Category: Politics

On December 22, 2024

A Blueprint for Better Government or a Road Map to Authoritarian Rule?

Introduction

During the recently concluded presidential campaign, we heard much about the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. It was generally discussed as a plan for a conservative restructuring of the government. Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he knows nothing about the plan or its contents. Given his general lack of interest in policy details during his previous administration, I believe him.

I didn’t know much about it either. In what I now recognize as magical thinking on my part, I assumed there was no way the American people would return him to office, so I didn’t bother learning about it.

The day after the election, I went online to find a copy of the Project 2025 report. I started with the Heritage Foundation’s website, where they described different elements of the plan, but there was no way to order a copy. I checked other online sources, including Amazon, but still could not find the full report. I did discover that it is nearly 900 pages long, so even if I had obtained a copy, I doubt I would have read more than a small portion of it. Ultimately, I decided to purchase two summaries of the project, both claiming to be bipartisan. I believe they are generally balanced, as they present both positive and negative aspects of the program.

What is Project 2025?

The Heritage Foundation describes Project 2025 as a comprehensive initiative aimed at preparing for a conservative presidential administration beginning in January 2025. It is notable that the plan does not explicitly reference a Trump administration, but rather a generic “conservative” one. My interpretation is that this allows the Heritage Foundation to appear supportive of conservatism without explicitly endorsing Donald Trump, protecting their nonprofit status.

The project is structured around four key pillars:

Policy Agenda: Developing a detailed conservative policy guide, titled Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, which outlines strategies for governing major federal agencies.
Personnel Recruitment: Establishing a database to identify and recommend qualified individuals for presidential appointments, ensuring alignment with conservative principles.
Training: Launching the Presidential Administration Academy, an online educational platform designed to equip prospective appointees with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective governance.
180-Day Playbook: Crafting a strategic plan to guide the initial actions of the administration during its first 180 days, focusing on implementing conservative policies and reforms.

At first glance, this seems straightforward and unalarming. However, delving into the details reveals a much broader scope. The plan includes discussions about eliminating certain government agencies, overhauling civil service, extending presidential control over independent agencies, and substantially revising (though not eliminating) the Affordable Care Act.

I believe that the ultimate intent of the plan is to fully implement the Unitary Executive Theory. Therefore, understanding Project 2025 requires a basic understanding of this theory.

Unitary Executive Theory

The Unitary Executive Theory is a legal and constitutional doctrine asserting that the President of the United States holds absolute control over the executive branch. Proponents argue that Article II of the Constitution, which vests “the executive power” solely in the President, provides a constitutional basis for this authority. Critics contend it undermines checks and balances and concentrates too much power in the executive.

Key Points of the Theory:

Presidential Control: Advocates claim the President should have direct control over all executive functions, including hiring, firing, and directing agency heads and officials.
Limits on Congressional Power: The theory asserts that Congress cannot infringe on the President’s control over executive agencies by creating independent regulatory bodies or restricting the President’s ability to remove officials.
Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court has addressed the concept in cases such as Myers v. United States (1926), Humphrey’s Executor v. United States (1935), and Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2020). These cases reflect an ongoing debate about the extent of presidential control over the executive branch.

While proponents emphasize the need for a strong, centralized executive, critics warn it could erode the system of checks and balances envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.

Historical Perspective

The roots of the Unitary Executive Theory trace back to debates about the Constitution’s structure of executive power, particularly interpretations of Article II. Key historical examples include:

Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist No. 70: Hamilton argued for a single, vigorous executive, emphasizing unity as essential for accountability and effective governance.
Abraham Lincoln: During the Civil War, Lincoln exercised expansive executive power by suspending habeas corpus and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: FDR used executive orders extensively to implement New Deal programs and manage the war effort during WWII.

The term Unitary Executive Theory gained prominence in the late 20th century, championed by conservative legal scholars and the Federalist Society.

Application to Project 2025

Project 2025 seeks to leverage the Unitary Executive Theory to expand presidential power through the following measures:

Consolidating Control: Bringing the entire federal bureaucracy, including traditionally independent agencies like the Department of Justice, under direct presidential control.
Streamlining Decision-Making: Allowing the President to directly implement policies without interference from career officials or Congress.
Personnel Changes: Proposing the removal of job protections for thousands of federal employees, enabling their replacement with political appointees loyal to the President.
Agency Overhauls: Restructuring agencies such as the FBI, which the plan criticizes as “bloated” and “lawless.”
Eliminating Departments: Proposing the elimination of the Department of Education and restructuring others like the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to increase presidential control.

Concerns Raised by Critics:

Concentration of Power: Critics warn of an unprecedented consolidation of power in the executive branch.
Politicization of Agencies: Traditionally nonpartisan agencies may become tools for advancing political agendas.
Erosion of Checks and Balances: The system designed to prevent excessive power in any one branch could be undermined.
Civil Service Protections: Removing job protections for career civil servants risks creating an unstable and politically driven workforce.

Supporters argue these changes are necessary to combat entrenched bureaucracy and improve efficiency. Critics, however, warn that this could push the U.S. toward authoritarian governance.

Conclusion

I have only touched on a few elements of Project 2025. Other aspects, such as policies on immigration, reproductive rights, and protections for minorities, are also deeply concerning but beyond the scope of this discussion.

Even just within the framework of the Unitary Executive Theory, I see significant risks. Will this plan lead to better government or pave the way to authoritarianism?

While everyone will reach their own conclusions, I find myself deeply distressed by the implications. I am concerned that the restructuring of DOJ, DHS and the FBI may lead to creation of a “Department of Political Vengeance”.

If you share these concerns, I recommend reading my post from September 8th, which reviews On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder.

A Path to Recovery

On December 13, 2024

How Democrats Can Regain Momentum After the Election: Part 1

Following a disappointing election, the Democratic Party faces a familiar yet challenging task: rebuilding and re-energizing its coalition. Electoral setbacks, though disheartening, provide valuable opportunities for self-reflection and strategic recalibration. Drawing lessons from recent elections and historical precedents, I’ll be exploring how I believe Democrats might regain their footing and prepare for future success.

But first, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am not and have never been (except perhaps briefly in college) a registered Democrat. I was a Reagan Republican who progressively became disillusioned with the Republican Party beginning in the 1990s and finally in 2016 I reached the point where I switched to “no party affiliation.” While I can’t fully embrace the Democratic Party and some of its fringe elements, it more closely aligns with my beliefs than the current Republican Party. It may seem inappropriate for a non-Democrat to offer advice to the Party, but sometimes it takes an outsider to bring clarity.

There are several areas where I think the Democrats need to reassess and refine their programs. In subsequent posts I’ll mention ideas about a number of them. But first things first. If you want to win at the national level you’ve got to be organized and ready at the local and state level.

There needs to be an honest assessment of what went wrong. Ignoring electoral losses or solely blaming external factors without self-reflection won’t give insight into a winning program.

After their 2012 election loss, the Republican Party conducted a comprehensive analysis, resulting in the “Growth and Opportunity Project” report. This internal review highlighted areas for improvement, including outreach to minority communities and the need for a clearer economic message.

For Democrats, a similar post-mortem analysis will prove invaluable. By examining voter data, exit polls, and demographic shifts, the party can identify why key groups, such as working-class voters or suburbanites, have turned away. Addressing these issues directly and transparently can rebuild trust and demonstrate the party’s seriousness about listening to voters’ concerns.

State and local elections are critical in shaping a national party resurgence. The Republican Party’s “Red Map” project in 2010 targeted state legislatures to influence redistricting, giving them significant advantages in subsequent elections.

Democrats should adopt a similar strategy, investing in local and state races to build a pipeline of strong candidates for future national campaigns. By organizing at the local and state level and supporting local and state candidates, the National Party can develop a better understanding of what is necessary to develop a winning national campaign.

A winning national platform has to come from the bottom up reflecting the desires of the average voters. It cannot be imposed from the top down. The Democratic Party has unfortunately begun to develop a reputation as a party of intellectual elites trying to force their opinion on the common people. While it may be a misconception, failure to counter that misconception with a viable local and state presence allows the Republicans to frame the narrative. That is an approach that is bound to fail.

By focusing on local and state elections, the party will have a better understanding of the “bread and butter” issues that have driven voter turnout in recent elections. You can’t win local elections unless the local people know you and trust you and believe that you will work for them. That knowledge and trust has to be carried all the way from the local and state level to the national level.

Significantly, in 2024 the National Democratic Party failed to provide any meaningful support to state and local candidates in states they deemed to be “too red”, thus ensuring continued Republican dominance. There was a time, not that long ago, when many of these “too red” districts might have been considered “too blue”, but that didn’t stop the Republicans from doing a grassroots program designed to appeal to the concerns of the average voter.

Whether the Republicans accomplish anything for the average voter remains to be seen. But the important point is they convinced the voters that they were listening to them and cared about them. That’s a lesson that the Democrats should take to heart.

Next time, we’ll look at what else I believe can be done to rebuild support for the Democratic Party.

Key References:

NBC News: Five Democratic Assumptions Shattered by the 2024 Election.

Republican National Committee’s Growth and Opportunity Project (2013).

Pew Research Center: Voter Turnout Trends and Demographics.

New York Times: Bill Clinton’s 1992 Campaign Strategy.

The Atlantic: The Red Map Project.

The Nation: Democrats Need to Fundamentally Rethink Everything.

Government Efficiency or Personal Profit?

On December 7, 2024

I have been giving a lot of thought to the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The stated objective is to streamline federal operations by cutting wasteful spending and reducing bureaucracy. Am I the only one who finds it incongruous that they’re going to create an entire bureaucracy to improve government efficiency? How anyone thinks that an entire new government department with all of its attendant rules, regulations, forms, reports and meetings can make things more efficient is beyond me. This reminds me of a project put in place in the late 1970s when I was still in the Marine Corps. Congress passed a law called the Paperwork Reduction Act. As part of that act, were required to submit monthly reports, you guessed it, on paper documenting our reduction in paperwork. I was an administrative plans officer for the Fleet Marine Force Pacific at the time, and the Paperwork Reduction Act generated more paper than any other project that crossed my desk.

One of the things that interests me most about this is the current “bromance” between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Their personal relationship has had a series of ups and downs over the years. One must wonder how long the King of Trump World and the Center of the Musk Universe will continue to get along.

In 2016, Trump appointed Musk to his Manufacturing Jobs Initiative and Strategic and Policy Forum but within six months Musk resigned from these advisory roles in protest of Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. By 2022, animosity increased when Trump labeled Musk a “bullshit artist,” alleging that Musk had falsely claimed to have voted for him in 2016. Musk responded by suggesting it was time for Trump to “hang up his hat & sail into the sunset.”

Despite past disagreements, their relationship improved significantly by 2024. Musk endorsed Trump’s presidential campaign and contributed tens of millions of dollars through America PAC. Leveraging his ownership of X (formerly Twitter), Musk used the platform to promote Trump’s candidacy and engage with supporters, enhancing the campaign’s digital presence. Following Trump’s election victory, he praised Musk, stating, “We have a new star, a star is born.”

Musk’s leadership of DOGE raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given his companies’ extensive dealings with the federal government.

Musk’s ventures, such as SpaceX and Tesla, have historically benefited from substantial government contracts and subsidies. For instance, SpaceX has secured numerous contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense, including a significant agreement with the National Reconnaissance Office to build a network of spy satellites. Additionally, SpaceX’s Starshield program, designed for government use, received its first contract from the U.S. Space Force in September 2023.

Musk has frequently criticized regulators for what he views as unnecessary investigations hindering his companies. His role in DOGE could help protect these contracts from potential budget cuts, ensuring they remain exempt from the initiative’s cost-cutting mission. DOGE’s focus on slashing “excess regulations” could lead to reduced oversight of Musk’s businesses, particularly in areas like Tesla’s self-driving technology safety, labor practices at his companies, and SpaceX’s rocket launch regulations

The very name “DOGE” is, perhaps, a nod to Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency Musk frequently promotes. Attention from this initiative has already caused Dogecoin’s price to increase, potentially benefiting Musk if he holds significant amounts of the currency.

Elon Musk has never been known for his philanthropic endeavors. Even his charitable giving is significantly directed towards his own business or personal enterprises through the Musk Foundation.

Given these existing relationships, Musk’s role in DOGE could potentially influence decisions that benefit his businesses, such as deregulation in sectors where his companies operate or the redirection of government funds toward projects aligned with his interests. However, it’s important to note that DOGE is proposed as an advisory body without direct authority to implement policies. Any recommendations from DOGE should require legislative approval, but that may be bypassed as Trump has indicated his willingness to govern by executive order.

In summary, while DOGE’s mission is to improve government efficiency, Musk’s involvement introduces the possibility of decisions that could favor his enterprises. Perhaps a better name for this organization would be the Department of More Money for Musk.

What Would Ronnie Think?

On October 21, 2024

Thoughts on Ronald Reagan and the Current State of the Republican Party

I think Ronald Reagan may have been the best president of the modern era. I know that will make my liberal friends cringe. Additionally, I have recently gained new respect for Clinton and Obama, and I know that will likewise make my conservative friends cringe. I’ve always considered myself to be more conservative than liberal. But I just cannot support the current direction of the Republican Party and now consider myself to be a “Recovering Republican”. I didn’t leave the Republican Party. The Republican Party left me. And I wonder “What would Ronnie think?”

Speculating on what Ronald Reagan might think of the modern Republican Party is risky and involves consideration of his political philosophy, policies, and the values he championed during his presidency from 1981 to 1989.

Key Points of Reagan’s Ideology:

Conservatism: Reagan was a proponent of traditional conservative values, emphasizing limited government, individual liberties, free markets, and a strong national defense. He likely would have been concerned about the confrontational form of conservativism espoused by many contemporary Republicans.
Optimism: He often conveyed a sense of optimism about America’s future, believing in the ability of the American people to solve their problems. He would have been concerned about current rhetoric designed to pit Americans against one another.
Bipartisanship: Reagan worked with Democrats on significant legislation, showcasing a willingness to compromise for the greater good. President Reagan and Tip O’Neill, Speaker of the House, believed that partisanship ended after 6:00 PM and should never be a barrier to friendship.
Focus on Issues: His presidency was marked by a focus on economic issues, such as tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong anti-communist foreign policy. He likely would have been concerned by the Republican Party’s current often favorable response to the totalitarian governments in both Russia and China.

Speculation on His Views of Today’s GOP:

Populism vs. Traditional Conservatism: Reagan might be concerned about the rise of populism within the party, which sometimes shifts focus away from traditional conservative principles. He valued ideological coherence over personality-driven politics.
Divisive Rhetoric: The modern Republican Party has seen an increase in divisive and confrontational rhetoric. Reagan was known for his ability to unite people and might disapprove of the factionalism that can alienate moderate Republicans and independents.
Economic Policies: Reagan’s foundational economic principles might resonate with today’s emphasis on tax cuts and deregulation. However, he also expressed concern over increasing national debt and the impact of tax cuts without corresponding spending reductions. He was a strong proponent of free trade and believed that it had benefitted the US economy by opening markets and encouraging competition and he played a significant role in establishing trade agreements that laid the basis for the North American Free Trade Act. In contrast, today’s Republican Party is more concerned with protectionist policies and tariffs and creating trade barriers which they believe will somehow benefit the country as a whole.
Social Issues: Reagan had a more moderate stance on certain social issues than some factions of today’s GOP. He might find the current approach to issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights more contentious than his more inclusive positions. He was slow to respond to the AIDS crisis but was not as overtly hostile to the issues as the current GOP. Reagan advocated a restriction of federal funding for abortions but did not back a total ban on abortions.
Foreign Policy: Given his strong anti-communist stance and emphasis on diplomacy, Reagan may critique some of the modern party’s more isolationist tendencies. He might also be concerned about the current positive approach towards totalitarian regimes.
Immigration: Reagan had a different approach to immigration than the current GOP. He backed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 which provided emergency amnesty for approximately 3,000,000 undocumented immigrants. Many of today’s Republicans would label Reagan’s amnesty program as a failure and certainly not one that they would be willing to repeat. Reagan’s policies were aimed at addressing the historic realities of immigration and included provisions for legalization which is currently opposed by most Republicans.

In summary, while Reagan might appreciate certain aspects of the modern Republican Party, such as a commitment to conservative economic principles, he would likely be critical of the divisive politics, populism, and the lack of bipartisan cooperation that he valued. Reagan’s views might resonate with traditional conservatives who still value free market principles. Likely though, they would face pushback from factions within the party that prioritize the nationalist policies. Many Republicans today see Reagan’s approach as outdated or incompatible with their current priorities which emphasize immediate economic protection over long term global engagement. This assessment is speculative, of course, and based on my interpretation of his beliefs and leadership style.

For a deeper dive into Reagan’s legacy, consider reading more from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation (www.reaganfoundation.org)

What Would George Washington and Thomas Jefferson Think About Our Current Political Climate?

On October 16, 2024

In considering what George Washington and Thomas Jefferson might think of today’s political situation, it’s tempting to view their perspectives through the lens of nostalgia, believing that the founders had an idealistic vision that, if followed, would have prevented many modern problems. It’s impossible of course to know what they may have thought about our current environment. Certainly, such things as a 24-hour news cycle on cable television and social media would have been beyond their comprehension. While both men lived in a vastly different era, their writings and philosophies give us a sense of how they might respond to the polarization and tensions we witness today.

George Washington: A Warning Against Partisanship

George Washington was deeply concerned about the rise of factions in the United States. (Political parties as such were unknown at the beginning of our republic.) In his famous Farewell Address in 1796, he warned that factions could lead to division and weaken the unity of the country. Washington was worried that faction (party) loyalty would surpass loyalty to the nation, creating conflict between groups and impairing the ability of government to function for the common good. He feared that excessive partisanship would “distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration,” leaving the nation vulnerable to foreign influence and internal discord.

If Washington could observe today’s political environment, he likely would be saddened by the partisanship which dominates political discourse. The gridlock, belligerent rhetoric, and divisiveness we experience today demonstrate the appropriateness of his concern. Washington would likely advocate for a return to greater civility, urging Americans to focus on the common good and to set aside factionalism for the sake of national unity. While political parties have become integral to our system, Washington would likely still press for cooperation, mutual respect, and compromise among all groups.

Thomas Jefferson: Liberty, Democracy, and the People’s Role

Thomas Jefferson, while more supportive of political parties than Washington, had his own complex views about governance. Jefferson believed in the power of the people to govern themselves and was a passionate advocate for liberty, democracy, and decentralization. He distrusted concentrated power, whether in government, or economic institutions, and feared that it could lead to tyranny. Jefferson was famously a champion of agrarianism and believed that widespread participation in the democratic process was the best defense against corruption and the loss of liberty.

Jefferson, while a proponent of states’ rights and individual liberties, might view polarization as a threat to democratic ideals if it stifles dialogue and compromise. He believed in the potential for free men to govern wisely, but would caution against the erosion of civil discourse that might follow the rise of extreme factionalism

Faced with the highly charged political debates of today, Jefferson would likely express concern over the increasing centralization of power in government, banks, and large corporations. He would, without doubt, be troubled by the outsized influence of money in politics.

Jefferson was also a firm believer in education as a cornerstone of democracy; he would stress the importance of an informed electorate, particularly in an age where misinformation can spread rapidly.

However, Jefferson was no stranger to political conflict, having played a central role in the fiercely partisan battles of his time. He understood the value of vigorous debate but would probably urge that such debate remain focused on the core democratic principles of liberty, justice, and equality rather than devolving into personal attacks.

Media and Civil Discourse

Of course, it is impossible to know what Washington and Jefferson would think about the current role of media, particularly social media which would be beyond anything in their experience. Washington felt strongly aggrieved by the attacks upon him in the newspapers of the time. He felt unfair attacks would undermine national unity. Jefferson, on the other hand, was a strong proponent of freedom of the press. He was also very adept at the use of newspapers to accomplish political means.

However, it is likely that both would caution against the dangers of misinformation and partisan bias to distort public perception. Most likely both would emphasize the need for a responsible press that distinguishes between fact and opinion and supports a healthy democracy. Both would be opposed to using false or misleading statements to influence the public.

Unity and Civic Responsibility

Despite their differences, both Washington and Jefferson would likely agree on one thing: the importance of unity and civic responsibility. They envisioned a country where citizens were deeply involved in a participatory government, contributing not just with votes but with informed, constructive dialogue. Washington would call for a spirit of national unity above party lines, while Jefferson would insist that the preservation of liberty relies on active and informed participation from the public.

Both founders would encourage a healthier, more cooperative political environment, one where differences are respected and not allowed to fracture the country. They would likely see today’s polarization as a threat to the very ideals they fought to establish, and both would urge Americans to remember their shared values.

Conclusion

In short, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, while men of their own time, had insights that are still relevant today. Neither man could have predicted the exact nature of modern politics, but their wisdom offers enduring guidance: political disagreements must not undermine the unity, liberty, and civic responsibility that are the foundation of the American experiment. We owe it to them not to lose the promise of the American Revolution.

The Pot Predicament

On September 13, 2024

Recently, the Charleston City Council passed a bill to reduce the penalties for the possession of marijuana for personal use. This started me thinking about marijuana and its long intertwining with my generation. I first became aware of marijuana in my early teenage years, more than sixty years ago. At that time, possession of marijuana for personal use was a crime, as it still is in much of the country now, and it remains a federal crime. Soon after I became conscious of the whole thing, marijuana was incorporated into President Nixon’s war on drugs.

This is a war which sadly we continue to lose. This doesn’t stop us from pouring resources into a part of that war that doesn’t need to be fought. For as long as I can remember, we have continued to prosecute and imprison people who possess marijuana for their own use. I’m not going to discuss possession of marijuana for distribution, that’s a separate problem, one I think will take care of itself if we properly address marijuana for personal use.

Laws against personal use of marijuana remind me much of the failed experiment of prohibition. If people want something enough, they will find it regardless of what the law says. Most of the people imprisoned for personal possession of marijuana represented little or no threat to society as a whole and no one benefited from their imprisonment.

I know the arguments for and against. The health arguments on the pro side say it relieves glaucoma, chronic pain and anxiety. On the con side, there are arguments saying that it is addictive, it can cause cognitive delay and accelerate the development of psychosis. There have been many arguments surrounding marijuana as a gateway drug. I haven’t seen any convincing evidence that restricting personal use of marijuana makes any difference in use of other drugs. The only exception may be those cases where people become hooked on fentanyl or heroin that has been used to lace their marijuana.

My argument against laws criminalizing personal use is that they don’t work. We have spent millions, perhaps billions, of dollars and hundreds of thousands of law enforcement hours to enforce laws that in the long run have no real benefit.

I think it would make better sense to legalize marijuana for personal use. That way, like the alcohol and tobacco industries, it can be regulated with inspections and oversight activities. Customers would know it had not been contaminated with other dangerous drugs. It could also be taxed and distributed through businesses that would benefit from legitimate sale. The tax revenue could be used to fund drug treatment plans for our serious opioid crisis. That is the one war on drugs that we must win but in which we continue to fall further behind. Redirecting funds from marijuana enforcement to opioid treatment and enforcement will help save lives.

If personal use of marijuana is legalized, criminal distribution will rapidly fall away as there will be no profit. The street corner pot dealer will become a historical footnote, much like the prohibition era bootlegger.

I know some of you are thinking I must be an old hippie sitting around my living room smoking a joint and listening to the Grateful Dead. Even though I came of age in the Age of Aquarius, I’ve never tried marijuana and have no plans to do so whether it’s legalized or not. I have no objection to it, it’s just that as a younger man I preferred beer, as I got older, I migrated to wine and martinis, and now I’m too old to change.

The bottom line is this: we live in an age of limited resources, and we need to decide how we are going to utilize those resources. I would like to see us take those financial and human resources and utilize them to address the opioid and methamphetamine crises. We are currently wasting too many of these precious resources trying to enforce unnecessary and ultimately unenforceable laws against personal possession and use of marijuana. If we legalize personal possession, we will reduce crime and all but eliminate the illegal trafficking in marijuana.

That is my grumpy opinion.

A Book Report

On September 8, 2024

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From The Twentieth Century

Timothy Snyder

I don’t believe I have written a book report since I was a freshman in college. This is a small book that I believe is well worth your time to read. I mean small book quite literally. It’s about 4 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches and only about 126 pages of fairly wide spaced text. You can read the entire book in an afternoon and still have time left over. The book is also available as an audiobook, and it’s combined with Twenty New Lessons From Russia’s War On Ukraine. I got the audio book and listened to it as well. That will take about eight hours to complete.

I’m calling this a book report rather than a book review because I want to tell you what’s in the book rather than what I think about it so that you can form your own opinion. First, I’ll give you an overall impression. It’s thought provoking and raises issues of concern to us today. You may not agree with it. I don’t agree with everything that he said. I found some of his 20 lessons to be redundant because I thought he was stretching to get 20 lessons for the 20th century. I also found one or two of them to be painfully obvious. What follows is just a summary of the book. Read it and e-mail me or call me if you’d like to discuss it. I will send the book to the first person who asks for it, but only if you promise to pass it on when you’re finished.

Doctor Snyder is a professor of history at Yale University. He specializes in Central and Eastern Europe and has spent considerable time in Ukraine. He’s the author of 15 books and reads five European languages and can converse in ten.

Preface

The book begins with a preface in which Doctor Snyder establishes the importance of historical awareness. He describes the failure of some 20th century European democracies and their descent into authoritarian rule. He uses these examples to illustrate how democracy cannot be taken for granted. He makes the argument that democracy is fragile and must be defended. He further argues that even in the United States, the continuation of our democracy is not a given and we must fight for freedom and maintain constant vigilance over our democratic processes.

Each of his twenty lessons is contained in a separate chapter, varying from a few pages to a single sentence.

The Twenty Lessons

Do Not Obey In Advance: Many authoritarian regimes have achieved their power from the people’s willingness to conform without being forced. Do not comply with unjust policies that are not being actively enforced.
Defend Institutions: Democratic institutions such as courts, the press, and unions are an important part of a free society. We must support and defend them against attacks and subversion.
Beware The One-Party State: A multiparty system is crucial for the survival of liberty. The rise of a one-party system often precedes the decline of democratic government.
Take Responsibility For The Face Of The World: The use of symbols in public spaces matters. Authoritarian regimes can shape public perceptions by co-opting national symbols and using them to create division rather than unity. Be vigilant for and challenge symbols of hate and remove these symbols from our public spaces.
Remember Professional Ethics: Professionals, especially those in law, medicine, education and government service must uphold ethical standards, even when pressured to conform to the aims of authoritarian regimes. Their integrity is vital for maintaining democracy.
Be Wary of Paramilitaries: Resist the rise of unofficial armed groups that support authoritarian figures. Such groups may eventually take the place of the legally constituted police and military services. “When the men with guns who have always claimed to be against the system start wearing uniforms and marching with torches and pictures of a leader, the end is nigh. When the pro-leader paramilitary and official police and military intermingle, the end has come.”
Be Reflective If You Must Be Armed: If you are part of law enforcement or the military, refuse to participate in unjust actions or repressions of the population. Ensure that those who bear arms do so with a deep sense of responsibility and ethics and a great regard for the value of democracy.
Stand Out: Authoritarian regimes thrive on compliance. Demonstrate opposition publicly and show visible descent and encourage others to show resistance whenever possible.
Be Kind To Our Language: Be precise in your use of language and avoid repeating the phrases made popular by authoritarian leaders. Independent thinking is facilitated by the careful use of language. Manipulation of language is a powerful tool for the control of the population.
Believe In Truth: Truth is the linchpin of justice and democracy. Uphold and defend objective truths. Reject the false narratives or “big lies” spread by authoritarian regimes. Make every attempt to shed light on their falsehoods regardless of how often or loudly they proclaim them.
Investigate: Seek out reliable sources of information. Support independent journalism. Identify, evaluate and encourage trusted sources. Do not accept any claims by the authoritarian regime without your personal verification. Remember critical thinking is important to resisting manipulation.
Make Eye Contact and Small Talk: Build personal connections within the community to foster solidarity and resilience. Visible civic involvement demonstrates unity and a commitment to democratic principles.
Practice Corporal Politics: Participate in protests, marches, and public events. Physically demonstrating support and civic engagement shows a strong commitment to democratic principles.
Establish A Private Life: Protecting your privacy from surveillance is essential. Authoritarian regimes often invade personal spaces to control and manipulate individuals.
Contribute To Good Causes: Support organizations and causes that defend democracy and human rights. Both financial and moral support will strengthen resistance.
Learn From Peers In Other Countries: Understand how some nations have succumbed to authoritarianism while other nations have resisted it. Learn from their experiences and strategies.
Listen for Dangerous Words: Be alert to the use of language that demonizes opponents or glorifies violence. Such rhetoric often precedes more severe actions against targeted groups. Be sensitive to efforts to convert the population to harmful ideologies through repeated derogatory speech.
Be Calm When The Unthinkable Arrives: Stay composed in moments of crisis and resist the urge to act impulsively. Authoritarian leaders often attempt to exploit chaos to seize power. Be alert for such attempts and be ready to counter them.
Be A Patriot: True patriotism involves defending democratic values and principles, not blind loyalty to a leader or party. Waving flags and shouting slogans is not patriotism. Defending democracy is the true mark of a patriot.
Be As Courageous As You Can: “If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die under tyranny.” (That is the total of this lesson; perhaps the most important one of all.)

Epilogue

The book concludes with an epilogue entitled History and Liberty. In the epilogue Doctor Snyder discusses his theories of the Politics of Inevitability and the Politics of Eternity.

The Politics of Inevitability is the belief that history naturally progresses in a linear forward direction typically towards a better future. It assumes that liberal democracy and capitalism will inevitably spread across the world leading to a more prosperous and freer global system. Human forces are seen as predictable and human activity is often downplayed. People who live under the politics of inevitability tend to believe that the current state of affairs will persist because it represents the end point of political and economic evolution.

The Politics of Eternity, on the other hand, rejects the linear progression of history and emphasizes a cyclical view. It supposes that nations are perpetually threatened by external forces. It glorifies a supposed golden age of the past that is idealized and mythologized. It views current politics as a struggle to return to that idealized past.

I found his discussions to be more theoretical than practical. I can see aspects of both in most current societies. I invite you to please read this and I would love to discuss it. I may be missing something in his presentation of inevitability and eternity.

In Conclusion

If you are concerned about the survival of democracy, read this book.

More Than Just Fake News: The Pernicious Effect Of Modern Propaganda

On July 24, 2024

Propaganda does not deceive people; it merely helps them to deceive themselves. Eric Hoffer

What is propaganda?

Propaganda! The very word conjures up images of sinister people involved in nefarious activities meant to delude the innocent. But this has not always been the case. Propaganda has, through much of history, been view as information, though frequently of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Propaganda has always involved exaggeration and omission in order to achieve a specific goal. It was intended to shape beliefs and attitudes without actually lying to the listeners. At its core, there was a basis of truth.

We generally think of propaganda as the domain of governments. But, in its broadest definition, advertising might be considered as propaganda. It’s intended to create the impression that specific products contribute real advantage to your life. Drinking a specific beer will make you have a better time. Driving a certain car will show that you are more environmentally concerned. Wearing specific clothes will make you more popular.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that the incorporation of falsehoods, deception, and other activities intended to create a totally false impression and to promulgate untruths became the mainstay of propaganda.

Phillip Taylor in his book “Munitions of the Mind” presents an excellent history of propaganda from its origins in the early years of civilization through its rapid evolution in the 20th century, to its infiltration of all aspects of society in the 21st century.

Propaganda began as early as ancient Mesopotamia when the boastings of kings were inscribed on stone monuments. It continued, principally as a way of monarchs justifying their rule up through the 19th century.

The earliest use of the term propaganda was in the early 17th century when the Catholic Church, wishing to spread Catholic doctrine, support the faithful and counter the protestant reformation, established the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Sacra Congregatio de Propaganda Fide).

World War I saw the beginnings of the disconnection of propaganda and truth. Both sides in that war created knowingly false narratives to bolster civilian morale and increase the fighting spirit of their soldiers. World War II took this process to a whole new level as false propaganda was used to justify mass murder and enslavement of an entire continent. In the 21st century propaganda techniques have been raised to a new level of technical sophistication. Social media, artificial intelligence and modern psychological techniques can create images, sounds and documents completely unrelated to reality but almost impossible for the average person to recognize as false.

Elements of propaganda.

One of the classic elements of propaganda is repetition, the more a statement is repeated the more likely people are to believe it. There is a concept called “illusory truth effect” where the more you hear a statement, the more it feels true.

In past centuries, reference was made to respected people in authority to give credence to statements. Over the years, this has evolved into celebrity endorsements and continues to expand with the recent emergence of instant celebrities in the form of social media influencers.

Emotional appeals have always been a significant part of propaganda, emotions being more easily manipulated than facts. The audience is encouraged to react rather than think.

Simplification is also a central tenant of propaganda; complex ideas are reduced to simple slogans that can be repeated over and over again. Slogans that are catchy and clever will encourage people to repeat them without considering their true meaning.

The repeated use of slogans contributes to the bandwagon effect, a critical propaganda technique for creating the impression of widespread acceptance. The more a person believes everyone else supports the program, the more likely they will be to support it without detailed personal analysis.

Evolving propaganda.

In the early years of the 20th century, propaganda began to take a more malicious path. It began to lose a grounding in truth, except where necessary to sell the lie. As propaganda evolved through the first few decades of the 20th century it became a specialized and highly effective weapon of statecraft.

It’s important to recognize that the ultimate goal of propaganda is not merely manipulating opinions and beliefs. It is a tool for obtaining and using political power.

The following quote, which I will leave unattributed, underlies the objective of propaganda from the mid-20th century on.

“All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach. The great mass of the people will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a small one. If you tell a lie that is big enough and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.”

Propaganda in Action

A propaganda program that is designed to achieve political goals has several key elements.

The Target

The first step is to decide on the target population. These are the people you wish to cultivate as supporters and whom you wish to manipulate into specific actions. It’s important to understand what they consider to be their critical concerns. Whether you share those concerns or not isn’t important if you are able to convince the target population that you care about them and that you will meet their needs. Once you have analyzed the concerns of your target population you can develop your message to best appeal to and manage their opinions.

The Leader

The second element is to create a cult of personality around the leader. Generally, the leader will be a charismatic and effective speaker. On other occasions, he simply may be someone they would “like to have a beer with”. If a bond can be created it doesn’t matter how. The leader doesn’t have to have a true concern for the target group as long as they believe he does. Once the leader and the target group have bonded, he will have an easier time manipulating them. The stronger they are connected to him personally, the less scrutiny they will give to his ideas.

The Others

The next element is to identify the “other” group that will be the focus of attacks. The first step is to create fear of this group. Once your target population has developed a significant fear of whatever this group may be accused of, be it crime, immorality, or “unAmericanism”, a program is put in place to demonize them. The purpose of the early program is to generate a high level of unreasoning fear of this group within the target population. Fear is difficult to control, so once this stage has been reached, the fear must be converted to hate through repeated attacks blaming the “others” for every grievance the target group has experienced. Hate is easier to focus and to direct. People can be more easily rallied to action, even violence, in response to hate.

Action

Once hate of the “other” group has been raised to a significant level, your target population can be moved to action. Be that unquestioning acceptance of ideas, voting for whatever candidates you identify, or even resorting to violence to suppress the “others”.

This is the stage where real political power begins to flow from your propaganda program. Your supporters have given up all efforts at critical thinking and blindly accept whatever orders you give in the misguided thought that you are concerned about them and their needs and are doing what is best for them and the country. They have become the weapon for implementing your agenda.

Conclusion

For those of you with an appreciation of history, this should resonate not only with the 20th century but with current events. If you would like to know the source of the quote I gave at the beginning of this section, contact me.

Having seen the effects of modern propaganda on our society, I am left in great despair. In a future post I’m going to be discussing how social media has significantly increased the rate of spread and the effectiveness of propaganda and other disinformation programs.

The Agony of Presidental Elections

On July 6, 2024