Never Waste a Good Crisis to Undermine Democracy
The textbook example of 1933: Week 20 (May 13-19, 2024)
In mid-May, the Economist warned that America is not dictator-proof. The newspaper—the only magazine I know that steadfastly refers to itself as a newspaper—reminded readers that the most dangerous moments for government by the people are during a crisis. A president could seize extraordinary powers to maintain control and not let go.
In my writing this year, I have often drawn parallels to the rise of Nazism, and 1933 is a textbook example. Many of the crises were the result of fascist activities, which then became the excuse of their fascist leaders for extraordinary powers to bring back order. Hitler effectively broke down democracy in just a couple of months.
Destroying democracy takes less effort than building a democracy. Still, Trump missed this opportunity during the two main crises while he was President: the pandemic and the protests after George Floyd's murder. The Economist called his response the' commentator mode', pointing out how everybody else was doing a lousy job.
Looking back, Trump did a pretty bad job himself in grabbing power. His coup attempt on January 6th failed, just as his earlier attempt to pressure Georgia's secretary of state to find him the missing votes was a failure.
The Economist didn't know in May that Trump would return as President of the United States. Fast-forward to late November, and we realize much better that he and his entourage likely learned their lessons from round one and will move more cunningly, faster, and better prepared this time.
In the later stages of his presidential campaign, Trump openly flirted with the idea of a third term. These comments followed earlier statements suggesting he might consider undermining democratic processes. In a March 2024 interview, he claimed that losing the election would signal "the likely end of American democracy."
Trump has also hinted that voting might not be necessary in future elections, suggesting that it would be a "one-time" vote if he wins. As always, his rambling thoughts were so incoherent that it was hard to pinpoint their exact meaning. However, his rhetoric consistently implies a willingness to challenge electoral norms and undermine trust in the voting system.
Looking back at the news events of the past year is interesting not only for the facts of what happened and when but also for what people predicted would happen based on those facts. Future historians will study these sources and—again—scratch their heads in disbelief about the folly of a nation, ignoring all warning signs that Trump and his MAGA cult would permanently destroy democracy.
My week 20
In May, I was in Ottawa. I remember long walks, sunny days, happy people, and tens of thousands of tulips. Flowers always make me forget my worries, and tulips are my favorite flowers; as a Dutchman in Ottawa, you wouldn't expect me to consider any other flower a favorite.
I took some of these photos at the opening of the tulip flower festival, where I also photographed the "Man with the Two Heads" statue. This statue matches the one in the Netherlands, and I hope to visit that someday.
I also walked in Ontario and Quebec. The rainbow at the falls is a picture of one of those walks, and I photographed the groundhog during another. I have always enjoyed encountering these intelligent animals, who form complex social networks, understand social behavior, and communicate and cooperate effectively.
If you are not reading these newsletters daily, this is the concept: during the last 52 days of the year, we look back at the 52 weeks of 2024. This was week 20; tomorrow, we will arrive at week 21. It is not just my stories or the news; the community of readers of this newsletter also shares their own stories, memories, and photos of each week in the chat, and you are welcome to join.
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We did not expect this outcome. We should have. Trump himself is weak and foolish. He never listens to advisors. His cohorts are the ones we must watch. A few more cheeseburgers and the orange man may not be with us. Then Vance.
Off to look at your beautiful tulips and handsome groundhog 🌷
Off to the tulips; much more appealing! 🥂