July 13, 2020
“It Can’t Happen Here” is a 1935 political novel by American author Sinclair Lewis. The novel was published during the heyday of fascism in Europe. The novel describes the rise a demagogue who is elected President of the United States after fomenting fear and promising drastic economic and social reforms while promoting a return to patriotism and “traditional” values. After his election, the President takes complete control of the government and imposes totalitarian rule with the help of a ruthless paramilitary force, in the manner of European fascists like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. The novel’s plot centers on a journalist’s opposition and his struggle as part of a liberal rebellion.
However, eighty years later, it did happen here. And the next iteration of this concept is that the coronavirus could not happen here because we are America. We are exceptional and exempt from the laws of nature. Donald Trump decided that the coronavirus was unAmerican, was not consistent with his narrative, and decided to ignore it. His millions of minions followed him blindly, blinded by his showmanship and alternate reality.
We lost the ability a long time ago to sacrifice for the common good. We can’t even agree that their is a climate crisis, never mind do anything about it, which might include some sacrifice and changes in behavior. We are consumers locked in a consumer society. We must consume or die. However today, if we consume mindlessly, we will die. People have said it happened in New York City, but it can’t happen here. People are pointing to other counties, and saying it can’t happen here. Soon, we will be pointing at our sick, next door neighbors, and saying it can’t happen here. Like the pandemic, Donald Trump is a disease, and it did happen here.
The Spin Doctor 