On this week’s Fallon Forum (LISTEN HERE), Jeffrey Weiss and I take a deep dive into a piece by Chris Armitage: “We live in a Fascist nation, what now?” (Read the piece in its entirety below.)

It’s an important read. Let me know what you think. I’d also appreciate your feedback on Jeffrey’s and my analyses.

Here are my key takeaways:

1. Though he makes a strong case, I disagree (so does Jeffrey) with the author that we’ve already arrived at fascism. Sure, the threat is imminent, and existentially frightening. But pillars of resistance remain, as some leaders, institutions, and businesses show increased fortitude. Heck, maybe even Senator Chuck Schumer will grow a backbone. (Ok, that’s a stretch.)

As opposition to fascism gains strength, we see cracks in President Trump’s efforts to further erode the US Constitution and solidify one-party, dictatorial rule. We must take advantage of those cracks, the most important one being the shift away from Trump among some of those who voted for him.

2. Non-violent action is the best response to creeping authoritarianism. I’m not a pure pacifist, but in my read of history, violence is rarely the answer. WWII is an exception where, to me, a military response was the only way to stop Hitler. Otherwise, during my lifetime, in terms of foreign and domestic conflict (real and imagined), violence fails, both strategically and morally. Continue Reading →