The reader is not obliged to possess the academic experience of a political scientist or social philosopher, to fully comprehend that the violent insurrection of two years ago (January 20, 2020) in Washington D.C., was, not a “one-off” or singular occurrence; or that such event describes the complete parameters of the relevant and existential problem. Analogous to the tell-tale, rash of smallpox, the unprecedented event constitutes, speaking pathologically, merely, a presenting symptom of the threat of the virulent disease. In the context of community, it is empirically true that a specific episode of the deadly smallpox virus may be treated successfully, nevertheless, the ever-present societal threat of the virus persists. As a matter of general interest, albeit not, of special relevance to the theme of this essay, we have read that a major factor in the victory of the Colonial Forces over the military might of England was the prudent program of inoculation of his troops against smallpox by General George Washington.
Notably, there seems to have been an unmistakable empirical confluence between the political rise of the real estate grafter, cheap television game show host, the egocentric, amoral demagogue, Donald J. Trump, and the geologic conglomeration of vast numbers of the Nation’s previously, amorphous and silent populist discontents. As we can discern, the enormous host of such previously unheard-from, typically, inadequately educated, poorly informed body of malcontents seemed to perceive, in the crude, and inappropriate persona of Trump, a personal spokesman for those, who had been handed a bad deal from society; especially, “the coastal elites;” who appeared to detest their proxy, Donald J. Trump.
Neither two Congressional impeachments during his disreputable, one term as President, nor his shamefully determined ninety-one felonies, numerous criminal indictments, nor a judicial finding that he is a rapist, his acts of treason, his serial mendacity and his public admissions of autocratic intentions (the latter, extending to his unabashed public reiteration and approval of Hitler quotes) has diminished his cultish support. Such societally shameful events have, perversely, resulted in increased support from his large conglomerate of (MAGA) supporters, private citizens as well as elected legislators and officials. Mainstream, traditional American citizens are confused about such dynamics and understandably worried about the existential continuance of American Democracy. The cult-like populist followers of the declared, would-be dictator, like flocks of suicidal lemmings, appear hypnotically willing to commit the suicidal choice of autocratic elimination of their presently held rights and liberty.
In accordance with the consistent results of the various polls, it frighteningly seems likely that Trump will be the Republican (if there still exists such a Party) nominee to run once more for the American Presidency. Should he, conceivably (heaven and Planet Earth, forbid) be successful, the dreaded pathology of fascist dictatorship would then, further metastasize (from China, Russia, Hungary, et al.); should he (mercifully) lose, a reprise episode of the January 26 pilot is empirically, predictable.
We shall persist in our hopeful expectation that the express language and pragmatic mandate of the 14th Amendment will be the ultimate panacea for this presenting, malign National disease that, inarguably, constitutes a clear, existential threat to the health and survival of America’s singular and invaluable democracy.
–p.
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