Chapter 1: The Roots of Political Tyranny

Recently, I came across an article by Sidra Owens, host of The Wicked Orchard, titled “Donald Trump is a Real-Life Freddy Krueger.” In this piece, Owens remarked, “Since I have heard no credible reason why Trump was allowed to do the nonsense he did.” To unpack this, I turn to Merriam-Webster, which defines “credible” as “offering reasonable grounds for being believed,” and “reasonable” as “a statement offered in explanation or justification.” To grasp our current political landscape, it’s crucial to delve into history, as understanding the past illuminates the present and future. This clarity is not inherently positive or negative—it is subjective based on who benefits and who suffers.

The history of racial politics in the U.S. is laden with complexity. During and after the era of overt slavery, when Democrats held power, black individuals achieved the right to vote, prompting a backlash from white racists who sought to undermine that progress. At that time, many black citizens aimed to support the Republican Party, which was then seen as a fresh option despite being derided as the “upset party.” Sound familiar?

White supremacist politicians feared losing their grip on power and propagated the idea that black citizens posed a threat to their livelihoods. They demonized black individuals and their allies, while also appealing to indifferent white voters who were led to believe that their economic stability depended on voting Democratic. This fear-mongering resulted in a significant number of white voters casting ballots for Democrats, despite many Republicans gaining traction.

The narrative of political parties has oscillated over time. As Republicans initially emerged as the anti-slavery party, they eventually participated in the cycle of tyranny. Both major parties sought to eliminate competition, fearing the rise of third parties that could threaten their dominance. As time progressed, the influx of big donor money further complicated matters, corrupting both parties and intertwining their interests with those of powerful corporations.

When the Military Industrial Complex solidified its influence in politics, President Eisenhower warned of this corruption—but his caution went unheeded. Politicians became increasingly motivated by wealth and power, leading to a shift in party dynamics. The Southern Strategy, designed to suppress dissenting voices, took root, and the political landscape transformed dramatically.

Introduction to Tyranny | The Politics of Tyranny - YouTube

In the years that followed, significant political shifts occurred. The transition from Democrats to Republicans was marked by the rise of Ronald Reagan and the implementation of “Trickle Down Economics.” This economic policy aimed to benefit the wealthy, while simultaneously ensuring that minorities remained marginalized. The strategy to keep black individuals from achieving economic mobility was a continuation of the Southern Strategy, which had been in place for decades.

Chapter 2: The Role of Law and Order in Political Control

With the rise of Bill Clinton, the introduction of the three-strikes rule disproportionately affected minorities, despite the fact that white individuals were statistically more likely to use drugs. This unjust targeting of minorities contributed to a massive increase in incarceration rates, further entrenching systemic racism within the legal system.

Tyranny of the Minority: An Urgent Call to Reform our Politics - YouTube

As political landscapes shifted, individuals like Donald Trump emerged from the chaos, embodying the culmination of fear, hate, and tribalism that had been brewing for years. His campaign was marked by inflammatory rhetoric aimed at marginalized communities, which resonated with a faction of voters who felt threatened by demographic changes.

Trump’s rise was not just a reaction to Obama’s presidency but rather a culmination of years of racial and economic tensions. His ability to manipulate media narratives and garner support from disillusioned voters revealed the deep-seated divisions within American society.

In conclusion, to prevent individuals like Trump from gaining power again, voters must confront their own biases and reconsider their political affiliations. The cycle of corruption and fear must be broken, or else history will continue to repeat itself.