Democracies Evolve, Autocracies Devolve
Conversation With The Union: Part 2
In 2022, a year before GOP leaders announced the Project 2025 Presidential Transition Project, which some describe as a plan to unravel our existing system of government, the non-partisan organization Protect Democracy published the Authoritarian Playbook to provide news outlets with expert in-depth analysis of what a second Trump administration might look like. To put it mildly, it looks horrific and distinctly un-American. It stands to reason that Project 2025 may have been, at least in part, the GOP’s attempt to counteract the Authoritarian Playbook’s dire warnings when, in fact, it turned out to be something of a gift, allowing us to read for the first time the contours of Trump’s fever dreams, including limitless presidential power and a wholesale rejection of checks and balances.
Q: Carlton, the Playbook report was updated six months ago, broadening our understanding of how modern strongmen create instability and consolidate power to subvert democracies. How do you think average Americans will be able to swallow the blowback from such a negative scenario?
A: Americans who love this country and understand civics will see the threat immediately: The complete destruction of our government. In place of the three branches created by the Founding Fathers, there would be one: An all-powerful Executive branch would absorb all key functions, a move destined to malfunction on a massive scale. With decision-making, budgeting, legislating, and the legal system in the hands of one failed businessman/convicted felon, the U.S. would no longer be a democracy. In short, a MAGA government spells dictatorship.
Q: From your national security perspective, how do you envision the future of America under a threatening Trump regime?
A: With an all-powerful executive branch controlling all resources, the outlook is grim. The many government programs we’ve always been able to rely upon will be unstable or no longer exist. Healthcare, Medicare, Social Security and other important programs would be on the chopping block. The felon already supports capital punishment and has no regard for NATO. To get a better feel for how life here could look, compare what it’s like to live in Cuba or Venezuela.
Lastly, how can we survive as a nation if we destroy all of our alliances and values along with them? No country can stand alone, let alone be leader of the free world, if freedoms at home are quashed.
We want to hear from you! Please share your thoughts based on your own community and life experiences.
Post submitted by Barbara Holzer, a volunteer with The Union
Previous Conversation:
Federal Rules Restrict Hiring Convicted Felons
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