By Dr. David Laing Dawson
Spending as much time as I am these days watching and reading about the collapse of American democracy and the behaviour of their dear leader, is unhealthy. I know this. I should be thinking of other things, and enjoying this last chapter of my life with family.
But the image that comes to mind is that of the family fleeing from a battle field and the destruction of war, on a cart pulled by horses or oxen, the middle generation in the front, then the children, and then at the back, the grandparents. And I feel most sympathy for the grandparents because they know they will not live to see the next era of peace and prosperity, though their grandchildren may.
As far as I can see and read, Canadian leadership is doing as much as it can to ensure we suffer as little as possible from American fascism, from Trump’s trade war and tantrums.
But, the U.S. is there now. A fascist state: suppression of all authority other than that of Dear Leader. Secret police, brown shirts, and a military with a rapidly expanding domestic presence. Concentration camps. Rampant oligarchic corruption. A systematic stripping of a sense of safety for the general public. Loss of health, social safety nets, and even emergency help. Rewriting of history. Persecution of old political opponents and any possible competition.
Americans are protesting and it may be sufficient to turn this around. And maybe, just maybe, Trump will lose his base as his full history as a sexual predator and pedophile comes to light.
But Canada is Poland circa 1937.
Now this is when my family will say, “For God’s sake David, you are taking this too far.”
But, what will he do when he is cornered, when the protests grow in size and decibels, when the blue states join forces, when the economy collapses, when (and if) the law makers develop some spine, when workers strike and the generals defy him, when his attempts to distract from the Epstein question fail?
I have been surprised how quickly and easily Trump et al have managed to compromise American Democracy. I thought overriding the constitution to use the military against its own citizens would be difficult. Simple: Dramatically grow a new force (ICE) and expand all existing military bases on American soil. The development of concentration camps, work camps? Simple, call them temporary detention centers to hold “the worst of the worst” illegal immigrants awaiting deportation. What about large independent media (the free press)? Sue them for astronomical sums. Universities? Withdraw funding. Health and Science authority? Put loyalists in charge and cut programs. What about otherwise sensible and educated law makers, politicians, party members? Well, this is a disappointment to me: the willingness to sell one’s principles and independence in order to retain social standing, power, and wealth.
Trump’s narcissism is insatiable. He is easily manipulated by psychopaths. And he may still need an external war. One without a risk of nuclear retaliation.
But I will listen to my family. I will spend part of this afternoon painting, and then maybe go for a swim, and then cook a Spanish Omelette with green beans from the garden. And drink some Irish Whisky. Before watching CNN.
