History shows us that the main threat to democracy comes from within. Things start great. Then people become increasingly complacent. The rich, over time, take over. Democracy becomes a shell, in paper only. The people become increasingly unhappy and eventually revolt or place themselves under a tyrant who promises them better times.
In the U.S., the first steps of this cycle have happened in the last few generations. In most situations, it would take many more for it to be completed. Trump has concentrated it into a few weeks. It is clear to the whole world what he wants, and will take, if possible. That is the bad news.
The good news is that everyone can see what he’s doing, and wants to do. He is counting on the majority of people to retain their apathy, believe his lies and succumb to his bullying tactics. If the process had taken another twenty years or so, he would have been right, but at his age, he can’t wait.
I think, and hope, that he has made a great mistake. I hope that enough people who are usually politically inactive, who have before elected the pawns of the wealthy, or not voted at all, will be awoken to what is happening and do something about it. Trump’s actions and the way Republicans have acquiesced to his wishes, truly spell the end of democracy in the country. I hope that isn’t about to happen. The world awaits to see if American citizens will awaken and do. They elected him and only they can stand up to him. I know they can. But I don’t know if they will.
This may result in a re-birth of American Democracy, where the whole system is evaluated and things changed so that it won’t happen again. It could be seen, in retrospect, as a great and pivotal time, one that leads to renewal, in the U.S. and around the world. Or not.
The U.S. claims to be a Christian country. Christians voted him in. Will they start to do the loving thing and enact the Way of Jesus of Nazareth? Or continue to believe in the way of Trump? The two ways are certainly opposite. So far, the only one to say this to his face is that one brave minister at the prayer service. Will others join her, in speech and action? The world awaits to see what Americans are really made of.
Anthony, feeling amazed and helpless like most people, just trying to share and gain hope.
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