The responsibility for government shutdown needs to be assigned to both President Trump and his enabler Sen. Mitch McConnell. Moreover, it is not about a wall but rather a battle between protecting our democracy or enabling fascism.
If Congress were to submit to Trump’s ultimatum to fund his wall, it would be a severe blow to the Constitution and our democratic form of government. If this sounds like hyperbole, check out former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s latest book “Fascism: A Warning.” What are the signs of fascism that Albright identifies? First, an autocrat who believes he is the ultimate authority on all subjects. Second, a populist leader with a cult-like following. Third, attacks on and attempts to silence free press. Fourth, the emasculation of the authority of democratically elected legislatures. Fifth, discrediting and taking over the courts. Without doubt, the first three conditions already apply.
McConnell’s blockage of Senate votes and congressional Republicans’ fear of challenging Trump are enabling the fourth condition. Their success blocking Democrat judicial appointments and approval of countless ideological jurists could well lead to the fifth condition.
Tom Cooke, Oakland
