In the roughly three weeks since my post on “Why America is dying,” things have continued on the same course. Trump is defying court orders, trying to annul pardons (Biden’s preemptively pardoning his inner circle was disgusting but legal), and in general playing the role of someone with absolute power. This should have been a golden opportunity for the Democrats, but their response has been inept, and their popularity has tanked. Charles Schumer declares that the Republicans’ “whole goal is to reduce taxes” as Trump imposes destructive taxes by executive decree. That’s insane both tactically and factually.
It’s an “I told you so” moment for libertarians. Give the government, and the president in particular, unlimited power, and it will eventually be turned to evil ends. But libertarians are in disarray too, and too many who call themselves by that name support Trump. The United States is in for a long stretch of bad years, even if the Democrats recapture Congress in 2026. It may fall to pieces. Parts may secede, but someone who wants to annex Canada and Greenland isn’t likely to let any territory go peacefully.
But we still aren’t at the point where people are in danger of arrest for criticizing the government. It may be economically dangerous, and the danger of violence may increase, but it’s still possible to speak out and keep speaking. The goal needs to be to win people over, and you don’t do that by calling them Fascists and Nazis. You need to convince them that they’re wrong and there’s a better way.
Explanations are important but aren’t enough. What’s necessary is to build a narrative that people can relate to. This means appealing to basic American values like freedom, equality under the law, and cooperation. I’ll admit to not having much luck at this. I’ve never been much good at persuasion, and I lack patience. Recently I posted on Nextdoor about vandalism and arson against Tesla dealers, charging stations, and owners. I pointed out that they don’t hurt Musk but endanger ordinary people in the area. This should be an issue where people can come together regardless of what they think of Trump and Musk. I got two comments, one denouncing the Republicans and the other denouncing the Democrats. What are you supposed to do?
It’s going to be a long process. Eventually writers and speakers will emerge with the talents to bring people back to better ideas. Each of us can do a little to improve the chances it will happen sooner. If we can do anything individually, it might be to encourage more discussion and less denunciation. Tell people why they’re wrong, not why they’re horrible people. Try to know what you’re talking about. Listen to people you disagree with occasionally, so you know what they’re saying and not just what others say they’re saying.
It’s a long road back, but let’s find some starting steps. It’s a project for people who don’t agree with each other on everything but know we want something more like a free society than what we’re now plummeting into. I’d have liked to post something more optimistic and uplifting, but this is the best I can do right now.