Regarding the U.S. federal government, things have been bad and they are getting worse. That they are headed downhill is unsurprising, at least to me. The Republican Fascist Party’s antidemocratic authoritarian consolidation is much closer to its beginning than its end. Those of us committed to pluralistic constitutional democracy have to be in it for the long haul. 1/
Regaining rule of law and democracy is going to take decades. So those of us committed to that project have to think and act very differently than most of us ever have - not in terms of two or four or eight year efforts but in terms of efforts that may well take anywhere from 70 to 100 years. Obviously, those of us making the effort today won’t be here to see whether our side prevails. 2/
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social
Exactly. We are the tip of the spear that represents a pivot that will take generations to complete. The fascists in the White House are a result of decades of anti-FDR monied interests who were fucking FURIOUS about the New Deal.
We have to radically reorient our motivation and our expectations. Our task is to keep the IDEA of pluralistic constitutional democracy in the United States alive even as the REALITY of it fades. By keeping the idea and aspiration alive we maintain a framework for the next generations to implement. 3/
I’m not suggesting that we just sit around and theorize. We should engage in tactical and strategic actions to fight Republican Fascism, to protect ourselves and others from it, and to push for democratic government and rule of law wherever and whenever we can. 4/
I’m not suggesting that we just sit around and theorize. We should engage in tactical and strategic actions to fight Republican Fascism, to protect ourselves and others from it, and to push for democratic government and rule of law wherever and whenever we can. 4/
But most, maybe even all, of these actions are likely to be, for many years to come, comparatively small skirmishes with limited success. The reason to persist in such actions is that they contribute to the larger project — maintaining the ideas of pluralistic constitutional democracy and rule of law and keeping these ideas in public consciousness. 5/
But most, maybe even all, of these actions are likely to be, for many years to come, comparatively small skirmishes with limited success. The reason to persist in such actions is that they contribute to the larger project — maintaining the ideas of pluralistic constitutional democracy and rule of law and keeping these ideas in public consciousness. 5/
One important thing we who are dedicated to the long haul can do for each other is to cheer each other on as we engage in the small skirmishes. We can boost each other’s morale and resilience by noting that these skirmishes, whether we win them or not, are all contributing to the larger project. 6/
One important thing we who are dedicated to the long haul can do for each other is to cheer each other on as we engage in the small skirmishes. We can boost each other’s morale and resilience by noting that these skirmishes, whether we win them or not, are all contributing to the larger project. 6/
Rarely are we going to see big wins. And as I said, those of us fighting today for pluralistic constitutional democracy in the U.S. today are not likely to live to see our side prevail. So we aren’t going to be energized and refreshed by big victories. We therefore have to energize and refresh one another by constantly noting who is doing the work and thanking and congratulating them. 7/7
Rarely are we going to see big wins. And as I said, those of us fighting today for pluralistic constitutional democracy in the U.S. today are not likely to live to see our side prevail. So we aren’t going to be energized and refreshed by big victories. We therefore have to energize and refresh one another by constantly noting who is doing the work and thanking and congratulating them. 7/7
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social Thanks, Heidi. As much as I want to reject the idea that it may take 70 years, look how long it took Germany after Hitler to recover their standing in the world as a functioning (and trustworthy) government - about 70 years now.
@heidilifeldman@mastodon.social
Thank you Heidi for facing this hard truth head on and stating the reality so clearly. We must be honest with ourselves about the magnitude of the challenge.This must have been very difficult to write.
@mastodonmigration@mastodon.online I have been mulling the thoughts I expressed for a while now. It felt good to be able to articulate them. I always feel better when I face reality, even if reality is rather grim. I’m lucky to have folks like you to share my views with.
@SueDiOh@mastodon.social @heidilifeldman@mastodon.social Spain might be a better comparison. No allied forces coming to the rescue.
Heidi Li Feldman
