Donald Trump declares his intentions with a clarity that chills the bone. His vision is one of dominion, of a reign where the levers of power serve not the masses of the American people, but the throne. He dreams of a realm where the Justice Department morphs into a political weapon, a tool to smite foes, shield allies, and himself from his own crimes. ...crimes which are supported by overwhelming physical evidence, continuing to be judged in courtrooms. Trump's vision is no mere shift in the American way of life; it's a seismic upheaval, a radical reimagining of the American landscape into something that resembles what is seen in the most repressive and unpleasant-to-live-in nations of the world.

Further, with Trump there's been a terrifying rise in the involvement of military-like militias within the Republican organization, both at local and, at times, state levels. These militias are not just passive participants; they are actively engaged in the party's functions, from providing security at events to having a say in party decisions. In Michigan, for instance, militias have even stepped forward to propose legislation. Photographs capturing moments between militia members and Republican organization officials are becoming increasingly common, inadvertently normalizing their role. Alarmingly, these militias are also being deployed to intimidate fellow Republicans who do not align with certain extremist viewpoints. This tactic is not just about exerting influence; it's a direct threat to the principles of democracy.

What's particularly concerning is that this is the observable pattern that precedes the out-of-control escalation of political violence in other nations. This pattern begins with the dehumanization of certain groups or individuals, a phase America is alarmingly deep into. Trump referring to fellow Americans - progressives - as “vermin” to be “rooted out” and talk of building massive detention camps to concentrate large numbers of immigrants and anyone else that Trump feels should be "rooted out" from society. Manifestations of this frightening “Trump mindset” include rampant misogyny, racial slurs, and egregious accusations like labeling Democrats as "groomers" or equating them with pedophiles.

This Trump tactic of dehumanization sets the stage for the next disturbing phase: normalizing violence against those who have been dehumanized. This is evident in the actions of some GOP candidates, who are increasingly seen posing with firearms. Notable examples include Rep. Thomas Massie's family Christmas photo and Eric Greitens's advertisements that metaphorically speak of hunting and killing 'RINOs' (Republicans in Name Only). This rhetoric and imagery are not limited to attacks on dissenting Republicans but extend to Democrats as well. Such actions contribute to a dangerous narrative that it's not only acceptable, but even commendable, to harm those deemed as 'opponents' because of their supposed 'crime' of thinking differently.

Listening to Trump’s campaign speeches, as well as Fox, One America and Newsmax "News", one hears a methodical radicalization of the Republican electorate by being told, in an endless loop, wild and simplistic conspiracy theories. For instance, that “Leftists are deliberately trying to destroy America because they hate America.”

The proliferation of dangerous conspiracy theories within the right-wing media echo chamber has created a situation where consumers are immersed in a fictitious world. The prevalence of baseless claims, such as the "Great Replacement Theory" which alleges a liberal plot to replace white Americans with foreigners to undermine and control America, is helping to foment dangerous political violence. This alarming narrative is often presented under the banner of "news," despite the lack of any physical and non-spectral evidence to support such beliefs. Instead, these theories gain traction simply through repeated endorsement by certain right-wing media personalities, who may be either unethical or detached from reality themselves.
   
Looking at other nations that have succumbed to severe political violence throughout history, scholars are ringing the alarm bells that it's clear that these are not just isolated incidents but strengthening trendlines of a grave trajectory. And worryingly, the United States seems to be significantly far along this path.

Under the Trump era, the U.S. is moving toward a kind of nationalist, anti-intellectual proto-fascism, regressing to a much earlier and primitive period of human civilization. According to Freedom House, the U.S. has been one of the top 25 countries on the fastest downward trajectories.

Further, in a grave affront to the foundational values of democracy, Trump engaged in an unremitting assault on the sacrosanct tradition of a peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. His actions constituted a dire threat to the core principles of American democratic governance. By inciting an armed insurrection aimed at disrupting the constitutionally mandated peaceful succession of presidential authority to President-elect Biden, Trump not only undermined the very fabric of constitutional order but also, in doing so, disqualified himself, in our view, from future office under the stringent, and originalist, provisions of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.

This alarming and unprecedented challenge to democracy represents a pivotal moment in world history, underscoring the fragility of democratic institutions and the urgent need to defend them against such threats. It's for all of these reasons why BlueVote.org is going "full-tilt" in 2024. We are doing everything we can to take the U.S. off this terrifying and dangerous trajectory, and we urgently need your help!