It is now time for the press to use the “F-word” for Donald Trump and his administration. That “F-word” is fascism.
Based on overwhelming evidence, this presidency meets the very definition of a fascist takeover — literally. This is not hyperbole. Trump has issued gag orders to silence several targeted federal institutions, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Human Services, and even the National Park Service. That’s right: the President of the United States has single-handedly silenced American taxpayer-funded federal agencies from sharing demonstrable and provable scientific facts with the tax-paying public.
This is fascism, plain and simple. That’s a fact — not an opinion. In his inauguration speech, Trump announced that our educational system leaves our students “deprived of all knowledge.” So what’s next? Will the President silence the Department of Education? Or will state governors simply issue gag orders to prevent schools and teachers from teaching politically uncomfortable or inconvenient scientific facts to our “deprived” students?
Is the press really going to just pretend that this fascism does not exist in our federal government as its president actively works to delegitimize, subvert, and destroy our most cherished democratic institutions, such as freedom of the press, public education, environmental protections, voting rights, the United Nations, and even the intelligence of the CIA?
The President of the United States, and the fascist takeover he represents, is a direct threat and a clear and present danger to American democracy. It’s time for the press to do their job and speak truth to power. While Trump appears to pride himself on being “politically incorrect,” the legitimate press must not be afraid to be politically correct and call a spade a spade. Be polite, don’t be rude, but speak the truth. Present the facts – not the alt-facts. And don’t be afraid to use the “F-word.”
Joseph Jabonaski
Athol