The year is now 2023 and a decade in the trunk room has come to an end.  What we have seen in the past decade will be the point of discussion, probably heated discussion, for the next several years, even decades to come  and at that, a full and clear explanation of the what and who of some events may never be revealed. While there were, indeed, some major positive events and accomplishments on the part of folks throughout the nation and the world, the political scene was nothing short of insane and especially here in the  States, where we were witness to the near collapse of a premiere democracy.From the start, the signs of tension and conflict were growing and it was clear, at least to those who objectively observed , that a rough road was ahead. Misinformation was spreading wider and broader and disinformation was becoming an art form, particularly on certain so called news outlets, though propaganda outlets would be a far better designation. This decade saw societal upheaval the likes of which we have not witnessed in many many decades. The disinformation and the proliferation of twisted “ news” formed a platform for a steady stream of lies emanating from not only the far right media world but from the Oval Office itself . The red hat MAGA movement was born, or better, hatched and the hate mongering began to intensify to a level not seen since the civil rights wars of the fifties and sixties. And, for sure, the worst was yet to come. To any non partisan minded observer, it was clear that a broad based conspiracy, beginning with the attempt to influence a presidential election   and culminating in an actual attack on the Capitol, was long in the making and involved not only a sitting president and his cadre of loyalists but included party leaders and actual sitting members of congress .  The “ Big Lie “ was and continues paving the way toward the destruction of our democracy ,  replacing it with a kleptocracy government.

Sadly, even though the coup attempt was unsuccessful and the transfer of power was completed, similar tactics abound now on the state level in the subsequent mid term elections and the insanity continues. In Arizona, for instance, even months post a certified election and several court rulings, the losing candidate still persists in the idea that she won and, based on that,  is reaping millions in her campaign fund as she considers a run for yet another public office. All this being done with the active support of the twice impeached ex president who conducted himself in the very same way and still to this day, with absolutely  no basis in reality, alleges deep seated fraud in election processes. However, this is only one example of a political party gone over the edge,  a party now whose only interests are in power and profit. This is the party where lying is considered protected speech and brutality has taken the place of cruelty.  In states controlled by this party, voter suppression laws are plentiful. After all, if the party is to win elections, it cannot afford to allow great numbers of people to vote – a posture openly stated by party leadership on several occasions. There are equally disturbing measures being taken in many states – the outright banning of books and the controlling of school curriculum, censuring and even criminally charging teachers who actually teach real history, as opposed to that required by the white supremacy ideologues . There is the widespread passing of laws which exert control over health care, particularly women’s health care. And then there is the adherence to a completely false interpretation of the Second Amendment, allowing for the complete and total disregard for the slaughter by assault weapons, as if it does not matter. When you have widespread political ignorance supported  by social media and a political party leadership whose mantra are things like not paying taxes is smart or, even better, truth isn’t truth, sirens and red lights should be flashing all over. Sadly, it seems they are not. Ladies and gentlemen, as Michael Steele noted, we are looking at what Fascism in America looks like.

The question then remains. what can be done in the face of this massive failure to address these issues. With so many facets working here, all heading us down that road to perdition, what measures can be taken to sway the tide, so to speak. While there is no one simple answer, or even one complex answer, there are efforts that can at least put us on a path to recovery and hopefully a path to shoring up our badly bruised democracy. Unless and until the electorate engages in a massive awakening to reality, we are doomed. The  “ opposition “ political party which to date has failed in delivering a compelling, consistent message,  must take a far more aggressive stance and challenge out front the disinformation being promulgated by the far right media and its devotees.Those responsible for the enforcing of law must likewise be far more aggressive in their role which of late has failed miserably. Evidence the number of  subpoenas ignored or the volume of classified documents stolen from the government and hidden in a beach club residence – to date, all with no consequence. Blatant lying, political violence and outlandish conspiracy theories can no longer be the norm, pushed  on the public with no accountability.

The major concern underlying all of this, however, is the need for a total engagement in the reform of how we elect to be governed and how we elect those who govern. The body politic must take a stand and make a critical choice – to have a say in governance or not , to have a say in who will govern or not. In short, we the people, as it were, must now choose between democracy or authoritarianism. Between democracy or fascism.   The choice is ours to make and it must be made before it is too late. Time is of the essence The forces against democracy are growing world wide and we may well be one of the last bastions of democracy. Will we preserve it or let it die on that altar of kleptocracy.

To paraphrase, these are indeed the times that try men’s souls. And not just men’s souls but the soul of the nation itself