Per earlier observations about "1984," it's a good reminder that Trumpism is nothing like it. The Inner Party is smart, ruthless, disciplined, fanatical about holding and exercising power. Trumpism is just a bunch of clowns around a would-be caudillo.
But.
/1
But.
/1
There are two parts of "1984" that should give us pause now. There is no Inner or Outer Party, but the masses are becoming more, rather than less, like Orwell's proles. It's creepy to read Orwell's description now and realize it's too on the nose in 2019. That's on us. /2
And while there is no "O'Brien" in Trumpism - they're all too stupid or too venal ever to approach that kind of clear-eyed ruthlessness - there are people in this GOP who think that power should be exercised for its own sake by a small group. McConnell and Barr come to mind. /3
That's what made O'Brien terrifying. He didn't really care about politics. He was clear about power for its own sake, so that a small group could rule a large group forever. This idea of power as an abstract good is now rooted in this GOP. /4
And Winston was right that human nature itself defeats totalitarians. O'Brien was wrong that human beings are totally malleable and can be reshaped at will. But the ability to sway people away from positivism and insert manufactured reality? More of a problem now than ever. /5
So, stop using terms like fascism about Trump. It's silly. There's no mass party, no vanguard, no ideology, no state power like the 1930s. Federalism and open communications work.
But the proles believing we are war with Eastasia while a small group holds power? Hmm. /6x
But the proles believing we are war with Eastasia while a small group holds power? Hmm. /6x
