Refugees from Reason and Our Republic
Fear and hope and hard political reality as the new Trump era begins.
I worry that refugees from reason could cancel the republic. Trump promised he won’t be a dictator “other than Day One.” On the first day of his inauguration, he signed a record 26 executive orders, like ending DEI efforts (white male rule); declaring a national emergency at the Mexico border (nations), exiting from the World Health Organization and Paris Climate accords (anti-science), and revoking “birthright citizenship” (unconstitutional).
Trump is enacting “Project 2025,” the federalist Heritage Foundation’s 887-page plan for a “unitary executive” (autocracy). He’s said he seeks "a unified Reich" (a one-party state) with “election integrity” laws (rigged voting). “You won’t have to vote anymore,” he’s declared. “It’ll be fixed.”
Trump was stymied before by (ethical) officials in his administration. Now only lackeys get jobs. He’s firing “rogue bureaucrats who are deliberately undermining democracy” (purging its defenders from government). He vows reprisals. “I am your retribution,” he’s told fans, warning his foes, “If you go after me, I'm coming after you.” His “weaponized” Justice Department will prosecute enemies, I expect. Democrats and the press, he’s offten proclaimed, are the “enemy within” and “enemy of the people” (tyrant talk).
He’s starting (militarized) “mass deportations” of undocumented (non-white) immigrants (1920s Palmer Raids on steroids). He wants “cheap land” near cities to build “detention camps” for “radical left thugs” or other “vermin” (Hitler’s term). The homeless will go to “tent cities.” If we protest, he promises to “restore order” under the 1807 Insurrection Act (martial law).
Globally, given his “America First” (isolationist) stance, he’s imposing (protectionist) tariffs that hike inflation, incite trade wars. He’s warned NATO he might tell Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” in Europe. In Israel, I bet he backs Netanyahu (recently indicted for war crimes).
Most perilous for the planet, Trump is reversing “climate hoax” policies, telling big oil to "Drill, baby, drill!” I hear a dismal American tune.
I draw hope from political realities. Trump faces hurdles that can hinder or halt him from becoming the king he evidently wants to be.
In Congress, dysfunction may check Trump. Republicans won the U.S. House and Senate by a thin edge. They’ll often need Democrats to pass bills. Will compromise dilute Trump’s plans, or will deadlock stop him cold?
As Trump bypasses Congress with his executive orders, expect lawsuits. Will courts uphold him? I hope conscience overrules obeisance.
I feel stronger hope that Trumpian tyrannies stir pushback and peaceful (playful) mass demonstrations. I trust global sense in action.
If Trump runs again in 2028, if he can be defeated, will he get indicted for “unofficial” crimes? If he’s jailed, will his faithful react in rebel rage? Or, will they find a new messiah? Will that end Mr. Toad’s wild ride?
Thomas Paine said, “Those who abuse liberty when they possess it, would abuse power could they obtain it.” A century ago, Hitler went to jail in 1923 for a failed putsch (coup). Elected Nazis ruled Germany by 1933 and Europe by 1940. Today in the USA, Trump eluded jail for a failed coup and got reelected. He covets the Panama Canal, Canada and Greenland. Given America’s “Arsenal of Democracy,” will brainy Trump try to take over the world?
That's really up to us, isn’t it?
Excerpted from my book, Making Global Sense: Grounded hope for democracy and the earth, inspired by Thomas Paine’s Common Sense
Judah Freed is a seasoned journalist and award-warning author.