One of my mentors years ago would often say, “Show up, pay attention, and participate.” We're living in a time when, to be active participants in what's happening in our world, we need to be online. This is one of the primary reasons I regularly follow the news on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. These platforms allow me to stay somewhat up to date with the issues that concern me, particularly the current election in the United States. The stakes are incredibly high, and the anxiety I feel is palpable. The thought of Trump winning fills me with dread. He’s not just a malignant narcissist and sociopath posing as a politician whose policies I vehemently disagree with; he’s a wannabe dictator who openly admires and seeks to emulate autocrats like Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orbán, and Kim Jong Un. These are leaders known for disregarding democratic principles, concentrating power in their hands, and brutally suppressing dissent—imprisoning, torturing, and killing their political enemies. It’s terrifying to think that someone like Trump could have another term to push America further down that path.

My concerns extend beyond just Trump as an individual. The Republican Party, as it currently stands, seems more interested in serving the interests of wealthy donors and corporate elites than in safeguarding democracy and the welfare of the American public. Their consistent efforts to undermine and potentially dismantle Social Security and Medicare while simultaneously offering massive tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations are alarming. These are programs that millions of Americans have paid into throughout their working lives, programs that provide a crucial safety net in old age. The fact that these are under threat shows a profound disregard for the well-being of ordinary Americans.

I am profoundly alarmed by the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a ruling that had safeguarded reproductive rights in the United States for nearly 50 years. This landmark decision was dismantled by the current far-right majority on the Court, including three justices appointed by Trump, all of whom have ties to the Federalist Society. The overturning of Roe has not only stripped millions of women of their constitutional right to make decisions about their own bodies but has also paved the way for states to impose draconian restrictions on abortion access. This attack on reproductive rights marks a significant regression in women’s rights, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, and is part of a broader agenda to roll back civil liberties and personal freedoms in favor of an extremist ideological vision. The Court's actions represent a direct assault on the autonomy and dignity of women, undermining decades of progress in gender equality and reproductive health.

In tandem with the assault on reproductive rights, the Supreme Court's overturning of the Chevron decision has further entrenched this far-right agenda, effectively eliminating the power of regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and enforce critical environmental protections. This decision also weakens the authority of agencies that regulate banks, financial transactions, food safety, and other areas vital to public welfare. By sharply curtailing the power of these agencies, the Court is favoring the interests of corporations at the expense of the citizenry, overturning a 40-year-old precedent that served to protect the public from corporate malfeasance. Together, these rulings signal a profound shift in the Court’s direction—one that prioritizes corporate power and ideological extremism over the rights and well-being of the American people.

Adding to this sense of unease is the disturbing amount of disinformation that so many people seem to buy into. Right-wing media outlets like Fox News, OANN, and Newsmax have become powerful vehicles for spreading outright lies and misleading narratives. It's deeply concerning how these outlets manipulate public opinion, leading many to vote against their own best interests. The spread of disinformation creates a dangerous environment where facts become obscured, and people are driven by fear and falsehoods rather than informed decision-making.

One of the most alarming aspects of Trump’s foreign policy rhetoric is his apparent desire to break the United States' alliance with NATO. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has been a cornerstone of international stability since World War II, ensuring that the geopolitical and economic bonds between the U.S. and Europe remain strong. NATO’s presence has acted as a deterrent against aggression, particularly from Russia, which has a long history of brutal conquest and subjugation. The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder of Russia’s imperial ambitions, where the legacy of the Soviet Union’s mass killings, genocide, and deportations continues to cast a long shadow. The idea that the U.S. could weaken or sever its ties with NATO under Trump’s leadership is deeply unsettling, as it could undermine decades of peace and stability in Europe—an outcome that would also profoundly impact those of us living here in the United States and people around the globe.

To gain a deeper understanding of these complex issues, I follow many academics, journalists, and political leaders. Their insights provide valuable context and analysis, helping me to navigate the often confusing and overwhelming flood of information. However, I am acutely aware that while social media is a useful tool for staying informed, it also comes with significant drawbacks. The constant exposure to news, opinions, and debates can leave me feeling scattered and unfocused. It’s a challenge to balance the need to stay informed with the need to protect my mental well-being, as the sheer volume of content can easily lead to information overload.

There are times when I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated and even angry with people who seem oblivious to the critical issues facing our society. It’s disheartening to see so many people engrossed in the trivialities of Instagram or sports, seemingly unaware of the very real and pressing issues that are shaping our world. This frustration extends to those who, through their ignorance or willful blindness, are manipulated into voting against their own interests and those of the broader American public. These “useful idiots,” as they are often called, play right into the hands of those who seek to undermine democracy and promote autocratic governance.

The Republican Party, as it stands today, appears to be veering dangerously close to autocracy. The embrace of authoritarian figures and the rejection of democratic norms are not just political strategies; they are existential threats to the very fabric of our society. This shift is not just a temporary political maneuver; it reflects a deeper, more troubling trend toward authoritarianism that could have lasting consequences for the United States and its role in the world.

In light of all this, the challenge becomes not just staying informed but doing so in a way that doesn’t overwhelm or paralyze me. It’s important to engage with these issues thoughtfully and critically, but it’s equally important to step back and maintain focus on what needs to be done in my own life and work. Finding that balance—between staying informed and not being consumed by the relentless flood of information and disinformation—is crucial. It’s about protecting my mental health while also remaining an engaged and active participant in the political process. The stakes are too high to do otherwise, yet the cost of staying constantly plugged in can be steep.

Thoughts On Staying Away From Politics 

I have often heard—and have been advised by people I've trained with in regard to marketing and building a brand or business online—that I should stay away from politics and avoid posting anything political in nature. But the stakes are way too high for me to do that. At the risk of losing some people, I feel it’s important to clearly state my convictions.

Although I tend to be progressive, I have friends across the political spectrum, many of whom consider themselves conservative. While we may disagree on some policy matters, we often find common ground on many issues during our conversations. However, I’ve noticed that many people on the far-right end of the spectrum often hold an overly simplistic worldview. They frequently fail to grasp nuance and seem to lack the capacity to do the deep-level work necessary to facilitate real healing. I feel this inclination to buy into false narratives is reflective of a certain level of dishonesty—or possibly ignorance or even a lack of critical thinking. I say this not lightly, but from experience, as I have family members who have bought into this kind of misinformation.

There’s also a tendency towards a tribal mentality among many in the far right—a resistance to introspection, an inability to critically examine oneself, or to face and address the issues within. This mentality not only prevents personal growth but also perpetuates harmful ideologies that can be deeply damaging to both individuals and society as a whole. Before going any further, I want to make it clear that I detest any form of ideological extremism, whether far-left, far-right, or religious. Had I lived in Europe decades ago, I would have held similar sentiments toward those embracing far-left ideologies.

Politics is, by some, seen as a dirty word—a subject to be avoided. And yet, politics is a huge aspect of how we relate to one another—our families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and everyone else who inhabits our nation. I refuse to ignore the elephant in the room or pretend it doesn’t exist. And it’s ironic that the symbol of the Republican Party happens to be the elephant. This chaos playing out in the political arena perfectly represents one of the most basic examples of the dysfunction playing out in our lives—individually, within our families, and across society.

We need to call out and address the dysfunction in order to heal it and relate in healthier ways. The fewer of us who are informed and taking an active role, the more likely it is that unscrupulous individuals will hold positions of power for the wrong reasons—for their own selfish ends and those of their wealthy benefactors, rather than serving the needs of the people.

What Happens When We're Spending Time Online

When you're spending time online, especially on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, several physiological processes occur in your brain that can lead to feelings of being scattered and unproductive. Here's an in-depth explanation of what's happening:

Dopamine and the Reward System

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a significant role in how you experience pleasure and reward. Social media platforms are designed to exploit this system. Each time you receive a like, comment, or share, or even when you see content that resonates with you, your brain releases a burst of dopamine. This release is a reward signal that reinforces the behavior, making you more likely to repeat it.

Cycle of Addiction

Because dopamine creates a feeling of pleasure, your brain starts to crave these rewards, leading you to seek more of the same behavior—like checking your phone repeatedly. This can create a cycle of addiction, where you're constantly looking for the next hit of dopamine. Over time, your brain becomes conditioned to this quick, easy reward, making it harder for you to focus on tasks that require sustained effort and don't provide immediate gratification.

Constant Stimulation

Social media platforms are filled with fast-paced, constantly changing content. This keeps your brain in a state of constant stimulation. The brain is not designed to handle this level of stimulation for prolonged periods. When you're bombarded with an endless stream of new information, your brain's resources become depleted. This overstimulation can lead to mental fatigue, making it harder for you to concentrate on other tasks.

Cognitive Overload

Cognitive overload occurs when the amount of information coming into your brain exceeds your processing capacity. On platforms like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, you're exposed to vast amounts of information in a short period. This constant influx can overwhelm your brain, making it difficult to process and retain information. As a result, your thoughts become scattered, and your ability to focus on a single task diminishes.

Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Functioning

The prefrontal cortex is the part of your brain responsible for executive functions, such as decision-making, attention, and impulse control. When you're engaged in social media, the rapid shifts in content and the need to make quick decisions about what to click on or how to respond can overwhelm the prefrontal cortex. This can reduce its effectiveness in managing distractions and maintaining focus.

Weakened Impulse Control

The prefrontal cortex also plays a crucial role in impulse control. When you're scrolling through social media, the constant need to check updates or see what's next can weaken your ability to resist distractions. This makes it harder to focus on more demanding tasks, leading to procrastination and a decrease in productivity.

Amygdala Activation

The amygdala is the part of your brain responsible for processing emotions, particularly those related to fear, pleasure, and survival instincts. Social media content, especially when it's emotionally charged, can overstimulate the amygdala. For example, seeing a post that triggers a strong emotional reaction, whether positive or negative, can lead to heightened emotional responses.

Emotional Dysregulation

Over time, the constant emotional stimulation from social media can lead to emotional dysregulation. This means that your emotional responses become more reactive and out of control. You might find yourself feeling anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed after spending time on social media. This emotional turmoil can make it difficult to concentrate on tasks, leading to feelings of being scattered.

Hippocampus and Memory Disruption

The hippocampus is crucial for forming and retrieving memories. The rapid consumption of social media content can disrupt the hippocampus's ability to consolidate information into long-term memory. This disruption makes it harder to remember important details and retain information, contributing to a sense of mental fog.

Fragmented Understanding

Because social media often presents information in bite-sized, disjointed pieces, your brain may struggle to create a coherent narrative or understanding of the content you're consuming. This fragmentation can make you feel scattered and unproductive, as your brain is constantly trying to piece together the incomplete information.

Striatum and Habit Formation

The striatum, particularly the ventral striatum, plays a significant role in forming habits. Social media platforms are designed to encourage habitual behavior through the continuous reinforcement of checking and scrolling. Over time, these habits become deeply ingrained, making it difficult to break the cycle.

Automatic Behavior

As these habits become more entrenched, they start to operate on autopilot. You may find yourself mindlessly reaching for your phone or opening social media apps without consciously deciding to do so. This automatic behavior can make it challenging to stay focused on productive tasks, leading to a scattered and distracted state of mind.

Cortisol and Stress Response

Cortisol is a stress hormone that your body releases in response to perceived threats or stressors. Social media, especially when filled with negative or anxiety-inducing content, can elevate cortisol levels. This stress response can lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and mental fatigue.

Chronic Stress

Chronic exposure to stress-inducing content on social media can have long-term effects on your mental health, including increased risk of anxiety and depression. The constant state of heightened stress can make it difficult to concentrate, leading to decreased productivity and a scattered mindset.

Sleep Disruption

The screens of your devices emit blue light, which can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Using social media late at night can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and get restful sleep.

Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive Function

Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making. If you're not getting enough sleep due to late-night social media use, you're likely to feel more scattered and less productive the next day.

The Need for Balance

The scattered, unproductive feeling you experience after spending time on social media is the result of a complex interplay of physiological processes in your brain. The dopamine-driven reward system, cognitive overload, disruption of the prefrontal cortex, emotional dysregulation, memory challenges, and stress response all contribute to this state.

To counteract these effects, it's essential to seek balance in your digital habits. This could include setting time limits on social media use, taking regular breaks to engage in offline activities such as going for walks, working out, spending time with friends, meeting and interacting with new people, or even taking in and caring for a shelter cat or dog. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as the forms of meditation I teach, can also be incredibly beneficial. Additionally, ensuring you get enough sleep is crucial. By understanding the physiological impact of social media on your brain, you can take proactive steps to protect your mental health and maintain your focus and productivity.

The following sections of this article delve into some of the critical issues facing those of us living in the United States—issues that I believe demand our attention and collective action.

Manufactured Outrage: The GOP and Rightwing Media's Strategy of Fear and Division

The Republican Party has increasingly relied on culture war issues to galvanize their base, often at the expense of addressing more pressing concerns. Figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have made “woke” a catch-all term for any progressive or inclusive policy, using it as a political cudgel to attack everything from diversity initiatives to LGBTQ+ rights. DeSantis’s rhetoric has turned “woke” into a boogeyman, blaming it for a host of societal problems without offering constructive solutions. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken a more tangible approach to these culture wars by sending busloads of migrants to cities like New York and Chicago. This stunt, framed as a protest against federal immigration policies, is a cynical exploitation of vulnerable people to score political points. These actions are not about solving real problems but rather about stoking fear and division. The focus on these manufactured controversies distracts from the substantive issues that demand attention, while deepening the polarization that continues to tear at the fabric of American society.

Fox News and other right-wing media outlets have played a significant role in amplifying and perpetuating these culture wars, acting as megaphones for the divisive rhetoric of Republican leaders like Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott. These media platforms often take the inflammatory language of politicians and broadcast it to a wide audience, framing it in ways that stoke fear, anger, and resentment among viewers. By consistently highlighting and exaggerating so-called “woke” policies or the challenges posed by immigration, Fox News and its counterparts create an environment where cultural and social issues are weaponized to incite outrage rather than informed debate.

Programs on these networks often present a distorted reality, where complex social issues are reduced to binary conflicts between “us” and “them.” This approach not only oversimplifies nuanced topics, but also fosters a climate of hostility and distrust. The constant drumbeat of fearmongering around topics like critical race theory, LGBTQ+ rights, or immigration fuels the perception that these issues are existential threats to the American way of life, thereby justifying extreme political actions. In doing so, right-wing media doesn't just report on the culture wars—they actively shape and escalate them, deepening the polarization that continues to fracture the nation.

This manufactured outrage serves to distract from real issues, allowing politicians to sidestep accountability for their failure to address economic inequality, healthcare, climate change, and other critical challenges. Instead of encouraging a well-informed electorate, these media outlets contribute to a feedback loop of fear and division, where the culture wars take center stage at the expense of meaningful governance.

The Fox News Settlement with Dominion: A Case Study in Media Accountability

The disinformation, polarization, and radicalization we're witnessing in right-wing media today can be traced back to President Ronald Reagan's dismantling of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987. This doctrine, which had required broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, helped maintain a level of balance and accountability in the media. Its removal opened the floodgates for partisan news outlets like Fox News and other right-wing media to push skewed narratives without presenting opposing perspectives, leading to the deepening of ideological divides and the radicalization of large segments of the population. The consequences of this shift are evident in the increasingly polarized and fractured state of American society today.

In the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Dominion Voting Systems, a company that provides voting machines and software, became the subject of numerous conspiracy theories promoted by Fox News, Newsmax, OANN and other rightwing media outlets and political figures. These conspiracy theories falsely claimed that Dominion's voting machines had been manipulated to alter the election results in favor of Joe Biden, thereby “stealing” the election from then-President Donald Trump.

Fox News aired numerous segments that amplified these baseless claims where hosts and guests asserted that Dominion's machines were involved in widespread voter fraud, despite a lack of credible evidence to support such allegations. Dominion Voting Systems filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News, seeking $1.6 billion in damages. The lawsuit accused Fox News of knowingly spreading false information about Dominion's role in the 2020 election. Dominion argued that Fox News aired these false claims to maintain its viewership, which was heavily supportive of Trump and dissatisfied with the election outcome. The lawsuit also argued that Fox News' dissemination of these false claims undermined public trust in the electoral process.

In April 2023, just as the trial was set to begin, Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems reached a settlement agreement. Fox News agreed to pay $787.5 million to Dominion, one of the largest defamation settlements in U.S. history. This settlement allowed Fox News to avoid a potentially lengthy and damaging trial, which could have exposed internal communications and further tarnished its reputation.

Corporate Media's Failure to Report on Trump’s Mental Decline and the Threat of Autocracy

Major corporate media outlets like The New York Times, CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS have largely failed to adequately scrutinize former President Donald Trump’s apparent signs of mental decline. Despite his frequent displays of rambling incoherence, confusion of names and locations, slurring of words, and other concerning behaviors, these issues have often been downplayed or ignored. This lack of critical coverage is particularly troubling, given the broader implications for American democracy and the potential rise of autocracy.

One factor behind this lack of scrutiny is that many of these media outlets are owned by wealthy Republican donors who may have vested interests in shielding Trump from criticism. Additionally, the corporate media, driven by the pursuit of clicks and higher viewership, has found Trump to be a ratings bonanza. The constant state of crisis, drama, and controversy he generates keeps audiences engaged, but it comes at the cost of thoughtful analysis on issues that truly matter for the wellbeing of individual citizens and the nation as a whole.

This relentless focus on sensationalism over substance contributes to the polarization and other damage being done to our nation. By not holding Trump accountable for his behavior, these media outlets risk enabling a leader with authoritarian tendencies. Trump’s admiration for autocrats like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orbán, coupled with his efforts to undermine democratic institutions—such as questioning the legitimacy of elections and attacking the free press—pose a significant threat to the democratic fabric of the United States. The media’s silence on these issues can be seen as complicity in the gradual erosion of democratic norms and the potential rise of autocracy.

The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025: A Threat to Individual Freedoms and Democracy

Project 2025, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation and deeply entwined with Donald Trump’s political agenda, represents a comprehensive and authoritarian vision for reshaping American society in ways that profoundly threaten individual freedoms, civil liberties, and democratic principles. Despite Trump's frequent denials of involvement, many key members from his former administration, as well as those likely to serve in a future Trump administration if he were re-elected, are central to this initiative. Supported by over 80 far-right organizations, Project 2025 outlines a roadmap to dismantle critical aspects of a thriving, inclusive democracy, aggressively pushing policies that undermine women's bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and environmental protections.

One of the most alarming aspects of Project 2025 is its aggressive stance against women's reproductive freedoms. By seeking to eliminate access to abortion and restrict contraception, the project prioritizes a hardline Christian nationalist agenda over women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies. This assault on bodily autonomy is further compounded by the project's efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ rights, particularly targeting transgender individuals, by erasing legal protections and promoting harmful, scientifically discredited views.

Project 2025 also poses a grave threat to environmental protections and efforts to combat climate change. By advocating for the dismantling of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the rollback of regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions, the project aligns itself with climate denialism and endangers the planet's future. This regressive stance on environmental issues ignores the scientific consensus on global warming and prioritizes corporate interests over the health and safety of citizens.

Furthermore, Project 2025 seeks to eliminate the Department of Education, undermining public education and pushing for policies that favor private, often religious, schools. This move threatens to deepen inequalities in the education system and limit access to quality education for marginalized communities.

Overall, Project 2025 represents an authoritarian blueprint designed to erode civil liberties, entrench far-right ideologies, and dismantle the checks and balances that are essential to a functioning democracy. If implemented, it would mark a significant step backward in the fight for social justice, environmental sustainability, and the protection of individual rights in the United States.

Heritage Foundation's president Kevin Roberts recently stated in an interview, “We are in the process of the second American Revolution which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.” Such rhetoric not only evokes the threat of violence but also frames the political struggle in apocalyptic terms, revealing the radical mindset driving some factions on the far right. This statement serves as a chilling reminder of the dangerous polarization and the lengths to which some are willing to go to reshape the country.

The Heritage Foundation and Its Links to Autocrats, and Authoritarian Movements

Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s Prime Minister, is widely criticized for eroding democratic institutions in Hungary, including undermining judicial independence, restricting press freedom, and stifling civil society. Despite these actions, the Heritage Foundation has shown a degree of alignment with Orbán’s policies, particularly his stance on nationalism, immigration, and social conservatism.

The Heritage Foundation and Orbán share common views on issues like national sovereignty, anti-immigration policies, and the promotion of traditional family values. These shared ideologies have led to a closer relationship, with the Heritage Foundation often praising Orbán's policies as a model for U.S. conservatives.

The Heritage Foundation has engaged with Hungarian officials and other allies of Orbán through conferences, public engagements, and collaborative projects. These interactions have been criticized for legitimizing Orbán’s authoritarian policies by providing a platform for his government’s views within U.S. conservative circles.

The Heritage Foundation’s connection to Orbán is part of a broader trend in which some U.S. conservatives have looked to Hungary as an example of how to implement more stringent controls over the judiciary, immigration, media, education, and society. The think tank's support for Orbán's policies can influence U.S. policy discussions, potentially leading to a more authoritarian approach to governance in the U.S.

Heritage Foundation and Vladimir Putin

The Heritage Foundation's links to Putin are more subtle but nonetheless significant, primarily through shared goals and the indirect promotion of policies that align with Russian interests. Both the Heritage Foundation and Putin's regime promote traditional, socially conservative values, including opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and the promotion of Christianity as a central cultural force. These shared values have occasionally aligned the rhetoric and policy suggestions coming out of the Heritage Foundation with those propagated by Putin’s government.

While not directly aligned with Putin, the Heritage Foundation's advocacy for policies that weaken multilateral institutions, like the European Union and NATO, indirectly support Russian objectives. Putin has long sought to destabilize and weaken these institutions to expand Russia's influence in Europe, and any weakening of these alliances can serve Russian interests.

The Heritage Foundation has been criticized for its connections to right-wing populist movements in Europe, some of which are overtly sympathetic to Putin's worldview. These connections raise concerns about the extent to which Russian influence could be seeping into U.S. conservative circles, particularly through the promotion of nationalist and isolationist policies that serve Russian geopolitical aims.

The Heritage Foundation, once a cornerstone of conservative thought in the United States, has increasingly aligned itself with Kremlin viewpoints, particularly in its opposition to U.S. aid to Ukraine. Through both articles and videos, the Foundation has echoed Russian talking points, framing U.S. support for Ukraine as unnecessary or even harmful. This shift not only undermines bipartisan efforts to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression, but also reflects a broader alignment with autocratic narratives that challenge Western democratic values. By doing so, the Heritage Foundation is straying from its traditional role of advocating for American interests and is instead contributing to the erosion of support for a key U.S. ally.

The Heritage Foundation’s connections to Viktor Orbán and, indirectly, to Vladimir Putin, are emblematic of a broader trend within some conservative circles in the U.S. to embrace more authoritarian approaches to governance. While these relationships are often framed in terms of shared values or strategic alliances, they also raise significant concerns about the influence of foreign authoritarianism on U.S. policy and the potential erosion of democratic norms. These connections suggest a troubling alignment with leaders who have undermined democratic institutions and human rights, posing a risk to the integrity of U.S. democratic values.

Weaponized Conspiracy Theories and Other Deception

Republicans have often resorted to exploiting conspiracy theories rather than engaging in competent governance. This pattern is evident in their relentless pursuit of baseless accusations and smear campaigns. Take, for instance, the Benghazi investigation—a drawn-out process that Republicans later admitted was largely designed to damage Hillary Clinton's presidential prospects. This approach has continued with the likes of James Comey and Jim Jordan, who have turned their subcommittees into political circuses, attempting to implicate President Joe Biden in wrongdoing without any credible evidence. These efforts are not about uncovering truth or ensuring accountability; they are about smearing opponents and sowing doubt.

The irony of the Republicans' actions is stark. One of their star witnesses, Alexander Smirnov, has been revealed to have ‘extensive' contacts with Russian intelligence and has been charged with making false bribery claims about the Bidens. This only underscores the reckless nature of their tactics. Yet, despite the glaring lack of legitimacy, these fabrications are embraced by many Americans who are all too willing to buy into the bullshit. It's a sad reflection of the state of our political discourse when sensationalism and outright lies are given more weight than facts and responsible governance.

A Culture of Falsehoods: Trump, Mussolini, and the Soviet Playbook

Donald Trump holds the dubious distinction of having one of the most documented records of false or misleading statements—lies—of any political leader in modern history. During his presidency, Trump made over 30,000 false claims, according to The Washington Post, which kept a detailed tally throughout his four years in office. This unprecedented number highlights a communication strategy that relied heavily on misinformation and deception, setting a troubling precedent for truth in American political discourse. The sheer volume of these falsehoods underscores the challenges of maintaining factual integrity in an era where sensationalism often takes precedence over factual information.

Donald Trump's unprecedented record of falsehoods draws troubling parallels to the tactics employed by historical autocrats like Benito Mussolini and the pervasive lies that characterized the Soviet Union. Mussolini, like Trump, used deception as a tool to manipulate public perception and consolidate power, creating a narrative that suited his authoritarian ambitions. Mussolini's regime was built on propaganda that distorted reality, presenting an image of strength and unity while masking the regime's failures and brutalities.

Similarly, the Soviet Union under leaders like Joseph Stalin was infamous for its systematic use of lies to control the populace. The Soviet government manipulated information, rewriting history, erasing individuals from records, and promoting false narratives to maintain its grip on power. The truth was not just bent but entirely fabricated to align with the state’s agenda, creating a society where reality was whatever the state declared it to be.

The parallels between Trump and the autocrats he admires, such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, underscore a chilling reality: when leaders place themselves above the truth and use propaganda to manipulate public perception, they pave the way for authoritarianism and its devastating consequences. During the Great Terror under Joseph Stalin, between 700,000 and 1.2 million people were executed in a horrific campaign to eliminate perceived enemies of the state. This period, characterized by mass arrests, show trials, and executions, demonstrated how a regime could use fear, lies, and state-controlled narratives to justify the most extreme measures. Millions more were condemned to labor camps, where they faced inhumane conditions, starvation, and death.

Trump's prolific lying echoes these tactics, employing falsehoods to construct an alternate reality where inconvenient truths are dismissed as “fake news.” His lies, like those of Mussolini and the Soviet regime, were not just about misinformation but about shaping a narrative that reinforced his authority, sowing division, and eroding trust in democratic institutions. The comparison underscores a dangerous pattern: when leaders abandon truth, they pave the way for authoritarianism, undermining the very foundations of democracy.

The Dangerous Consequences of Radicalization

Trump's politics are deeply rooted in white grievance, exploiting fears around critical race theory and the perceived threat posed by America's increasing ethnic diversity. The notion that whites are losing their historical dominance fuels this resentment. One of the most unfortunate consequences of Trump's stolen election lies is the increased polarization in the country, empowering armed militias like the Three Percenters, Proud Boys, and other neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. These groups are increasingly emboldened, with ongoing discussions about a civil war.

Armed militias like American Patriots Three Percent (AP3) have become increasingly active since the events of January 6, 2021, often operating in secrecy and preparing for what they perceive as an inevitable conflict. These groups, which include a diverse membership from former and active-duty soldiers to small-business owners, are united by a vague yet militant right-wing ideology centered on grievances and a commitment to armed action. They view the upcoming presidential election as a critical juncture, with some members expressing a readiness to use violence if they believe the election is “stolen” again.

The internal communications of AP3, as revealed by a ProPublica investigation, show a group grappling with its identity and purpose in the post-January 6 landscape. Some members are pushing for more extreme actions, including violent confrontations, while others are trying to maintain a veneer of legitimacy by forging alliances with law enforcement. The group’s activities, from vigilante border patrols to infiltrating Black Lives Matter protests, illustrate the increasing normalization of paramilitary operations in the United States.

As the 2024 election approaches, the rhetoric within these groups is growing more intense, with discussions about political assassinations and the potential need to “decide the election at the ammo box.” This represents a dangerous escalation from mere bluster to real threats of violence, with the potential to destabilize the nation further. The legacy of Trump's lies and the rise of these militias underscore a broader trend toward authoritarianism, with potentially devastating consequences for American democracy.

The radicalization happening within these far-right militia groups in the United States bears disturbing similarities to the extremist movements we've seen in the Muslim world, such as Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. However, in this case, it's a predominantly white, disaffected group of individuals who have been radicalized, often brandishing AR-15s and waving Trump flags. This resemblance has even led some to refer to these groups as “Vanilla ISIS,” highlighting the irony and danger of domestic extremism, mirroring the very threats these individuals often claim to oppose.

Systemic Disenfranchisement: The GOP's Voter Suppression Playbook

The Republican Party has long engaged in voter suppression tactics, aiming to discourage and disenfranchise groups less likely to support them, particularly people of color and young voters. These efforts are rooted in the party's inability to consistently win in free and fair elections, where every vote counts equally. Voter suppression strategies include purging voter rolls, implementing stringent voter ID laws, and reducing the number of polling places in urban areas. These measures disproportionately affect communities of color and college students, who are more likely to vote for Democratic candidates.

In contrast, voters in predominantly white, wealthy suburbs and rural areas often encounter few barriers to casting their ballots. They can walk into their local polling stations and vote with relative ease, a privilege not afforded to many people of color. In places like Atlanta, Black voters often face hours-long waits to vote, a problem exacerbated by laws that make it illegal to provide water to those standing in line, a blatant attempt to deter participation.

Furthermore, the GOP's reliance on the archaic Electoral College system underscores their strategy of maintaining power through undemocratic means. Consider the disparity: Wyoming, with a population of 581,381, has two Senate representatives, while Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, with a population exceeding 5.5 million, has no voting representation in Congress at all. This glaring example of “taxation without representation” is a cornerstone of Republican efforts to manipulate the system in their favor. The residents of D.C., who tend to be more educated and politically aware, are systematically disenfranchised, while states with smaller, less informed populations wield disproportionate influence.

These tactics reflect a broader corruption within the Republican Party, which has increasingly relied on voter suppression and manipulation rather than appealing to a broad electorate. The suppression of votes and the perpetuation of an undemocratic system are clear indications of a party more concerned with holding onto power than with upholding the principles of democracy.

The Need for Accountability

The Democratic Party is not without its own dysfunction, but I do believe it is generally more aligned with serving the needs of the populace. A clear example of this difference is seen in how the parties handle corruption within their ranks. For instance, the Democratic Party moved swiftly to pressure Senator Bob Menendez to resign after his indictment for taking bribes in cash and gold from Egypt, signaling a willingness to hold its members accountable. In contrast, the Republican-controlled House took an extraordinarily long time to expel Representative George Santos, despite his numerous criminal offenses and blatant dishonesty.

I feel strongly that those who seek elected office need to do so with the intention of doing everything within their capacity to serve the best interests of their constituents. Apparently, not everyone shares this view. It’s disheartening to see fucking morons—fuckup incompetents, or whatever else you want to call them—like State Representatives Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Senators Ron Johnson, Tommy Tuberville, Moscow’s favorite Senator Rand Paul and, of course, Trump. Yet, this is a reflection of the segment of the American populace that votes these idiots into office. I remain open to hearing from readers who can point out legitimate examples of malfeasance among elected Democrats, as accountability is crucial in our political process.

What Difference Can I Possibly Make?

Sri Lanka is a second home for me. I spent a lot of time in the island nation during its nearly 30-year war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers. In the final months of the war, the Sri Lankan government pressured journalists and the United Nations to vacate the war zone. Knowing what was about to happen, I had an incredibly sick feeling.

As the war drew to a close, the LTTE and the remaining Tamil population were forced into an ever-shrinking area. The Sri Lankan government fired indiscriminately, killing thousands of civilians. The LTTE told the Red Cross not to give the Sri Lankan military the coordinates of the field hospital, knowing it would be deliberately targeted.

I was back in the United States during the final months of the war, but I followed the events in the killing fields on Twitter, joining the Tamil diaspora in flooding the internet with any photos, video footage, and written accounts of the atrocities being committed. We were desperately trying to get the attention of governments around the world—United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, the United Nations, or anyone who might intervene. The Tamil diaspora also staged protests in London and other cities.

Tens of thousands of Tamil combatants and civilians were killed during those final months—many executed or killed in the constant shelling. Thousands more were disappeared by the Sri Lankan military; their whereabouts are still unknown and are assumed to be dead. Younger Tamil women were, in many instances, raped by the Sri Lankan military before being killed.

I’ve had many conversations with my friends in the north—most have loved ones who are among the disappeared, were executed, or were killed in the relentless bombardment. Although no one has been held accountable, our collective efforts did make a difference by putting considerable pressure on the Sri Lankan government and its military. The killing, torture, disappearances, and other gross human rights violations, with the exception of a few incidents, stopped.

I know many people are hesitant to get involved, thinking, “What difference can I possibly make?” I’m sharing this account because I believe that we all need to do our part, and it's only by doing so that we can make a difference.

Showing Up and Taking an Active Role in the Political Process

Americans have a bad habit of taking democracy for granted, assuming it will always be there. Too many people, feeling bored, disinterested, or overwhelmed by the political process, tend to tune out—but that’s an abdication of personal responsibility. It’s when we fail to pay attention and hold the media and our elected officials accountable that things go to shit.

I encourage you, to the best of your ability, to show up, pay attention, and participate. Start by educating yourself on the issues and keep informed about what’s going on politically and how it impacts your life, the lives of those you care about, and the nation as a whole. Take an active role in our political process—talk to friends and loved ones, encourage them to make more informed decisions, get out and vote, get involved in political campaigns, donate to the candidates you support, and call your elected officials. Even if things aren’t going entirely your way, at least you know you’re making the effort. And as I mentioned earlier in this article, strive to find balance—get out there and live your life.

A Nation at Stake: Choosing Between Freedom and Tyranny

If this were 2008, when John McCain was running for president, or 2012 with Mitt Romney, although I disagreed with both on many policies and agreed with them on others, I would have encouraged you to make your own decision and vote your conscience. Both were, and are, decent men of integrity who respected our democratic institutions.

However, the fact that Donald Trump is running again after instigating a violent insurrection on January 6th, 2021, in an attempt to undermine our democracy, storing classified documents with our national secrets, showing an affinity for autocratic leaders like Putin, damaging our alliances with key allies, and seeking to break our alliance with NATO—all while being a compulsive liar, a serial sexual predator, and a man with a long history of bankruptcies and fraud—compels me to speak out. He has turned the Republican Party into a cult controlled by his MAGA base, threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

In addition to his other alarming actions, Trump has shown blatant disrespect for our veterans, referring to them as “suckers” and “losers,” according to his former chief of staff, General John Kelly. Such remarks further underscore the lack of integrity and respect that Trump has for those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Whether or not you agree with her, retired federal Judge J. Michael Luttig, a conservative jurist appointed by President George H. W. Bush, has become one of the most prominent conservative voices vocally opposing Trump. In an extraordinary move, Luttig endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris’s bid for president, stating that she is the only major candidate who can claim the mantle of defender and protector of America’s democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law.

He further emphasized, “In voting for Vice President Harris, I assume that her public policy views are vastly different from my own, but I am indifferent in this election as to her policy views on any issues other than America’s democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law, as I believe all Americans should be.”

In a striking rebuke, 40 out of 44 of Trump's former cabinet members have stated they will not vote for him in the upcoming election. This overwhelming rejection from those who once worked closely with him further illustrates the profound concerns about his leadership and the direction in which he has taken the Republican Party.

Numerous other prominent conservatives have also placed country over party, recognizing the grave threat to our democracy. Former Illinois State Representative Adam Kinzinger, Former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Geoff Duncan, and Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles—all staunch conservatives—have spoken at the Democratic National Convention and have endorsed Kamala Harris for president. Their decisions highlight the importance of safeguarding our democratic institutions above partisan loyalties.

As we approach the next election, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s not just about policy differences; it’s about the survival of our democratic institutions. I encourage you to vote not just with your conscience, but with the understanding of what’s truly at risk.

Kamala Harris has a distinguished record of public service and a proven track record of leadership, making her an excellent candidate for the presidency. As Vice President, she has played a pivotal role in key areas such as tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing racial equity, and addressing the climate crisis. Her leadership on the American Rescue Pl  an helped deliver critical relief to millions of Americans, while her work on infrastructure has focused on modernizing the nation's roads, bridges, and broadband access, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

Before serving as Vice President, Harris made history as the first woman and first Black and South Asian woman to serve as Attorney General of California, where she was known for her tough stance on consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and combating human trafficking. Her dedication to civil rights and equality is evident in her advocacy for Dreamers, her efforts to protect voting rights, and her work to address gender-based violence.

Kamala Harris’s ability to navigate complex issues with compassion, her commitment to justice, and her relentless focus on the well-being of all Americans position her as a leader who can guide the nation through the challenges ahead. Her deep understanding of the law, combined with her experience in both the executive and legislative branches, equips her with the tools necessary to be an effective and visionary President.

Sources and Recommended Reading

• This is only a brief rundown of the primary issues I'm following. To gain a deeper understanding of the political issues at play, I recommend exploring the work of these respected academics, historians and mental health professionals. Below are links to their Facebook and other social media pages:
• Anne Applebaum
• Facebook:
• Twitter
• Books:
  • Gulag: A History (2003)
  • Iron Curtain: The Crushing of Eastern Europe, 1944-1956 (2012)
  • Red Famine: Stalin’s War on Ukraine (2017)
  • Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism (2020)
• Ruth Ben-Ghiat
• Twitter (X)
• Website
• Books:
  • Fascist Modernities: Italy, 1922-1945 (2001)
  • Italian Fascism's Empire Cinema (2015)
  • Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present (2020)
• Timothy Snyder
• Twitter (X)
• Website
• Books:
  • Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin (2010)
  • Black Earth: The Holocaust as History and Warning (2015)
  • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (2017)
  • The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America (2018)
  • Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary (2020)
• Bandy X Lee
• Twitter (X)
• Website
• Books:
  • The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President (2017)
  • Profile of a Nation: Trump’s Mind, America’s Soul (2020)
• Jennifer Mercieca
• Twitter (X)
• Website
• Books:
  • Founding Fictions (2010)
  • Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump (2020)
• Steven Hassan
• Twitter (X)
• Website
• Books:
  • Combating Cult Mind Control (1988, revised 2015)
  • Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000)
  • Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs (2012)
  • The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control (2019)
• Aaron Rupar
• Twitter (X)
• Website
• Books: (Rupar is primarily known for his journalism rather than books, but his work is widely read and shared through platforms like Twitter and Substack.)

For fact-based news and analysis, consider following these sources:

• 1. The Meidas Touch Network:
  • A pro-democracy platform that counters far-right disinformation from outlets like Fox News and Newsmax, as well as challenges the narratives often pushed by corporate media like ABC, CBS, and The New York Times.
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
• 2. ProPublica:
  • An independent, nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.
  • Website
• 3. Democracy Now!:
  • An independent, global news hour hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González, Democracy Now! covers stories often ignored by mainstream media, with a focus on social justice, human rights, and progressive perspectives.
  • Website
• 4. Mother Jones:
  • A nonprofit news organization that specializes in investigative journalism and covers a wide range of political and social issues with a progressive lens.
  • Website
• 5. The Guardian (US Edition):
  • While not solely a U.S. outlet, The Guardian’s U.S. edition is known for its in-depth reporting on American politics, environmental issues, and social justice from a more progressive standpoint.
  • Website
• 6. The Nation:
  • The oldest continuously published weekly magazine in the United States, The Nation offers progressive political and cultural analysis, with a strong emphasis on social justice and human rights.
  • Website
• 7. Common Dreams:
  • An independent news outlet that offers progressive news and analysis on a wide range of issues, focusing on social justice, the environment, and peace.
  • Website

©Copyright 2024 Ben Oofana. All Rights Reserved.

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