First immigrants, then the rest of us
Shocked by the latest political events? Don’t be. They come from an old playbook for authoritarianism. If you don’t believe me, read “Umberto Eco’s Guide to Fascism.” Here are the basic (not all) tools of the guide: campaign on fear and lies; divide people in order to rule; ban critical press as enemies of the state; take control of judiciary; limit freedom of assembly; distort the truth, deny facts, and blatantly lie; initiate proposals that provoke outrage as a smokescreen for legislation that dismantles democracy; paint immigrants, women and minorities as threats; rewrite history and control education; alienate foreign allies and partners; manipulate the electoral system.
So, what can we do? Wake up and reflect on the rights that are important to you. Here is my list: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom to petition your government, the right to due process.
Everyone deserves democratic human rights. If our constitutional rights don’t protect immigrants, then they will not protect you. If we don’t stop this, we will all pay the price. Now, it’s immigrants, next it’s citizens.
Judith Pederson-Benn