A free press is one of the major pillars sustaining the democracy guaranteed by the United States Constitution. The Constitution’s First Amendment guarantees freedom of expression to citizens.
There are, however, certain ethical limitations, including what may be legally construed as libel or defamation, such as ad hominem attacks denigrating or casting aspersions on an individual person rather than addressing ideals, opinions, or political stance. The recent indictment of ex-president Donald Trump is based on solid factual information of alleged illegal and treacherous transgressions, not the political conspiracies propounded by his MAGA fanatics. Multiple accusations were determined through proper investigation by a special prosecutor appointed by the Department of Justice. It is not, as many of his followers decry, a political ploy, but rather a listing of Trump’s actions that put our nation’s very existence in extreme jeopardy. His acts were carefully scrutinized and the arraignment resulted from overt legal probable cause. A jury trial will either prove Trump’s criminality and traitorous acts or his legal representation will disprove said acts. A presiding judge would ensure the trial follows the rule of law, as guaranteed to all citizens.
Considering bewildering media coverage, it is incumbent upon citizens to discern between factual media reporting and opinion or punditry. The latter abounds with both negative and positive views, but bare facts persist. Dedicated attorneys specialize in criminal law to either prosecute for the government or defend indicted individuals and organizations while abiding by constitutional regulations. Some become proficient and become exemplary career law practitioners. We can all learn from such professionals.
Unless educated and specializing in criminal law or constitutional history, it would seem ludicrous for individuals proficient in different vocations, such as janitorial services, real estate, or other such specialties to cast personal aspersions on professionally reputable and experienced attorneys. These specialists are to be commended, but unless educated and experts in American law or history, it would behoove them to remain within their area of expertise. Opinions are appreciated, but personal disparagement constitutes impropriety.
One witnesses such behavior when a child throws a tantrum when refused candy by a parent, or when Donald Trump and his MAGA flock deflect from the ex-president’s legal troubles by disrespecting his former appointees and the Department of Justice. The integrity of our democracy deeply depends on upholding the law and supporting the institutions created for their enforcement and guaranteeing our domestic and international wellbeing.
To understand the need to maintain our freedoms and democracy, we must be aware of social trends causing divisiveness among Americans. There are some misguided, greedy, power-lusting individuals who would readily impose oligarchic autocracy on America. Some blurt terms like “Marxism,” “woke,” “weaponization,” “socialist,” and “fascism” – words bandied about, misused as disparagements, and grossly misunderstood. The latter needs clarification, as historically there have only been two governments that near fascism’s definition: Italy and Germany between World War I and the end of World War II.
Social psychologist Gustave Le Bon’s book, “The Crowd” described how, regardless of individuals’ intelligence, once a person joins a crowd, their average intelligence degrades to a point where they can be easily manipulated by slogan-mongers to act or think in ways they would otherwise not do alone, much like MAGA fans or the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrectionists.
The 20th century introduced a less elitist, more populist society, in which the power of politics depended less on expertise or education, but used the support of crowds of everyday people who could be easily swayed by demagogues. When individuals submit to crowd mentality, they lose the ability to think for themselves.
Mendacious manipulators know truth is not required to influence crowds. The crowd falls in line to illusions and anyone opposing those illusions are considered a foe. Their leaders tell the crowd what they want to hear and facts become insignificant. The truth means little if the crowd hears chants and slogans that excite them, like “witch hunt” or “fake news.”
Another influencer of crowd politics was French social philosopher Georges Sorel, who advocated violence and myth. The very idea of “Make America Great Again” appeals to a fictional past, a myth that MAGA followers rail about as they cheer for their leader. Trump has excelled at manipulating groups of non-thinkers, as evinced by the 2021 insurrection or the recent bevy of Laredoan flag-wavers on McPherson Road. Benito Mussolini used the myth of returning Italy to the greatness of a utopian Roman Empire, a fascism that resulted in Italy’s World War II defeat. His propaganda convinced Italians to yearn for ancient Rome much like Trump’s motto “Make America Great Again,” both based on fabrications and void of truth.
This myth is a passion for nationalism unattached to reality that subordinates everything else, including democracy. Fascism overrides all moral and ethical codes. The mob shouts and does whatever is necessary to subjugate individuals’ freedoms, and individuals’ rights become subservient to the needs of the state. This contradicts the tradition that the United States is a democratic republic with a diverse multi-ethnic citizenry.
Americans must be aware that a populist movement, if not deterred by the “rule of the people,” historically leads to totalitarian rule without political opposition. Democracy requires constant vigilance and active participation by citizens who freely vote to guarantee election of responsible leadership of proven integrity.
The crowds attending the various Fourth of July celebrations in the City are happy to celebrate the freedoms enshrined in our democracy. VOTING is how we keep that democracy working for all Americans. VOTING is how we keep our freedoms. And VOTING is how we thank the brave men and women, and their families, who have sacrificed so much to keep this democracy alive.