It seems simpler than we are making it. All the words—written and spoken—since November 5, 2024, add up to more heat than light, more confusion than clarity.
Most often the solution is inherent in an accurate definition of the problem. That is true even now, post November 5.
What is the accurate definition of the problem? We have always had Nazis among us. They have always been a minority. We never placed them in power. Now we have. That is the problem.
Bradley W. Hart, author of “Hitler’s American Friends,” argues that prior to World War II the presence of Nazis in the United States was larger and better organized than we were aware. Why weren’t we aware? The other story was better. The one about a strong, clear-eyed United States that went “over there” to fight the world’s bully. The one about a country united in seeing the truth and the greater good—a hero country that was willing to fight and die for “truth, justice, and the American way.” A strong young country that beat the bully and saved the world. I like that story too. Moreover, it is all true, but it is not all the truth.
In the 1930s, marchers in the streets carrying swastikas and shouting slogans resembled the August 11, 2017, march in Charlottesville, Va. The rally in Madison Square Garden in 1939 was replicated in 2024. What was the Nazi slogan in the 1930s? America first. They were always with us.
Take the emotion out of it, and just think of democracy, autocracy, plutocracy, timocracy, monarchy, and tyranny as forms of governing. Each one lays down the rules for distribution of wealth and power as well as the obligations, if any, to those governed. Democracy is the form based on the Golden Rule, shared power, law and order. Other forms are based on concentrated wealth and rule by fear, even savagery. Doubtless, moral judgements can be made with respect to each form. Nevertheless, there are proponents of each form in all countries—including ours.
Throughout their nine-year ascent into our consciousness, through all forms of our media, this has been a war. Like all wars, it was a war fought for wealth and power. Unlike any war, however, this was a nine-year war with only one army on the field, one army with fighters gaining ground. On the other side were cameras and commentators. That’s it. One army fought for ascendancy over our minds, hearts, and our laws. The other side observed and reported. One side fought to gain advantage; the other side evaluated. Is it any wonder the fighters will sit on the seats of power in 59 days?
There is talk about midterms in two years, talk about the powers of the three branches of our government balancing one another. One side talked as one administration named three Supreme Court justices, as a right was taken away from women, as travel restrictions were attached to state anti-abortion laws, as Comcast “spins off” MSNBC, talk about justice delayed and consequences postponed.
Observe and report; report and comment; comment and opine as if talk were action, as if talking were a counter measure, as if talking were a right. Stop commenting on the fact that the house is on fire and pick up the hose.
