Americans made their choice for president, and they have chosen political fascism and religious fundamentalism.
Former President Donald J. Trump is now the president-elect, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. In addition, Republicans have taken control of the Senate and currently lead the count in the House of Representatives.
Suggesting America chose political fascism and religious fundamentalism is a bold claim, but the evidence seems very clear.
Former Marine General and Trump Chief of Staff John Kelly said the president-elect fits “into the general definition of fascist” and spoke highly of Adolph Hitler during his first term. In addition, Kelly told the New York Times Trump “certainly prefers the dictator approach to government.”
Former Trump Defense Secretary James Mattis agreed with journalist Bob Woodward’s assessment of Trump as a “unique and menacing threat” to the country. General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who served under the president-elect, called Trump “the most dangerous person ever.”
Why would three former generals who closely worked with Trump refer to the president-elect as a fascist, dictator and dangerous person? Again, take into account the evidence.
Americans chose Trump after the following:
Trump enacted his Muslim ban.
Trump said there were “fine people on both sides” after Neo-Nazis rallied at the University of Virginia.
Trump enacted tax breaks for his billionaire allies.
Trump fumbled the response to COVID-19 and offered misinformation, leading to over a million U.S. deaths.
Trump condemned marches across the country responding to the death of George Floyd, even turning federal law enforcement on peaceful protestors in Lafayette Square to get a photo op while holding a Bible.
Trump appointed three Supreme Court Justices that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, leaving millions of women at risk.
Trump encouraged supporters on January 6, 2021, to “fight like hell” as they made their way to the U.S. to violently stop the certification of a free and fair presidential election.
During this election, Trump used racist remarks to describe immigrants, homophobic lines referring to people in the LGBTQ community, admirable language to describe dictators, hateful and vulgar terminology to describe his political opponents, and lies upon lies anytime he opened his mouth.
As an admirer of Adolf Hitler, Trump followed Hitler’s strategy precisely: “If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.”
After all this and more, Americans decided they wanted more of Trump.
This time, however, Trump will have no guardrails. He will claim this election as a mandate for his ideology and policies — and apparently, he will be correct.
Moving forward, his administration will quickly attempt to implement Project 2025, which would centralize power to the executive branch and reduce the influence of agency experts.
With support from Congress, a potential federal abortion ban is now a reality.
Energized by the election, the U.S. Supreme Court could repeal other precedents, such as marriage equality and other settled laws.
The Department of Education is on the chopping block as privatizers lobby for federal funding of sectarian education. In addition, public education will receive less funding, with Christian nationalism moving into American classrooms.
Foreign policy will favor dictators, as Russian President Vladimir Putin will be given the green light to increase aggression against Ukraine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will receive greater support for more attacks against Palestinians.
America will no longer be seen as a global leader but as an isolationist country flirting with political fascism.
In addition to all of this and more, Trump and his colleagues will continue to move the country further toward authoritarianism.
Democracy is not dead yet, but it is on life support.
The truth persists that America has chosen darkness, filled with fear and trepidation. I do not condemn my fellow citizens for those feelings, but moving forward, I will hold them accountable for the decision that was made in response.
What can people of good faith do now that political fascism and religious fundamentalism are taking the helm of our federal government?
The resistance begins today!
Do not disengage. We need people of good faith to stay engaged. Today is a more critical time than yesterday; therefore, we need everyone’s participation.
Continue to educate those around you with facts and truth. While lies and misinformation prevailed yesterday, history has a way of revealing the truth, and the truth will eventually set us free.
Get involved in your local government and schools, both of which are currently in the crosshairs of political fascism and religious fundamentalism. Our country goes as our localities and public schools go.
For people practicing a faith tradition, do not give up on faith. Faith at its best calls people to their better angels. People of faith can and must do better.
For those in the Christian tradition, I know it feels like Friday now, but in the words of Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, “Sunday’s coming!” Keep being Jesus-type of people, for this is one commitment I am not willing to concede to religious fundamentalism.
Stand up, speak out, and step forward for marginalized communities. Building coalitions to collaborate on social justice will be essential to a future filled with justice and hope. We cannot be silent, and we cannot sit down.
Finally, support organizations committed to resisting political fascism and religious fundamentalism. Share information and give generously.
Good Faith Media is committed to resisting political fascism and religious fundamentalism, so we welcome your support. If you don’t support us, please support another organization devoted to the resistance.
The resistance begins today, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.
The time is now.
The moment is before us.
The opportunity is extended.
My column ended yesterday by saying we are creating the democracy we deserve. That statement remains true.
