By Jerry Elman, December 5, 2023
In a recent rally, former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric took a disturbingly familiar turn. He stated, “We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections.”
This language eerily mirrors that of historical authoritarian figures, notably Adolf Hitler, in its categorization and condemnation of perceived enemies. Such an approach is not only divisive but also dangerously distorts the public’s understanding of these ideologies.
Trump’s targeting of communists and Marxists is perplexing in the current political context. While these ideologies played significant roles in historical geopolitical dynamics, they do not represent a tangible threat to American democracy today. This misrepresentation serves more as a political tool to rally support and demonize opposition than a reflection of actual political threats.
The reference to fascists, however, is ironic given the nature of Trump’s rhetoric. Fascism, characterized by authoritarian power, suppression of opposition, and extreme nationalism, seems more akin to the strategies employed by Trump himself. The danger lies in the public’s desensitization to the true meaning and implications of fascism, a consequence of its casual and inaccurate use in political discourse.
The comparison with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime is unavoidable and deeply concerning. The Nazis, as the embodiment of fascism, showed the world the catastrophic consequences of unchecked authoritarianism and hate-fueled ideology. They committed atrocities that remain unparalleled in their scale and brutality. By trivializing terms like fascism, Trump risks diluting the severity of these historical events, potentially normalizing ideologies that should remain universally condemned.
Trump’s skill in using language to provoke and manipulate is evident. However, his approach to ideological terms is not just about provocation; it’s about reshaping public perception. By blurring the definitions of these ideologies, he creates a space where extreme beliefs can be subtly introduced into mainstream politics. This “fascism-lite” approach, while seemingly less extreme, still carries the core tenets of authoritarianism and can be just as dangerous.
Now more than ever, it’s crucial for Americans to understand the full extent of the horrors of the fascist regime. From the early days of book bans to the liberation of concentration camps, the trajectory of fascism shows a gradual erosion of rights and humanity. Understanding this history is essential in recognizing the signs of emerging authoritarianism and preventing its resurgence.
The question of who the real fascists are in today’s political landscape is not just rhetorical; it’s a critical examination of the ideologies and tactics at play. The use of such charged language by a former president and the potential normalization of extreme ideologies should be a wake-up call. The American public must critically evaluate the rhetoric used by their leaders and its implications for democracy.
As the nation reflects on its values and the direction of its political discourse, it’s imperative to question the place of such ideologies in the White House and American politics. The answers to these questions will define the character and future of American democracy, underscoring the importance of vigilance, awareness, and commitment to democratic principles in the face of divisive and potentially dangerous rhetoric.
Excellent analysis. Let us not repeat history!
In “Tired of Winning” by Jonathon Karl, Trump was bragging to Angela Merkel about one of his favorite things, crowd size. She told him only one other figure in history had bigger crowd sizes, but didn’t name who. We all know who she was referring to!!