AUTHORITATIVE POWERS

AUTHORITATIVE POWERS FREE FOR THE TAKING

   “We see ourselves as a city on the hill … looking out for threats that come from abroad … that human nature is such that American democracy must be defended from Americans who would exploit its freedom to bring about its END.” Timothy Snyder’s book entitled “ON TYRANNY.”

    It is hard to believe that citizens in a democratic form of government would freely surrender powers to an authoritative leader. Without a war or any other major physical conflict, many Americans are simply saying they are ready to give up personal freedoms in favor of dictatorial leadership. History has never experienced such an extraordinary act performed by citizens of a democratic society. At the present, America is an example of a confused populace wondering in the wilderness of political correctness.

    

   There are many valuable lessons in history, but the problem is too many world citizens will not adhere. History provides proof that ancient democracies and republics collapsed under the threat of oligarchies and imperial leaders. With knowledge of history, it is easy to predict America’s future.  The United States has fallen into the same trap that destroyed many other great civilizations. It seems feasible that intelligent people would be able to read “the hand writing on the wall” and make necessary changes before the complete collapse of a great empire. But for reasons yet unknown, history tells a different story. At some point civilized people reject the truth, and at this time there is an element of stupidity that has stretched across America with little signs of improvement. 

   It is difficult to believe that Trump supporters actually want an executive dictatorship, but nevertheless it is true. By ignoring the truth, Donald Trump supporters have climbed on board a fascist regime because they think it offers opportunity for personal advancement.  There are numerous examples of followers doing what a superior expects, without the leader’s approval, but with hope of securing LOYALTY. It is, however, “a vain hope” that a monarchical leader will NOT throw them under the bus when the time is right. Dictatorial leaders are concerned about only one thing; themselves.

   Acts of conformity are inherent to the downfall of a free society.  Americans are conforming to power with the belief that power in the hands of the powerful is a nondiscriminatory tool that is necessary in governing. Thus one political party has placed no limits on power and what power can do. They are willing, if necessary, to delete personal freedoms with the objective of remaining in power.

   It is difficult to accept that American voters have become so dehumanized that they engage in the act of voting knowing they are voting to surrender personal freedoms.  It is possible that Americans have lived so long with freedoms that they have forgotten the value of being free.  But to give up basic civil rights freely is a direct example of political illiteracy.  However, this is not the first time in history that it has happened and perhaps will not be the last.

   It would be well for Americans to realize that democracies can fail. It is not written in the skies that American democracy is eternal. In the twentieth century, for example, Europeans experienced several democracies overtaken by fascism, Nazism, and communism. With respect to contemporary democracies, it is true that democratic governments are in decline. American voters have failed to recognize that the US Constitution places the power to govern in the hands of the voters, but that sacred right must not only be protected but must be exercised by the act of participation.  That is why Tuesday, November 3, 2020 is such an important date.