Next Comes What?

Episode: How We Survive This Mess
Host/Author: Andrea Pitzer
Release Date: November 14, 2024

Introduction

In this pivotal episode of Next Comes What?, host Andrea Pitzer delves deep into the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the United States, drawing parallels between current political climates and historical examples of strongmen. Pitzer emphasizes the urgent need for strategic planning and community resilience to counteract the potential threats posed by Donald Trump and his allies.

Historical Parallels: Authoritarians in Power

Pitzer begins by examining historical instances of authoritarian regimes to shed light on the possible trajectories of the current political landscape in the U.S.

• Nazi Germany:
  Pitzer underscores the gradual and legitimate rise of Adolf Hitler, who was appointed Chancellor in 1933 through established political channels before consolidating power through both legislative means and outright violence. She draws a direct comparison to Trump’s ascent, noting, "He came in through legitimate channels, and then used a lot of illegitimate means to gain a dictatorship" (00:17).

• Chile’s Pinochet Coup:
  Highlighting the 1973 military coup in Chile led by Augusto Pinochet, Pitzer describes the violent overthrow of President Salvador Allende, emphasizing the shock and fear tactics employed, such as the bombing of the presidential palace in Santiago (00:45).

• Vladimir Putin’s Rise:
  Pitzer discusses Putin’s strategic maneuvering, where he initially concealed his ambitions before re-emerging as an authoritarian leader, leading to significant domestic repression and international aggression (01:10).

Trump’s Authoritarian Tendencies and Rhetoric

Pitzer draws multiple parallels between Trump's political strategies and those of historical authoritarian leaders:

• Legitimate Seizure of Power:
  Similar to Hitler, Trump secured power through the electoral process, despite institutional failures that should have impeded his candidacy. Pitzer asserts, "He won an election he shouldn't have been in in the first place" (01:30).

• Rhetoric of Fear and Control:
  Pitzer notes that Trump’s language echoes that of coup leaders, with statements like "November 5th is Judgment Day" and "January 20th, 2025, is Accountability Day," which are indicative of attempts to instill fear and assert dominance beyond conventional presidential powers (02:00).

• Expanding Executive Power:
  Pitzer warns of Trump’s potential to exceed traditional presidential authority through measures like staged appointments and executive orders aimed at consolidating power, similar to actions taken by authoritarian leaders to dismantle checks and balances (02:30).

Institutional Resilience and Points of Hope

Despite the grim outlook, Pitzer identifies several areas of resilience that could mitigate the rise of authoritarianism:

1. Time for Preparation:
   Pitzer highlights the advantage of having a defined window between Trump’s inauguration and potential authoritarian actions, allowing for strategic planning and community mobilization (04:00).

2. Military Apolitical Stance:
   The U.S. military’s current stance against involvement in domestic politics serves as a counterbalance to authoritarian attempts to use military force against civilians, unlike Chile’s historical coup scenario (05:00).

3. State-Level Resistance:
   Governors in key states are beginning to take preemptive actions to protect vulnerable populations, which could serve as a model for other states to follow, thereby preventing the unchecked implementation of authoritarian policies (06:00).

4. Court System and Civil Bureaucracy:
   The independence of the judiciary and the functionality of civil institutions provide significant roadblocks against the swift enactment of abusive policies, ensuring that legal challenges can slow down or halt authoritarian measures (07:00).

5. Public and Institutional Intelligence:
   Pitzer points out that Trump and his allies lack the nuanced understanding required to maintain an authoritarian regime, creating opportunities for internal conflicts and external resistance to undermine their efforts (09:00).

Key Areas of Concern and Potential Authoritarian Actions

Pitzer delves into four critical areas where authoritarianism could manifest:

1. Immigration and Mass Deportations

• Policy Proposals:
  Trump’s administration is pushing for unprecedented mass deportations, targeting not only undocumented immigrants but also legal residents through measures like denaturalization (10:00).

• Spectacle and Fear Tactics:
  The administration’s approach is designed to create public terror through highly visible deportation efforts, reminiscent of concentration camp dynamics (10:45).

• Impact on Families:
  With over 22 million people in mixed-status families, mass deportations could lead to widespread family separations and social destabilization (11:30).

2. Abortion Rights

• Rollbacks and Restrictions:
  The administration aims to reinstate restrictive laws like the Comstock Act, severely limiting access to abortion and birth control without constitutional amendments (14:00).

• Legal Framework:
  Unlike immigration, abortion restrictions will likely be enforced through traditional legal channels, providing avenues for organized resistance and legal challenges (15:00).

3. Transgender Rights

• Policy Actions:
  Trump’s allies have targeted transgender individuals through discriminatory policies in sports and public services, exacerbating societal divisions (17:00).

• Vulnerability and Support:
  Pitzer emphasizes the need for strong community support systems to protect transgender individuals from heightened discrimination and violence (17:45).

4. Climate Change

• Neglect and Denial:
  The administration’s disregard for climate science poses severe risks, with 2024 projected to be the warmest year on record, exacerbating environmental crises (19:00).

• Green Economy Resistance:
  Despite Trump’s fossil fuel interests, Pitzer highlights opportunities within the accelerating green economy to foster resilience and counteract environmental degradation (20:30).

Strategies for Survival and Resistance

Pitzer provides actionable strategies for individuals and communities to navigate and resist the impending authoritarian threats:

1. Community Organization:
   Engage with local organizations, leverage existing community networks, and build coalitions across different groups to strengthen collective resistance (22:00).

2. Legal Preparedness:
   Utilize the judicial system to challenge unconstitutional policies, supported by the resilience and independence of the courts (23:00).

3. Personal Safety Plans:
   Develop comprehensive safety plans, including securing essential documents, identifying safe havens, and preparing for potential emergencies (24:30).

4. Leveraging the Digital World:
   Use online platforms to offer support, disseminate accurate information, and build virtual communities that can provide assistance and solidarity to vulnerable individuals (25:00).

5. Advocacy and Pressure on Elected Officials:
   Maintain persistent pressure on elected officials through voting, direct communication, and advocacy to ensure that democratic processes remain robust (26:00).

6. Inter-Silo Collaboration:
   Encourage collaboration between diverse groups to prevent social fragmentation and build a unified front against authoritarian measures (27:00).

Conclusion

Andrea Pitzer concludes the episode with a mix of caution and hope, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and community resilience. She urges listeners to remain vigilant, organized, and supportive of one another to navigate the challenging times ahead. Pitzer reminds her audience that while the threats are formidable, the collective strength and strategic action of the populace can make a significant difference in preserving democratic values and preventing the descent into authoritarianism.

"The people who find a way to keep moving often are the ones who can make a difference," Pitzer affirms, encouraging perseverance and strategic resistance as the best tools to survive and overcome the impending challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• "He won an election he shouldn't have been in in the first place." – Andrea Pitzer (01:30)
• "This rhetoric of terror, it's a rhetoric of people making a show of force and trying to seize more power than they have." – Andrea Pitzer (02:15)
• "The courts have traditionally had independence, and so while there have been some terrible rulings, cases can still be brought on a number of issues." – Andrea Pitzer (07:45)
• "Abortion is about bodily autonomy. It's literally about controlling people." – Andrea Pitzer (16:30)
• "Community organizations outside official channels are as important or more important than the elected official channels." – Andrea Pitzer (23:15)

For Further Support: Andrea Pitzer encourages listeners to subscribe to Next Comes What?, visit Andreapitzer.com, and consider leaving a five-star review to support the podcast and help spread the message of resilience and strategic planning against authoritarian threats.