Why Civic Engagement Is Urgent in Today’s America
On January 6, 2021, the world watched as the United States Capitol was stormed by individuals seeking to overturn the results of a democratic election. This event marked a disturbing shift in our political landscape, and recent developments suggest we might be heading toward a repeat of such unrest. The proliferation of misinformation, violence, and unprecedented actions by political leaders and their supporters has created an atmosphere many Americans never imagined possible. (You can still find some of these videos online.)
The North County Resistance firmly rejects violence as a means of political change. Instead, we champion peaceful protest and civic participation as the foundation of a functioning democracy. Our group welcomes all who believe in the principles of democracy. We honor our veterans, uphold honesty, and support due process for all, regardless of race or background. Yet, we observe a troubling erosion of the rule of law and a lack of empathy for working families. The future of social services is uncertain, and many feel betrayed by a government that seems increasingly disconnected from the needs of its citizens.
To better understand the gravity of our situation, it is essential to examine the characteristics of fascism, as outlined by ideologyfinder.com:
Key Characteristics of Fascism and Their Parallels in Today’s America
1. Authoritarian Leadership: Fascist regimes are defined by a single leader who wields absolute power, often presented as the nation’s savior. For example, Donald Trump’s repeated claims of being the only one who can “fix” America and his efforts to undermine electoral processes—such as pressuring state officials to overturn legitimate election results—reflect this authoritarian tendency.
2. Extreme Nationalism: Fascism elevates the nation or race above individuals, fueling aggressive policies and xenophobia. The “America First” agenda has led to policies that target immigrants and minorities, exemplified by the travel bans on predominantly Muslim countries and the harsh rhetoric against migrant caravans, fostering division and a sense of superiority among supporters.
3. Suppression of Opposition: Violence, censorship, and propaganda are used to silence dissent. We saw this on January 6, when violent mobs attempted to intimidate lawmakers and halt the certification of election results. Additionally, the spread of disinformation on social media and attacks on journalists have created a hostile environment for those who challenge the prevailing narrative.
4. Regimentation of Society: Fascist governments seek control over the economy, education, and media. Recent attempts to ban books in schools, restrict curriculum on topics like race and history, and the politicization of public health measures during the pandemic mirror efforts to enforce conformity and suppress critical thought.
5. Militarism: The glorification of military strength is a hallmark of fascism. The deployment of federal agents against peaceful protesters in cities like Portland, Oregon, and the calls to use the military to “dominate” protestors reflect a dangerous embrace of militaristic solutions to civil unrest.
Given these clear parallels, it is imperative that we resist the normalization of such fascist traits in our society. We must continue to engage in peaceful protests and civic action. Join us every Saturday from noon to 2 PM—most often in Nehalem, and for larger demonstrations in Manzanita. If you cannot attend, please write letters to elected officials at every level, expressing your concerns about the erosion of our democracy. Let our leaders know that their actions are being watched, and that the American people demand accountability and respect for democratic norms.
The recent release of individuals convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot is a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat to our democracy. Watching these events unfold is both sickening and frightening, but it is also a call to action. Civic-minded Americans must stand together, peacefully and persistently, to safeguard the values that define our nation.
Thankyou,
Patty Rinehart
