Strongmen

 I finished reading "Strongmen" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat. This is an excellent book.

Ruth does an excellent job of presenting the consequences of authoritarian rule. She talks about what various autocrats had in common, how they rose to power and what the consequences of their rules were for the countries they ruled and the people of those countries.

Needless to say, they all brought misery - abuse and death - to the people. They all used similar tools to stay in power. They all stole from the people. They all betrayed their countries.

What these men had in common is pathetic. These were not "strong" people. They were ruthless people who wheedled their way into power and then totally abused their office.

They don't appear particularly intelligent. In fact, they appear fragile - they can't tolerate criticism or disagreement.

They all abuse and denigrate women. They perpetuate lies and persecute minorities.

Their followers are cultists. Their followers engage in violence and seem driven by hate.

On page 266, she writes, "What happens in a bipartisan system when one of the two parties turns toward autocracy?"

This is a question particularly pertinent to those of us living in the United States.

Donald Trump has yet to be held accountable for any of his many crimes and treasons and the Republican Party seems hell bent on destroying our electoral system, weakening our government and pursuing autocracy/fascism.

Merrick Garland and Christopher Wray appear to be enabling Trump rather than protecting the United States.

Holy Moly!