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The first-known photograph of the White House, by John Plumbe, Jr. Library of Congress via The White House Historical Association Continue reading The White House Was, in Fact, Built by Slaves →

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In this post, I’ll walk through the 11 pillars of fascism — as defined by historians and political theorists — and provide concrete proof points that show how each one is manifesting under the Trump administration.

These are not hypotheticals. These are happening now.

Let’s get into it.

1. Authoritarianism: Centralized Power and Suppression of Dissent

Fascist Pattern: Consolidation of power by a single leader or ruling party, often accompanied by the suppression of opposition and the erosion of checks and balances.

Proof Points:

• Retaliation Against Legal Professionals: The Trump administration has targeted law firms representing political opponents, revoking security clearances and initiating investigations, thereby undermining the independence of the legal system.1
• Utilization of the Alien Enemies Act: The administration invoked this rarely used act to deport individuals without due process, exemplifying authoritarian overreach.2
• Project 2025: A comprehensive plan by The Heritage Foundation aiming to consolidate executive power and replace civil servants with loyalists, effectively dismantling the administrative state.3

2. Ultra-nationalism: Elevating the Nation Above All

Fascist Pattern: Promoting a sense of national superiority, often at the expense of marginalized groups and international cooperation.

Proof Points:

• “America First” Policies: The administration’s rhetoric and policies prioritize national interests, leading to strained international relations and the alienation of allies.
• Immigration Crackdowns: Aggressive deportation strategies, including the deportation of individuals to countries where they face persecution, reflect a disregard for international human rights norms.

3. Militarism and Violence: Glorification of Strength and Force

Fascist Pattern: Emphasizing military power and the use of violence to achieve political ends.

Proof Points:

• Deployment of Federal Forces Against Protesters: The use of federal agencies to suppress domestic protests demonstrates a militaristic approach to civil dissent.
• Advocacy for Harsh Law Enforcement Measures: Endorsements of aggressive policing tactics and the pardoning of officials convicted of violent actions signal an acceptance of violence within governance.

4. Scapegoating and Propaganda: Blaming ‘The Other’

Fascist Pattern: Attributing national problems to specific groups, often minorities, to divert attention from governmental shortcomings.

Proof Points:

• Targeting of Immigrants: Labeling migrants as criminals or terrorists without substantial evidence, leading to policies like mass deportations to dangerous environments.4
• Discrediting of Media Outlets: Frequent accusations of “fake news” aimed at undermining the credibility of independent journalism.

5. Anti-democracy and Anti-liberalism: Undermining Democratic Institutions

Fascist Pattern: Erosion of democratic norms and institutions, often through the delegitimization of electoral processes and the judiciary.

Proof Points:

• Challenging Election Legitimacy: Persistent claims of electoral fraud without evidence, aiming to erode public trust in democratic processes.
• Defiance of Court Orders: Ignoring or circumventing judicial rulings, such as the refusal to comply with orders to return wrongfully deported individuals.5

6. Cult of Personality: Elevating the Leader

Fascist Pattern: Creating an idealized and heroic image of the leader, often demanding unwavering loyalty.

Proof Points:

• Personalization of Political Power: The leader’s name and image are prominently used in political campaigns and government communications, emphasizing personal loyalty over institutional allegiance.
• Attacks on Critics: Public denunciations and threats against political opponents, former allies, and dissenting voices within the administration.6

7. Control of Information: Censorship and Manipulation

Fascist Pattern: Manipulating or controlling media and information to suppress dissent and promote the regime’s narrative.

Proof Points:

• Defunding Independent Media: Cutting funds to organizations like Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, jeopardizing journalistic independence.7
• Surveillance of Journalists: Implementing measures that intimidate and suppress investigative journalism.

8. Suppression of Unions and Dissent: Silencing Opposition

Fascist Pattern: Cracking down on labor movements and any form of organized opposition.

Proof Points:

• Targeting Academic Institutions: Freezing federal funds to universities like Cornell and Northwestern under the guise of addressing campus protests, thereby stifling academic freedom.8
• Executive Orders Against Law Firms: Issuing directives that penalize law firms perceived as oppositional, undermining the right to legal representation.9

9. Corporatism / Crony Capitalism: Favoring Loyal Businesses

Fascist Pattern: Economic power is consolidated among favored corporations that align with the state, undermining fair competition.

Proof Points:

• Preferential Treatment for Allies: The administration has implemented policies that benefit certain businesses, often those with political connections, while sidelining competitors.
• Tariff Policies Impacting Small Businesses: The imposition of tariffs under the guise of national security has disproportionately affected small businesses, while larger corporations with government ties have navigated these challenges more effectively.10

10. Sexism and Gender Control: Enforcing Traditional Roles

Fascist Pattern: Traditional gender roles are aggressively enforced, with policies that marginalize women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Proof Points:

• Executive Orders Limiting Gender Recognition: The administration has issued orders defining sex strictly as male or female based on biological characteristics, effectively erasing recognition of transgender and non-binary identities.11
• Restrictions on Gender-Affirming Care: Policies have been enacted to limit or prohibit gender-affirming care, particularly for minors, framing such care as harmful despite medical consensus on its benefits.12

11. Fear as a Tool: Maintaining Control Through Anxiety

Fascist Pattern: A constant state of crisis is maintained to justify authoritarian measures and suppress dissent.

Proof Points:

• Use of Emergency Powers for Trade Policies: The administration has invoked emergency powers to implement trade policies, such as tariffs, under the pretext of national security threats, fostering a climate of fear and uncertainty.13
• Rhetoric Targeting Marginalized Groups: Public statements and policies have often portrayed immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals as threats to societal values, fueling fear and justifying restrictive measures.14

These examples, which don’t include any presidential actions, illustrate a troubling alignment with the core aspects of fascism.

It’s imperative to remain vigilant and advocate for democratic principles and human rights.

Source: pathfinderchronicles.com

On October 24, 1892, between 2,000 and 3,000 members of the Triple Alliance struck to win a 10-hour work day, overtime pay, and the preferential union shop. The Amalgamated Council wholeheartedly supported them.^[3]

The New Orleans Board of Trade, representing financial and commercial interests, appointed a committee to make decisions for the employers.^[3] The four main railways that served the city and the large cotton, sugar and rice commodity exchanges pledged their support for the Board of Trade. They helped raise a defense fund and asked the state governor to send in the militia to help break the strike. No negotiations took place during the first week.^{[citation needed]}

Employers utilized race-based appeals to try to divide the workers and turn the public against the strikers. The board of trade announced it would sign contracts agreeing to the terms—but only with the white-dominated Scalesmen and Packers unions. The Board of Trade refused to sign any contract with the black-dominated Teamsters.^[1] The Board of Trade and the city’s newspapers also began a campaign designed to create public hysteria. The newspapers ran lurid accounts of “mobs of brutal Negro strikers” rampaging through the streets, of African American unionists “beating up all who attempted to interfere with them,” and repeated accounts of crowds of blacks assaulting lone white men and women.^[4]

The striking workers refused to break ranks along racial lines. Large majorities of the Scalesmen and Packers unions passed resolutions affirming their commitment to stay out until the employers had signed a contract with the Teamsters on the same terms offered to other unions.^[1]

Source: wiki

National Food Day focuses on healthy and nutritious food and takes place annually on October 24th.

#NationalFood Day

One of the themes of the day aims to help people to “Eat Real.” This theme is defined as “cutting back on sugar drinks, overly salted packaged foods and fatty, factory-farmed meats in favor of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and sustainably raised protein.”  The observance involves some of the country’s most prominent food activists, too. Their vision includes food that can be healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced. At the same time, the goal is to produce food with care for the environment, farm animals, and the people who grow, harvest, and serve it in mind.

The movement seeks a balance between nutrition, affordability and the environment. They strive to meet these goals by consistently addressing policy. In 2012, there were 3,200 events taking place from community festivals to a national conference in Washington, D.C. to thousands of school activities. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) initiated National Food Day 2011.

The nationwide celebration of healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food is a grassroots campaign for better food policies. T

This project builds throughout the year and culminates on October 24th of each year.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FOOD DAY

Attend an event near you. Learn about healthful eating and sustainable farming. Other ways to celebrate include:

• Reading some food labels. Learn where the food you eat every day comes from, what’s in it, and more.
• Challenge yourself to try a food you’ve never eaten before.
• Plant herbs to use in your kitchen.
• Start a compost pile to use in your garden.
• Discover a healthier way to cook your favorite foods.

Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

Fair Labor Standards Act, the first act in the United States prescribing nationwide compulsory federal regulation of wages and hours, sponsored by Sen. Robert F. Wagner of New York and signed on June 14, 1938, effective October 24. The law, applying to all industries engaged in interstate commerce, established a minimum wage of 25 cents per hour for the first year, to be increased to 40 cents within seven years. No worker was obliged to work, without compensation at overtime rates, more than 44 hours a week during the first year, 42 the second year, and 40 thereafter.

Source: Britannica.com money

Image: DemocracyforAmerica.com