vice, virtues, and values
The face of American fascism is clear in just 13 short weeks. In the 140 executive orders and 5 legislative acts issued in this time Trump-Musk have established a values framework that represents the worst moments in our history. They celebrate the most destructive vices in western culture and mock its virtues.
Running through all of these actions is a cruelty that has not been seen in public life since the end of Jim Crow Rule in the south. From grotesque kidnappings to chaotic cutting of programs that feed children, this administration’s actions knowingly risk the lives and well-being of millions of people. Trump’s only standard of judgment is how much money he, his family, and friends can make. The impact of his actions on the lives of people means nothing to him.
This cruelty is directly tied to an effort to turn personal vices into public virtues. While the administration often invokes western cultural values, it is the seven classic vices, pride, greed, lust envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth that have homes in the minions of this administration. The classic virtues of trust, compassion, courage, justice, wisdom, temperance and hope are ridiculed.
Elon Musk made this clear in his claim that empathy is the “fundamental weakness of Western civilization and has been “weaponized” to create feminized public policies. This doctrine of “toxic empathy” assaults the idea that we should make judgments based on the impact of our actions on other people. Compassion for families ripped apart by immigration policies, children denied cancer treatment, and lives disrupted through capricious firings is a sign of weakness. In the views of the administration, acknowledging pain, suffering, fear, or longing is dangerous.
The assault on empathy is tied to the three most base values essential for fascism to function: fear, hatred, and vengeance. Whether talking about immigrants swarming boarders and taking jobs or transgender teens competing in swim meets endangering young women, fear and hatred are invoked to stir followers to violent actions.
Vengeance holds a prominent place, aimed at intimidating those who dare to disagree. Most recently republican senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said at a town meeting that “We are all afraid…because retaliation is real.” Revenge is wide-reaching smashing individuals and institutions.
The embrace of these vices and values by Trump’s gang is aimed at destroying the capacity for civic life. The public world requires connection, the capacity to see ourselves in others and to conceive of a common good. Trump and his efforts are designed to isolate us, to have us turn away form each other and to think only of ourselves.
Civic life also requires the freedom to think for ourselves and the freedom to think together about what kind of lives and world we want. Such freedom is the undoing of fascist power. Thus, critical thought in all forms and places is under assault.
Trump celebrated these achievements with a rally here in Michigan to mark his first one hundred days. True to form, his speech was filled with lies, insults, ridicule, hatred and dehumanizing comments. He portrayed himself as both the greatest president ever and the victim of liberal elites.
It is worth noting that in a deeply partisan country, Trump was unable to fill the roughly 3000 seats. At least an equal number of people gathered outside the community college venue to protest his fascist policies.
Holding signs and offering chants encouraging democracy, peace and justice, these demonstrations, like those of May Day, bring forth the essential values of community and care, echoing the best in our troubled history.