In the Spring of this year, David Brooks, an Opinion columnist at The New York Times wrote an opinion piece, entitled, “What’s Happening Is Not Normal. America Needs an Uprising That Is Not Normal.”
Brooks wrote, ”Trumpism … is primarily about the acquisition of power — power for its own sake. It is a multifront assault to make the earth a playground for ruthless men, so of course any institutions that might restrain power must be weakened or destroyed. Trumpism is about ego, appetite and acquisitiveness and is driven by a primal aversion to the higher elements of the human spirit — learning, compassion, scientific wonder, the pursuit of justice …
“What is happening now is not normal politics. We’re seeing an assault on the fundamental institutions of our civic life, things we should all swear loyalty to — Democrat, independent or Republican.
“It’s time for a comprehensive national civic uprising. It’s time for Americans in universities, law, business, nonprofits and the scientific community, and civil servants and beyond to form one coordinated mass movement. Trump is about power. The only way he’s going to be stopped is if he’s confronted by some movement that possesses rival power …
“I’m really not a movement guy. I don’t naturally march in demonstrations or attend rallies that I’m not covering as a journalist. But this is what America needs right now.”
………..
Personally, I have no interest in adding fuel to the divisive social fire in America. (Not at all!) Not among my friends, clients, relatives, you. Yet, I agree with what David Brooks wrote in this opinion piece. And, I realize we are out of time. Millions of Americans have spectated about authoritarianism. Now, time has run out. What many of us had feared is here. We are significantly into the transition of our country from America as a representative democracy, to the Trumpist autocracy.
Historians will write what you and I stand up to do about it. If truthful history texts are used in American schools of the future, our children and grandchildren will study our response to authoritarianism. Your political party affiliation ultimately does not matter; only that you actively opposed authoritarianism counts. There are so many ways to act! Champions are needed to defend and model core human values. Silence, passivity, inactivity, will only enable the loss of our freedom-with-responsibility and the rule of law.
I recommend that instead of complaining or waiting, you talk about, plan, and act in opposition to autocracy invading your city, your state, and our nation.
— Bruce W. Fritch
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Ref: David Brooks, “What’s Happening Is Not Normal. America Needs an Uprising That Is Not Normal.” Opinion, The NY Times, April 14, 2025.
The Growing Presence of Authoritarianism Is A Cancer In America
Brooks wrote, ”Trumpism … is primarily about the acquisition of power — power for its own sake. It is a multifront assault to make the earth a playground for ruthless men, so of course any institutions that might restrain power must be weakened or destroyed. Trumpism is about ego, appetite and acquisitiveness and is driven by a primal aversion to the higher elements of the human spirit — learning, compassion, scientific wonder, the pursuit of justice …
“What is happening now is not normal politics. We’re seeing an assault on the fundamental institutions of our civic life, things we should all swear loyalty to — Democrat, independent or Republican.
“It’s time for a comprehensive national civic uprising. It’s time for Americans in universities, law, business, nonprofits and the scientific community, and civil servants and beyond to form one coordinated mass movement. Trump is about power. The only way he’s going to be stopped is if he’s confronted by some movement that possesses rival power …
“I’m really not a movement guy. I don’t naturally march in demonstrations or attend rallies that I’m not covering as a journalist. But this is what America needs right now.”
………..
Personally, I have no interest in adding fuel to the divisive social fire in America. (Not at all!) Not among my friends, clients, relatives, you. Yet, I agree with what David Brooks wrote in this opinion piece. And, I realize we are out of time. Millions of Americans have spectated about authoritarianism. Now, time has run out. What many of us had feared is here. We are significantly into the transition of our country from America as a representative democracy, to the Trumpist autocracy.
Historians will write what you and I stand up to do about it. If truthful history texts are used in American schools of the future, our children and grandchildren will study our response to authoritarianism. Your political party affiliation ultimately does not matter; only that you actively opposed authoritarianism counts. There are so many ways to act! Champions are needed to defend and model core human values. Silence, passivity, inactivity, will only enable the loss of our freedom-with-responsibility and the rule of law.
I recommend that instead of complaining or waiting, you talk about, plan, and act in opposition to autocracy invading your city, your state, and our nation.
— Bruce W. Fritch
………..
Ref: David Brooks, “What’s Happening Is Not Normal. America Needs an Uprising That Is Not Normal.” Opinion, The NY Times, April 14, 2025.