A Stricken and Decadent Civilization. Kelson Maynard (edited version)

 

A civilization that proves incapable of solving the problems it creates is a decadent civilization.

A civilization that chooses to close its eyes to its most crucial problems is a stricken civilization.

A civilization that uses its principles for trickery and deceit is a dying civilization

Aime Cesaire

Inequality, partisan polarization, and people’s public skepticism about the functioning of the fundamental institutions of society are major factors in the social decay and loss of faith in democracy.  To rescue a society so stricken, without seriously questioning and examining the  economic and political system that is the source of the problem, some elected leaders seek to gradually or sometimes abruptly dismantle the system, to aggrandize their executive powers to correct the social malaise.

These leaders begin to harass the press into not critiquing the government. They seek to reduce the independence of the judiciary.  They defy legislative oversight from other branches of government.  They capitalize on the fear and rage of the people negatively impacted by inequality, partisan polarization, and loss of faith in institutions.  Some of these negatively affected people become more receptive to the strong leader rhetoric and behavior that will restore a mythical past.  The result is a stripping away of their rights and freedom.

The ascendency of fascist authoritarianism defines the current global ecosphere.  A significant segment of the global population (approximately 70%) is governed by autocratic regimes.  These autocrats share several traits and use similar tactics to achieve their purpose.  They capitalize on partisan polarization, resentments, and uncertainty to build their authoritarian movement.

Since January 20th, 2025, the Trump administration has sought to crush the collective rights, institutions and freedoms of the people of the United States of America.  They have constructed a binary narrative of us vs them. The administration has and continues to replace facts with propaganda that ahistorizes the nation’s history, cast ethnic, religious, racial groups, social minorities, immigrants and migrants as fundamental existential threats to the country prosperity in the present and for the future.  They have made efforts to intimidate the media and individuals who dissent from their policies.  To ensure that they cannot be held accountable, they manipulate the constitution and the judiciary.  Not satisfied with these efforts, the Trump administration seeks to impose a white patriarchal Christian nationalist agenda on society.

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