American fascism starts in places like Montana

[Mysterian]

Popular movements usually have a basis in real concerns and grievances among segments of the population. MAGA is no different and Montana Republicans have made it clear they are part of this movement. But such movements are susceptible to takeover by demagogues and authoritarians. Now, many authorities characterize today’s Republican Party as essentially an anti-democratic, extremist movement operating like a personality cult to a corrupt demagogue.

Some, including former senior Republicans, refer instead to Trump and MAGA as an “autocratic movement.” Others use “totalitarian,” “neo-fascist,” or “illiberal,” the term often used to describe Victor Orban’s Hungarian dictatorship. The Economist refers to this type of movement worldwide as “national conservatism.” But all agree that what these movements have in common is that they are anti-democratic.

Welcome to American fascism, by whatever term you prefer. Montana Republicans are a part of this movement. They exhibit this by unequivocally supporting its leader and refusing to speak out against his lies and incessant attacks on American democracy. It is sad.

The term “fascism” includes the central idea of “the other,” found throughout totalitarian movements. These are people who are deemed “different” or otherwise disloyal to the movement. Examples have included Christians and various “enemies of the people” in early Soviet Russia, and Jews, Roma, and Slavs under the Nazis and Italian Fascists.

Donald Trump’s movement has many “others”: Immigrants – especially brown and black people and Muslims – LGBTQ individuals, liberals, women’s rights supporters, Democrats, librarians, history teachers, government employees, supporters of fair elections, judges, election workers and so on.

It is a long list.

Trump and his allies promise “revenge and retribution” against these people, typical of fascism, and locking them up or deporting them.

Republicans have also worked diligently to seize control of the court system, another anti-democratic practice. The Republican far-right Supreme Court’s recent presidential immunity decision, perhaps better referred to as the “Banana Republic Decision,” largely allows a president to do whatever lawless things he/she wishes as long as they can claim it is in an official capacity. This is the way banana republic dictators operate to stay in power, take unconstitutional or criminal actions, and persecute opponents.

The “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” referred to as “Project 2025,” explains what a fascist administration would look like. It is a presidential transition plan developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation, essentially describing fascism American-style. It should frighten any decent, democracy-loving American.

All the features of American fascism are in place.

1. An autocrat of low character (liar, felon, corrupt businessman, seditionist, bigot, would-be dictator).
2. An extremist, cult-like political movement with no proven capacity or inclination to govern responsibility.
3. A politicized supreme court with little respect for the U.S. Constitution or legal precedent.
4. A large media presence that promotes lies, hate and misinformation.
5. A heavily gerrymandered electorate in Republican states that, combined with voter suppression, could make an electoral college difference in a close election.
6. A fascist plan of action supported by extremists likely to staff a Trump administration.
This is fascism on our doorstep. The 2024 election is not about whose policy issues – dealing with women’s rights, economic development, or national security – are better, important as these are. It is whether, as a nation, we will continue to be a Constitutional democracy committed to the rule of law and the grand principles upon which we were founded.

Voters need to reflect seriously whether they value our democracy, imperfect as it is, as they prepare to cast their ballots this November. If we end up with a fascist, or strongman-authoritarian, government, Americans will find that their “kitchen table issues” pale by comparison.

Ask the Hungarians, the Turks, and the Russians.

Author: David Darby
Daily Montanan https://dailymontanan.com

Link to article: https://dailymontanan.com/2024/07/17/american-fascism-starts-in-places-like-montana/

[LookingGlassOnion]

1. I remember the first time I went to Montana. *TRIGGER WARNING: RACISM*

I was traveling around the west (where I come from) in a camper van with my cats. This was a bit before "van life" became a hash tag and the destructive behaviors (to the small communities) of those exploitive "influencers".

The van had broken down up on the Madison River. I got it towed to Bozeman and it was getting worked on at a place near the Walmart. I got a room for myself and the cats across the street from that Walmart.

It was going to take several days to fix the van so I wandered around town. Enjoyed shopping at the co-op grocery store. Loved the vegan bibimbap at the Korean Whistle Pig.

I ended up going out one night to a couple bars downtown. One was in a half basement on a corner of a block. I had a good time. Met some nice people had some interesting conversations. At last call I got invited to a warehouse after party. I walked over there, off Peach Street.

It was a good time. Met some more nice people. When it was getting quite early I was wrapping a conversation with a hippie. As you may know this is a situation that can be difficult to find a breaking off point.

Then two young men walked up to me. Probably in their mid-20s. I was in my very early 30s.

They said, "F()ck n*ggers."

I was taken aback. I said, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

They said, "We hate n*ggers."

I told them I was sorry for them that they felt that way. Then I left.

I am white. I have no idea why they came up to me and said that. But, I've never had any interest of returning to Montana in general or Bozeman in particular.

I've spent a lot of time in small rural towns and secluded parts of the western USA. I've never experienced such scummy people than I did that night.

[slightlv]

2. Maga took my (probably irrational at this point) dream of

traveling through the states and tore it to shreds. Now, there are some states I'd really like to visit (like Western Oregon and WA), and other states I'll never travel to... like Florida. I'm old, I'm small (short in stature and blow away in a strong wind), and I'm the epitome of the crazy cat lady, I guess. IOW, I don't feel I'd be welcomed in at least 2/3 of the states that make up American these days.