I believe we would do well to recognize that a person without conscience is a person capable of anything. Clearly, for countless people, his ascension on 5 November 2024, originally elicited sorrow, anxiety, depression, horror; now, more than two months later, these may have subsided to a degree - being replaced by feelings of flatness, resignation, nameless dread, and background thoughts of impending doom. These appear to be understandable and appropriate responses to what lies ahead.
While the future is unpredictable, trends can easily be foreseen. Trump's initiatives, already laid out in his campaign, will be based on what Riane Eisler has called the dominator-model. We will likely see an exponential expansion of hubris and arrogance, of racism and white supremacy, of intolerance, extremism, xenophobia, and chauvinism - and of oligarchy, and blunt kleptocracy. International relations can be expected to worsen, and given the belligerence of the American right-wing, to become enflamed.
Emboldened supporters' exuberant comments on social media, already offer a clear sense of where we are heading.
Major news outlets have reported social media messages aimed at black readers in Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia. Michigan and elsewhere, which read:
"You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 12 pm sharp with your belongings. Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van. Be prepared to be searched down once you've entered the plantation."
More triumphalism:
The gloating social media post from a well-known far-right political pundit, adapting the feminist meme, "My body, My Choice" proclaims: "Your body, My choice" has gone viral; meanwhile, women are reporting a rise in online abuse since the presidential election.
Once Pandora's box has been opened, the demons will only grow larger and more threatening. Do not expect them to return to their prior abode.
To repeat: Donald Trump has been very clear about where he is coming from.
From the BBC:
"President Donald Trump deployed the epithet against mainstream US media outlets that he sees as hostile.
"'The FAKE NEWS media (failing New York Times, NBC News, ABC, CBS, CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!' he wrote on Twitter.
"The US president's use of 'enemies of the people' raises unavoidable echoes of some of history's most murderous dictators."
Beginning January 20th
I can imagine two scenarios. In the first Trump will initially try to appear reasonable, even conciliatory. The media will continue "sane-washing" and "safe-washing" what he says and does. Alternately: out of the gate his administration - high on hubris - will feel entitled to demonstrate that they can do exactly as they please.
There may be a honeymoon period with the new president saying words about national unity, etc. It will not last. In time he and his policies will be fiercely questioned - something he cannot tolerate. His lies and mendacity will be confronted - and this is almost certainly something he will not abide. Over time the situation will deteriorate. Confrontations are likely to escalate.
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