Since Donald Trump’s rise on the political scene, some have described his ‘philosophy’ as fascist. The basics for fascism began years ago, the only thing which was lacking was a powerful leader.

After the cowardly attacks on 9/11, our government began the use of fascist methods to control the populace. Extremists began to seek control of our social lives through continued fear tactics. Lobbyists influenced our lawmakers and have experienced record profits while the poverty level grows. Since 9/11 a nearly radical form of patriotism has replaced logic and rational thought. Racism has increased, and those who favor the right wing are not allowed to disagree with their leaders.

The exact definition of fascism: “A political system based on a very powerful leader, state control of social and economic life, and extreme pride in country and race, with no expression of political disagreement allowed.”

Our government has virtually repealed the fourth amendment which forbids ‘unlawful search and seizure.’ Efforts are underway to revoke sections of the first and 14^th amendments. Religious freedom is under fire from conservatives. These same groups wish to remove ‘equal protection under the law’ for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference.

Using fear to cause continual crises has forced the American people to seek a powerful leader, or at least one who professes to be their ‘savior.’ ISIS and other terrorist groups are not a problem for the American people, but politicians want you to believe that they are. This is why we have a government and agencies who are responsible for protecting our nation’s people. Real dangers exist for the American people; fair wages to reduce income inequality; protecting and improving our healthcare system; making it easier for young minds to further their education; ensuring that women will have equal rights in every situation including wages and personal health; our nation must become united once again, and eliminate racism and bigotry forever; campaign finance reform must be addressed; and a solution for nearly 12 million undocumented residents must be found.

Fascism continually questions the patriotism of citizens. It creates dependence on government through fear, making the nation’s people believe that they are helpless without a superior military. Fascists tell their supporters how to think and what to believe. (Sound familiar?)

When our founding fathers instituted a Democratic Republic as the form of the new nation’s government, they knew it was imperfect. They wisely created a ‘check and balance’ system to protect the rights of all individuals. There were ‘bumps’ along the way, but it worked for over 200 years. Our elected officials served the people as they worked ‘across the aisle’ to find the best possible solutions to our nation’s problems. Sadly, today those we place in office expect us to serve them. Our nation has become an oligarchy; rule by a few. If the wage gap continues to grow, America will become a plutocracy; rule by the wealthy for the benefit of the wealthy.

Far too many Americans are brainwashed. A lack of information is the result of an effort to seek the facts. Listening to radicals on FOX Noise, which is nothing more than a right wing propaganda machine, will create beliefs based on lies and misdirection. Listening to Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sarah Palin, or Dick Cheney will instill hatred and complete distrust for others with opposing ideas and beliefs; this is not the American way.

Americans deliberate to find common ground and therefore the best available solutions.

I beseech my fellow Americans; take your country back by voting wisely. Reject party affiliation. Most importantly, heed the advice of my grandfather; ‘don’t believe everything you hear.’

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Nigel Hanlon

Read ‘James Turnage’ on the free Amazon Kindle App