secondly how it is in great danger of greatly expanding under the rule of Mr. Trump and the Republicans.
The people of this country have seen Corporate America become extremely powerful and use its money, power and influence to take control of this government. We have heard that the banking industry “owns” Congress; that’s a fact. While Corporate America was transferring this country’s manufacturing sector, for the most part to China, its indentured servants in the Congress just looked the other way.
A large portion Congress is composed of politicians who submit to the directives that the masters of Corporatism issue. This president’s cabinet is like a smaller version of Wall Street with Goldman Sach’s influence being very prominent. If we think that inequality of income in America is bad right now just wait till those in power move ahead with their agendas.
We could accurately describe America as an oligarchy, one in which a relatively small portion of the richest and most powerful individuals in this country are in control and call the shots that determine the direction of this country.
In a democratic republic the U.S. Congress is charged with the responsibility of carrying out the will of the people. That is simply not happening as poll after poll indicates that the wishes of the American people on almost every key issue are not shared or being carried out by members of this Congress. Government of, by and for the people disappeared years ago.
A dictatorship and a developing police state go hand in hand in maintaining tight control over the people. This country has been traveling down that path for some time and now, with Trump in charge, there is no doubt that he has every intention of tightening that control.
Following are some of the characteristics of a totalitarian system. Let’s see how they fit with Trump’s stated intentions and actions going into the future.
Such a government considers itself as the supreme power and that the Congress and judicial branch must submit to and function in line with its dictates. Trump and those around him have already indicated that the judicial branch do not have the authority to interfere with the executive orders of the presidency or to question his authority. They are, in effect, saying that they consider the U.S. Constitution to be largely irrelevant.
Those in power rule by the use of fear and intimidation; many undocumented Hispanics are now living in a state of fear based on Trump’s clear intentions regarding deportation. Muslims in this country who have heard him talking about creating a Muslim registry must have a deep sense of dread knowing that he is entirely capable of doing just that and even more.
In this system criticism of the government is not tolerated. Not long ago Steve Bannon, Trump’s special adviser labeled the media “the opposition party” and strongly suggested that it should “keep its mouth shut.” Then in a news conference, as a reporter from a Jewish news group questioned Trump about why he wasn’t speaking out against the recent rise of anti-Semitism, we saw additional examples of this suppression.
Trump immediately told this reporter to, “Sit down” and then when the reporter tried to make a further point he said, “Quiet, quiet, quiet!” So, once again we heard someone being told to shut his mouth.
What are we going to see next; increased suppression of the press and media, censorship of news organizations, the curtailing of free speech, using the media as this administration’s mouthpiece to spread government propaganda? Broadcasting this propaganda over and over again, pounding it into the people as a form of mind conditioning?
Another example of suppression is the Trump administration’s attitude relative toward science; in particular their complete dismissal of climate change/global warming and calling this threat to this planet and its people no more than a hoax. This is all about taking care of Trump’s associates on Wall Street and those in the fossil fuel industry whose profits could be adversely affected by putting restrictions on the use of petroleum.
This administration has plans to do away with rules and regulations that safeguard the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. Trump chose the attorney general of Oklahoma, Scott Pruitt, to head the EPA. It’s no secret that Pruitt has no use for many of these regulations. It’s been said that he might well call for the complete dismantling of this critically important department.
As to a developing police state, Trump has indicated that he might deal with crime in Chicago and other cities with high levels of inner-city crime by mobilizing up to 100,000 national guardsmen. That’s never been done before; and if huge riots break out in many cities because of this intimidation, as well as the aggressive rounding up illegal immigrants for deportation, he just might bring in the U.S. military.
Americans, whether they realize it or not, are under close surveillance with cameras that record their movements all across this country. It wasn’t long ago that we found out that the NSA, the National Security agency, was reading our emails and monitoring our phone calls. Congress took action to force it to reduce this practice but does anyone really believe that the NSA is not going to continue this practice in some way?
Republicans have perfected the art of voter suppression. GOP governors and state legislatures pass legislation and use various tactics to prevent members of certain voting blocs, primarily African and Hispanic Americans, from voting in local and national elections. That is as undemocratic as it can be and a national disgrace.
Trump’s strategy appears to be based on the age old concept of divide and conquer, one that involves creating dissension and divisions between people of different races, ethnic groups or religions. That concept has worked successfully over centuries so we better not think that it could never work here in America because it most certainly can.
A great many Americans have this feeling of uneasiness and apprehension about their government even though they may not yet connect it to a totalitarian system. This includes millions Trump supporters who see great danger ahead and desperately want change. The problem is that they chose the wrong individual to bring it about, someone who will prove to be in opposition to what they really wanted.
This fear of the future is evidenced by the many protests that are going on throughout America, in the streets and in town hall meetings as Americans vent their anger and their frustrations. Finally, they are rising up against these do nothing, pathetic politicians. That’s a great sign, one that indicates that they are ready to fight for what they think is right.
But this movement may soon come under massive attack. Check out this article that warns of even more suppression coming our way. The first paragraph should send chills up the spines of those who have been or will be involved with any form of dissension and protest against this government’s actions.
It reports that “The (Republican-dominated) Arizona Senate on Wednesday voted to expand racketeering laws to allow police to arrest anyone involved in a protest and seize their assets, treating demonstrators like organized criminals.” It further states that “The chilling of First Amendment rights in Arizona comes as Republican-dominated state legislatures push a wave of anti-protest legislation nationwide.”
The foundations of this system of unlimited power and control over U.S. citizens have been developing over some time under various presidents. Now we have a president who has a very strong inclination, as well as the associated mindset, to force this democracy into a state of paralysis. We the people cannot stand by and let that happen.
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