Today is the 80th anniversary of D-Day (the D was actually just a placeholder that has no actual meaning); when over 300,000 Allied troops stormed the beach at Normandy, France. It is considered to be the pivotal attack that led to the defeat of fascism in Europe. 80 years later, we continue to fight against fascism. I wonder what those who served in WWI and II think about that? The history of fascism is complicated; it is diverse and multi-faceted. It is a multi-faceted movement based on ideologies of racial identity, economics, religion, and imperialism; fascism arises when people are afraid of change and loss of power and dominance in the place they believe belongs to them. Democracy is and always has been a fragile institution. Democracy must be carefully nurtured and protected. If it isn’t, fascism moves right on in and takes over.
I have been astounded, shocked, and perturbed by the number of interviews and reports of Americans praising fascists. Vladimir Putin is the one most lauded; a growing number of so-called patriots wish that America could be more like Russia. The fact that Putin is waging a vicious war against Ukraine matters little to them; in fact, they don’t believe we should be supporting Ukraine at all! These same people support Kim of N. Korea and Xi Jinping of China; they like “strong” leaders who can do whatever they want. This is how fascism begins; it happens in difficult times – when fear matters more than reason – when diversity becomes a dirty word. Fascists attack anyone who seems to be a threat, including women, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and ethnic minorities. They yearn for simpler times when roles were clearly defined, and power rested in their control.
When asked outside of Independence Hall during the 1787 Constitutional Congress if America was to be a republic or a monarchy, Benjamin Franklin famously said, “A republic, if you can keep it.” And while the idea that some of the founders wanted George Washington to be king was greatly exaggerated, it was an undercurrent. A number of his advisers believed that we should have an elected Congress led by a benevolent monarch; Washington wisely quashed that idea. Still, like religious fundamentalism, fascism allows for easy answers and unanimity of purpose. It gives the majority absolute control and viciously punishes dissent. Like cancer cells, fascism marches in lockstep, destroying everything it can. Democracy can be like herding cats. Democracy needs attention.
This is why we must continue to form and reform ourselves with our democratic values that are based on equality, diversity, and the protection of those in the minority. The Constitution is an imperfect document created for an imperfect people, but as Winston Churchill said, “Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…” Too true, Winston. Too true.
Prayer – Holy God, keep us vigilant as we protect those in danger of fascism, so that all may be given equal rights. Amen.
Today’s art is an illustration of Benito Mussolini leading fascist Blackshirts.