Donald Trump and the movement he represents are not “just” a matter of politics: They are effectively a public health crisis that touches all areas of American society and life.

These assaults on democracy and a humane society are emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological, economic, intellectual and material. Trumpism and fascism attack reality and truth, seeking to replace them with what social psychologists have described as a state of “malignant normality."

The result of these assaults is a collective state of trauma, anxiety, lack of direction and growing despair about our futures as individuals and citizens of a supposed democracy. These negative emotions are amplified by existential fears about global climate disaster, disruptive technologies such as AI, wars in multiple areas of the world, past and future pandemics and other unpredictable crises.

Fascism and authoritarianism are like opportunistic predators. They seek out societies in crisis whose dysfunction and brokenness allow them to flourish.

If Trump and his MAGA forces take back the White House, whether by fair means or foul — a once-unthinkable prospect that now seems increasingly likely — that might finally mean the end of innocence for those Americans who have deluded themselves into believing that “we are better than that."

    • Brokkr@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Umm, I’d rather wear an itchy shirt than cut off my arm. The level of discomfort is orders of magnitude different. Also, I can take off the shirt at the end of the day, but I don’t get my arm back.

      Or you’re a troll.

      • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        More like stage 4 leukemia versus a non-fatal case of malaria. The latter might not kill you outright, but it WILL take years off your life and cause you tons of misery in the process.

        Too many people out there pretending that it’s a good thing or only a slightly bad thing is the main reason why it’s always a matter of choosing the lesser evil rather than one choice ever being good.

        • Soulg@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Biden has done more good than any other president in my lifetime. I still don’t like him or want him, but to act like he’s a net negative, especially compared to Trump, is a fucking joke

          • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            Biden has done more good than any other president in my lifetime

            I didn’t know there were 7 year olds on Lemmy. Perhaps I should swear less.

            Nah, fuck that! You kids might as well get an early start 😛

        • The Snark Urge@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          If you know this, get involved. If you think you’re not cut out for politics, gaze upon the current bench and get involved.