The sound you hear is the illusion of American exceptionalism going pop. Turns out, we are as easily seduced by the allure of strongman populism as countless countries before us. It feels fresh but this is an old tired recipe.
The promise of protection against the “other.” A self-righteous but one-sided morality. A harkening to some muscular and glorious past. Add in an emasculated judiciary, discredited press and cowled populace, and we’re there.
We could be Argentina, Turkey, Hungary … even Iran and Russia. What’s coming next, the knock in the night, show trials, dark prisons and labor camps?
What made America exceptional was its enduring democracy, a melting pot tolerance and diversity, freedom of speech and from fear. We’re giving all that up and probably will never get it back. So sad.
John Meyer
Cheverly, Md.