Tag: fascism

Fighting fascism in the US — in Marseille

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

We held a small but vibrant rally in Marseille last Saturday to protest the slide towards fascism in the US.  It was in support of the events held on April 19 throughout the US and in other countries. Democrats Abroad France also held rallies in Toulouse, Paris and Nice. Organizing and participating in something like this was invigorating and motivating. We even ended up on the evening news over here!

As one of the organizers, I navigated the French bureaucracy to get a permit for the event. After a fair amount of back and forth (continuously being referred to one office after another), I was finally able to get to the right person and receive the green light. Then getting the word out to the American community in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence was another adventure. Making signs was fun, though. And the event was as well. 

Seeing my country melt while living abroad, however, leaves me with a tremendously despairing sentiment. I want to feel part of what is going on to resist this slide. Writing this blog has helped, as has being a member of Democrats Abroad Marseille.

I’ve had plenty of discussions with French friends and acquaintances about what is happening in the States. Everyone has an opinion, of course, and many want to tell me what they think. They rarely ask me how I feel, though. Opinions tend to fall into one of three basic buckets. The most common one I have heard is one of exasperation. Why has the Democratic party been so silent? Why haven’t Americans taken to the streets? The subtext is that the French would have reacted sooner and more aggressively to the onslaught on democracy. I’m not sure they are right – a lot of romanticism about the French taking to the streets and changing (or stopping) things here. The public protests to the change in the retirement age, while impressive, did not prevent that from going forward.

The second group seems to believe that everything is being blown out of proportion. Eventually, cooler heads will prevail, and the most egregious actions will be reversed. I call these the “institutionalists” because they argue that institutions and norms will play their part and dampen and contain the power grab. They are taken by surprise by the more unsettling actions of the administration, however. The tariffs (reversed, some state with confidence) and the distancing from NATO (just bluster to get the Europeans to pay more) are examples. They recoil at words like fascism or autocracy.

The last group wholehearted embraces the American administration and its agenda. I don’t know many people in this group (I don’t know many people in this category in the States, for that matter – a personal issue I’m dealing with). They usually possess a strong dislike of immigrants, admire the “strongman” approach to leadership, and (unendingly) express disgust with “wokeism”. But even they have been thrown for a loop by the anti-European bent of the American administration. They also tend to rationalize, saying that setbacks are temporary, and that Trump will prevail – and that he will recognize that Europe is a true friend.

Can this also happen in France? When the far right takes power, will they be able to constrain civil liberties, fire civil servants, and establish an autocracy? Most of my friends and acquaintances say no. They point to the Italian case of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who appears to be hindered in her more dramatic ventures. Or Dick Schoof in the Netherlands. But France is different. Like in the US, the president has considerable power to set and execute policy. The retirement age struggles are a case in point. Furthermore, there has been a tirade on the right against the justice system here, particularly with the recent conviction of Marine Le Pen. It appears that Trump sympathized with her plight.

On the other hand, De Gaulle has made a strong, “told you so”, comeback. On the (center) right and the (center) left, the argument for independence from the US on strategic and economic fronts is regularly made. More than 70% of the French no longer consider the US an ally, following the shocking exchange between Trump and Zelensky. Euro-skepticism seems to be in retreat. This may augur well for those fighting the rise of fascism in France.

In any case, the exasperated group (the first bucket), which is most vehement in their disgust and anger at what is happening in the US is, in many ways, also the most pro-American. Despite the usual criticism of the States, there is a real affection, for what the US represents in terms of democracy, freedom and creativity and they are genuinely worried about the US’s future. Raphael Glucksman, an up-and-coming Socialist party personality suggested that France should take back the Statue of Liberty, considering the racist, close-minded and ultra-nationalist bent of the current American administration. But he ended his indictment with the following: “We all in Europe love this nation to which we owe so much. It will rise again. You will rise again. We are counting on you.”

A subject of many discussions I’ve had with other Americans living abroad is whether we will be hassled at the border when we visit our home country. We get all kinds of advice on this – erase all messages and musings on my phone, tablet, and computer, for example. However, I don’t know if I want to “comply in advance”. Nothing I have said or done is illegal and it is none of their business. It would be a badge of honor if they pester me. I’m going to Los Angeles on May 8th, so we’ll see what I say on this blog after we clear customs.

I want to draw attention to a somewhat depressing website, that is nevertheless very informative. Factcheck.org seems to do a pretty good job at contradicting virtually every inanity the current administration comes up with.

I understand that the next big event in the US is on May 1st. I don’t think the American community here in France will do something specific on that day since France will already be in the streets, as they are every May 1st.

Fighting fascism – is resistance futile or essential?

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

The main purpose of these blogs has been to promote the idea that we should all resist the slide towards fascism in the US through small and large actions in an ongoing manner. The posts have mostly provided links to organizations that are working diligently in that direction and that would benefit from your support. They have also identified examples of how to express one’s disagreement through communication, mobilization, demonstrations, and boycotts. The principal actions have been to communicate with our “leaders” through petitions, telephone calls, emails or in townhall meetings. They have also called for demonstrations and boycotts.

In terms of this approach, we are reaching an important point that many who have opposed fascism in other countries have also faced: how forcefully do you resist? There appears to be two camps.

The first, the “moderates”, claim we must wait for the administration to make some fatal flaws and then resist. James Carville made this argument, provocatively calling it the “roll over and play dead” strategy. Essentially, he claims that mobilizing a fervent resistance now will only turn off those who may be ready to mobilize when the right issue comes around. “Moderates” maintain that Democrats lost because they went to far with the culture wars: MeToo, Black Lives Matter, wokeism, LGBTQ+, Palestine, immigration, etc. and didn’t take into consideration the concerns of the average working person (i.e., man). We forgot what Clinton said: it’s the economy, stupid. The Economist published a poll indicating that most Democrats wanted the party to be more “moderate”, rather than more “liberal”.  Generally, the position is that our attention should be on the next elections – not protesting every single egregious act.

The second, the “progressives”, warn that without forceful resistance by leaders and citizens now, the administration will successfully and quickly put in place the key pillars of a fascist regime. They point to the very long list of actions that have already been taken during the first 60 days in power (I want to thank my dear friend Richard Sack for having put together this list). Exasperated with the leadership of the Democratic party, the term “capitulation” is readily used to label Charles Schumer’s agreement on the budget continuing resolution, Columbia’s decision to put the Middle East studies program into “receivership”, and the law firm of Paul Weiss folding to the whims of the administration. The progressives commit to developing a mass movement of dissidence that we need to build now. How to build it? There is much debate, but the urgency is palpable.

I mostly sit with the second group, although I certainly do not want to see a screaming match between the two. I believe that more is better and that now is the time. I come to this conclusion through my reading of the history of fascism and autocracy, as well as scanning more progressive critics. I recently listened to Larry Diamond, a prominent political scientist who was recently interviewed by John Avlon on the Bulwark, and who makes several convincing arguments (much recommended). He asserted that those who successfully pushed back on “autocratic projects” mobilized early, were coordinated and put continuous pressure on the autocratic regimes. Groups need to stand collectively – he uses the example of universities that should coordinate their efforts to defend the right of free speech on campus and academic freedom. He says that we shouldn’t be “obeying in advance” because it will only encourage the autocrats. He advocates that pressure needs to be continuously brought to bear on Congress (even if they now seem to have their tail between their legs), particularly Republicans.

And then there are the courts! Many of us say with some relief. More than 100 cases have been filed and many temporary restraining orders and strong condemnations from lower courts have been issued. However, most cases have not made it to the Supreme Court yet and so we don’t know if SCOTUS will side with the administration or not. Also – and this the elephant in the room – will the administration defy them (if they indeed do not side with it)? V.D. Vance says he welcomes a constitutional crisis defined as the administration just ignoring the court decisions. He is right that it will be the key test for the autocratic project. Will we descend into the streets at that point? I don’t think that the moderates would oppose. Or will it be too late?

I don’t think that moderates want everyone to stop calling congressional offices or boycotting Amazon or filing court cases. And many are probably as fed up with the Democratic Party as the progressives. Nor do I think that most progressives want to start throwing Molotov cocktails. Although I have strong opinions on most culture war issues (well left of center), I think that we need to learn to talk to those who wear MAGA hats (at least those who do so sheepishly). Ben Rhodes walks a middle line where we focus on issues and act more locally. Others have soundly criticized the progressives for being too focused on rallies and not enough on strategy. Others claim that it is because Democrats don’t know how to fix things and need a new “can do” approach to gain back legitimacy.

So, back to the purpose of these blogs. I don’t want to play dead. I think we need to keep the pressure on the best we can. I plan to re-publish all the actions that I had proposed in previous blogs with a bit of an evaluation. So, what can we do now? There is something that is coming up soon: I would like to encourage you to attend the day of action on April 5 that is being organized by Indivisible and other organizations. I think that the major event will be in DC, but there are calls for action in just about every city and town in America. Nothing organized yet in Marseille, though – so I will be cheering from the sidelines.

Fighting fascism – Day Fifty-Three – A Reckoning

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

In my initial blog, written after the inauguration on January 21, 2025, I stated: “The new American administration intends to constrain civil liberties, freedom of speech, and opposition. It will remove economic opportunities for those who are not already rich and protections for minorities. It plans to undermine the nation’s education system, health care system, social safety net, and other institutions that provide support and reassurance to the average person. It will try to reverse efforts to protect the environment. It will “deregulate” or, in other words, remove guardrails that prevent the greedy from further ravaging our land, people, and spirit. It seeks to orient the justice system to protect the interests of the few rather than everyone and to weaken the rule of law. It will more readily resort to violence. It will try to undermine our democracy. It will try to stay in power forever. This is fascism.”

The question for today is how far along have we slipped towards fascism in the U.S.? As I wrote in an earlier blog post, I have been counting the days since the inauguration of the current president because Adolf Hitler was able to establish his fascist regime in 53 days. Well, today’s blog on Day 53 is a reckoning.

The good news is that we are nowhere near where Hitler stood 53 days after he was appointed chancellor. He was able to take advantage of weak opposition, a constitution he twisted to his ends, economic and social chaos and a well-organized and loyal party base to essentially establish a fascist regime. I do not believe that the U.S. have fallen that far yet, although we have certainly made a lot of “progress” in the wrong direction. The administration has successfully taken action on many fronts that represent a definite slip towards fascism.

  • The administration’s purge of the civil service and the witch hunt of those in the Department of Justice and the FBI appear to be proceeding according to plan.
  • The dismantling of USAID and other federal agencies has left thousands unemployed, key programs in tatters, and beneficiaries bereft of much needed and promised assistance.
  • The defunding of scientific research and the removal of data sets from the public view. The emasculation of the CDC. All this will contribute to an attack on the health of the American public.
  • DOGE has been one of the most controversial actors put in play by the administration, what with the unequal power and responsibility that has been given to Elon Musk, an individual who has not been vetted by any government institution.
  • Deportations seem to be proceeding more slowly than expected, but the administration will certainly want to do everything it possibly can to accelerate. In any case, the fear that has been spread throughout the immigrant community is tremendous.
  • Trans persons have been singled out as being practically inhuman.
  • The continuous onslaught on free speech has been crowned with a particularly egregious act: undermining the right to protest at universities. Behind flimsy excuses that this is in fact a call to combat antisemitism, we know that the freezing of grants to Columbia and threats to other universities is just a test case for squashing any future student protest.
  • The U.S. government’s attempt to silence Mahmoud Khalil, a peaceful protester, by stripping him of his legal residency and deporting him. This is an attack on the First Amendment that sets a particularly dangerous precedent.
  • The administration has literally turned the international order on its head as the president demonstrates over and over again that he is in fact a Russian asset. Allies are re-assessing their relationship with the U.S., bracing for trade wars, considering the potential end of a world order that was established by the U.S., and reeling in disgust as they watch the U.S. drift towards fascism. The irony is that this administration may end up becoming the great unifier of Europe. Of note: We’ve learned that there are a number of American researchers that have asked the Marseille-Aix University to accept their applications.
  • The list goes on.

The Democratic Party has not yet stepped up to truly play the role of an opposition party. But there have been many actions taken across the country to protest the administration’s fascist tendencies. Boycotts and demonstrations, disruptive townhall meetings, a vibrant resistance movement at local levels, mostly theme oriented, and the development of media sources that are outside the mainstream. Bernie Sanders and others have been holding rallies all over the country as part of a “Stop the Oligarchy Tour”. State level authorities in California, Oregon, Minesota and New York appear to be taking the lead on many issues, although there are also states that are at the forefront of eroding democracy (Florida, Texas, and others that have restricted voting rights, for example).

The court system has been fully mobilized to fight the administration’s constitutional overstep. According to the litigation tracker, 119 cases are currently winding their way through the justice system, many led by a grouping of state attorneys. These cases are challenging everything from the very existence of DOGE to the constitutionality of executive orders on birthright citizenship, punishment of sanctuary cities, expedited deportation, disclosure of personal and financial information, defunding of USAID, termination of probationary employees, the ban of transgender individuals serving in the military, immigration enforcement at schools and places of worship, denying press access to the White House, banning of DEI programs, removal of information from websites, actions against FBI/DoJ employees, as well as many others.

There have been some wins, but time is working against us. The administration is aggressively carrying out its self-anointed “mandate” and not waiting for (and might not have any intention of complying with) the results of these cases. There have been some bright lights, such as the recent Supreme Court case and that of lower courts that have challenged the cancelling of foreign aid. The trillions of dollars question: will/can the administration ignore these rulings? If they do, that will be a clear indication that fascism is taking hold. The administration has requested the Supreme Court to rule on the executive order regarding birthright citizenship – it will be very telling how it rules on this.

Will it take 100 days rather than 53? I’ll stop counting but will continue to post blogs. I have encouraged readers to resist in any way they can and even take small steps – every day: writing or phoning congresspersons and state delegates to express disfavor on select issues, engaging in boycotts, signing petitions, attending demonstrations and townhall meetings, talking to strangers and focusing on both the local and the national, and supporting organizations that are taking on the fight. Of course, at this point, it is easy to get discouraged. However, they expect us to “roll over and play dead” – the infamous advice of James Carville. The goal of attacks on free speech, for example, is largely to get Americans to self-censor. If we collectively refuse to do so, then these attacks on the First Amendment will fail. We must continue to resist. We can’t depend on anyone else to do this for us.

Fighting Fascism – Day Forty-Seven– Is Artificial Intelligence a tool of fascism?

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

This is a different kind of blog that intends to spur discussion more than action. I am very interested to know what you think about the political potential (positive and negative) of artificial intelligence. It will definitely disrupt labor markets, that is for sure, if it lives up to its promise of performing more complex tasks. However, can it also effectively limit liberties, thwart democracy, and enable those who have a fascist agenda, such as the current administration? Dan McQuillan, in his book “Resisting AI: An Anti-Fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence” claims that AI is inherently fascistic: “AI not only undermines due process but produces thoughtlessness.”

But can’t the opposite also be true? Can it serve the resistance? It appears that AI’s increasing role in our economy, polity and society is inevitable. Discussing what we do about this is essential for any resistance strategy going forward.

Finally, there is the tremendous use of water and energy needed to run these huge language models, an environmental cost that should also be considered. It is a very wasteful technology and some of argued that it should be limited for that reason only. Others argue that technological solutions (always technological solutions) can be found to that problem.

When I asked ChatGPT and Deep Seek how to combat fascism, they returned answers in line with much of what I have discussed in these blogs. Here is an example from ChatGPT:

“Fighting fascism requires a combination of awareness, activism, and community engagement. Here are some key strategies:

  1. Educate Yourself and Others
    • Learn about the history of fascism, its warning signs, and how it gains power.
    • Share knowledge to help others recognize and resist authoritarian tendencies.
  2. Promote Democracy and Human Rights
    • Defend democratic values such as freedom of speech, equality, and justice.
    • Support policies and organizations that protect civil liberties.
  3. Engage in Grassroots Organizing
    • Build or join community groups that work to oppose hate speech, discrimination, and extremist ideologies.
    • Organize peaceful protests, campaigns, and petitions.
  4. Support Marginalized Communities
    • Be an ally to those targeted by fascist rhetoric and policies.
    • Volunteer time or donate to organizations supporting refugees, immigrants, and minority groups.
  5. Challenge Misinformation and Propaganda
    • Fact-check and counter false narratives used to spread fear and division.
    • Promote independent journalism and credible sources of information.
  6. Participate in Politics
    • Vote in elections and encourage others to do the same.
    • Support candidates and leaders who oppose authoritarianism.
  7. Build Solidarity Networks
    • Connect with activists and groups internationally to share strategies and resources.
    • Strengthen community ties to resist division and polarization.
  8. Confront Hate Peacefully
    • Avoid violence but remain firm in confronting hate speech and actions.
    • Use creative forms of protest like art, music, and theater to raise awareness.
  9. Protect Vulnerable Institutions
    • Advocate for judicial independence, free media, and fair elections.
    • Hold leaders accountable through legal means and public pressure.
  10. Stay Vigilant and Persistent
    • Fascism often rises during times of crisis, so continuous engagement is necessary.”
    • Keep up the pressure even when threats seem diminished.

Resistance to fascism is most effective when it is organized, inclusive, and consistent.”

It also listed several organizations (many of which I had already cited in earlier blogs) that it deemed important to support when resisting fascism. But was it just telling me what I wanted to hear? I also asked Chat GPT whether AI was fascistic or anti-fascistic. Here was its answer.

The impact of AI on the rise or resistance against fascism is complex and multifaceted. Here are ways in which AI can both contribute to and combat authoritarian tendencies:

Contributing to Fascism:

  1. Misinformation and Propaganda: AI can be used to create and disseminate misinformation, deepfakes, and propaganda, which can manipulate public opinion and sow discord.
  2. Surveillance and Control: Governments may use AI for surveillance and monitoring of citizens, potentially stifling dissent and infringing on civil liberties.
  3. Polarization: Algorithms that prioritize sensational or divisive content can contribute to societal polarization, making it easier for extremist ideologies to take root.
  4. Automated Decision-Making: Bias in AI systems can lead to discriminatory practices, reinforcing existing inequalities and fueling resentment.

Fighting Fascism:

  1. Fact-Checking and Misinformation Detection: AI tools can help identify and counter misinformation, providing people with accurate information and promoting informed discourse.
  2. Empowering Civil Society: AI can assist organizations in mobilizing resources, analyzing data for advocacy, and reaching broader audiences to promote democratic values.
  3. Promoting Transparency: AI can enhance transparency in government operations, helping to hold officials accountable and ensuring that citizens have access to critical information.
  4. Facilitating Dialogue: AI can be used to create platforms for constructive dialogue, helping to bridge divides and foster understanding among diverse groups.
  5. Data Analysis for Social Justice: AI can be utilized to analyze social issues, identify patterns of inequality, and inform policy decisions that promote equity and justice.

In summary, AI has the potential to both exacerbate authoritarian tendencies and serve as a powerful tool for promoting democracy and social justice. The outcome largely depends on how AI is designed, implemented, and regulated, as well as the intentions of those who wield it.

When asked, ChatGPT indicated that AI should be regulated, be driven by ethical guidelines, and designed transparently to prevent more nefarious uses (just what I wanted to hear!), but we can only wonder how that could happen. Dan McQuillan asks, “… whether the giant AI corporations would balk at putting the levers of mass correlation at the disposal of regimes seeking national rebirth through rationalized ethnocentrism.” Considering what we have experienced over the last few weeks, we know the answer to that question. More damning, MacQuillan argues in another paper that any attempt to control potential toxicity of ChatGPT: “can’t change the fact that the underlying language patterns were learned from the raw internet, including all the ravings and conspiracy theories. Considering AI’s inevitability, (some argue that it is not inevitable and it will be proven to be mostly hype – I’m not so sure). do we have a choice but to figure out how the resistance can put AI to use? To subvert its fascistic propensity? What do you think?

Fighting fascism — Day Thirty-Nine – “Fraternizing with the enemy

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

One of my previous blogs discussed the importance of talking with strangers. I encouraged readers to take advantage of opportunities to engage with people in public places as a way to combat fascism. Here, I want to delve more into the issue of talking to people you know who are misinformed on a particular topic or hold very strong opinions that are counter to the ones discussed in these blogs.

I must admit that I don’t know anyone who voted Republican in the last elections (maybe I do and it’s a secret). Years ago, I could boast a clutch of Republican friends – now none. This means that I have few opportunities to discuss the political situation with people I know and with whom I do not agree. I know that that is not the case for all of you. A good friend told me that her mother and sister have bought into an extreme version of MAGA (very religious, millenarian, super “anti-DEI”, and in excessive fascination of Trump and Musk). Conversations leave her very upset and for good reason – they often become emotional and vitriolic. Another friend met some Republicans in Egypt and felt ill-prepared to engage in a full-blown discussion on taxes, DEI, and other issues. So here are some tips on how to carry on these conversations.

Be informed as much as possible on the hot topics. Whether you initiate discussions or are ambushed, it is good to know your stuff. I haven’t put much focus on getting informed as a way to fight fascism. This is partly because I thought that we were already drowning in information. Although partly true, I think that it would be a good idea to be prepared to discuss the hot button issues that are on today’s agenda: the attacks on the federal government;  foreign aid, diversity, equity and inclusion, immigration, and Ukraine to start. (I added a few links to get started – you can certainly do some research on AI or search engines to find out more). On the suggestion of a good friend, Colin Woodard is a very interesting source for understanding the enduring and growing split in the American polity between right and left.

Engage as an anthropologist rather than a combatant. I already discussed this in my former blog but it would be good to remind us of some key principles. The following is what I think is a pretty good guide for how to engage that I got from ChatGPT (who would have thought that ChatGPT would want to combat fascism – I’m going to write a future blog on the role of AI in the resistance).

Set the Right Mindset

  • Approach with curiosity, not combat – Think of the conversation as an opportunity to understand their perspective rather than a debate to win.
  • Acknowledge common values – Even if you disagree on policies, you might both care about fairness, safety, or opportunity but see different ways to achieve them.
  • Decide your goal – Are you trying to learn, share your views, find common ground, or persuade? Adjust your approach accordingly.

Listen Actively and Respectfully

  • Ask open-ended questions – “What led you to that perspective?” or “How do you see this issue affecting your life?”
  • Don’t interrupt or dismiss their views outright – Instead of “That’s ridiculous,” try, “That’s an interesting take—I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
  • Paraphrase their argument – “It sounds like you’re saying [X] because you believe [Y]. Did I get that right?” This helps avoid miscommunication.

Express Your Views Thoughtfully

  • Use “I” statements instead of “you” accusations – Instead of “You’re wrong about this,” say, “I see it differently because…”
  • Acknowledge complexity – Say, “I get why people feel strongly about this,” or “It’s a complicated issue with a lot of perspectives.”
  • Find common ground – If possible, highlight shared concerns or values before discussing where you diverge.

4. Manage Emotions and Tension

  • Stay calm and composed – If you feel yourself getting heated, take a breath or suggest a break.
  • Avoid personal attacks – Focus on ideas, not the person.
  • Know when to disengage – If the conversation is unproductive or hostile, it’s okay to say, “I appreciate the discussion, but I think we should pause here.”

5. Accept That You Might Not Change Their Mind

  • People rarely shift political views immediately. If you plant a thoughtful idea, it may influence their perspective over time.
  • Sometimes, simply having a respectful conversation can reduce hostility and reinforce mutual respect.

Use one’s expertise to one’s advantage. We are all experts in something – education, foreign policy, LGBTQ+, immigration, etc. Use your knowledge to advocate for a better world without fascism. Create situations where you can share your expertise. Here are a couple of examples.

My wife volunteers for SOS Mediterranean here in Marseille. SOSM is an organization that rescues refugees who are traversing the Mediterranean Sea in leaky boats for European shores. Most refugees leave from Libya where they experienced unimaginable horrors. SOSM is considered by many on the right in Europe as a very controversial organization, accusing them of increasing the access of immigrants to Europe. They are definitely in the crosshairs of the right-wing government in Italy (many of the refugees that are rescued by SOSM are taken to Italy because that is the closest destination, which is the practice endorsed by international law). As a volunteer, Laurence often makes presentations at schools and other sites to explain what SOS Mediterranean does, the issues that it attempts to address and that they are an organization driven by humanitarian aims, not political ones. The encounters are generally very positive. She is well informed and knows how to address participants who hold different perspectives.

A friend recently went to his mother’s church where he made a presentation on the importance of USAID diplomacy and defense cooperation and why maintaining our alliances is critically important to secure in US national interest. This is a subject on which he has intimate professional and personal knowledge. He continues to seek venues where he can express his deep knowledge on these topics to a variety of stakeholders who might not start from the same place.

I would like to leave you with something that Umberto Eco wrote about thirty years ago on “recognizing fascism”.  He lists fourteen features or that can promote fascism. “These features,” writes the novelist and semiotician, “cannot be organized into a system; many of them contradict each other, and are also typical of other kinds of despotism or fanaticism.” But it is enough that one of these features is present present to allow fascism to coagulate around it. I count about ten features that buttress the current administration. Here is his argument in his own words.

Fighting fascism — Day Thirty-one — reflections from Côte d’Ivoire

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

I was on a personal visit to Côte d’Ivoire over the last week (just got home yesterday afternoon). It was fantastic to come back to Abidjan, where we lived for three years, and see old friends and colleagues. I loved rediscovering the rhythms, sounds and scents that carried us away while we lived here. It was great eating aloko, attieke, grilled chicken and fish, tasty mangos and papayas, eye-watering pepper sauce (pili-pili), and drinking ginger and bissap juice. Most everyone I know is ageing gracefully – although life remains hard for many.

What Ivoirians think about what is going on in the US might surprise you – it certainly surprised me. Of course, I did not do a formal survey. My observations reflect a smattering of conversations with people who told me what they think and/or what they think others think. So, take it as an impression rather than a generalized “truth”. Many seem to see Trump’s victory positively and this for four main reasons.

First, most believe that the new US administration could care less about Africa, and that is a good thing. That Côte d’Ivoire is considered a “shithole” country is just as well because Americans (and everyone else – as I will develop further) will then leave Africa alone and not use it for geopolitical advantages that have done Africans little good and a lot of bad. This conflates with the widespread anti-French sentiment that has increased considerably over the last few years. Ivoirians see Trump’s election as an embarrassment for the French. The argument goes something like this: the French are responsible for much that is wrong in Côte d’Ivoire; American policy has been to support the French in its oppression of Côte d’Ivoire; the Americans will no longer back France’s geopolitical strategy and Côte d’Ivoire will therefore benefit.

People are split about the second reason I will share here. Some friends adamantly believe that it is a widely held opinion, while others doubt that it is a significant factor. Basically, it consists of a negative narrative about development assistance. Money is stolen; ministers’ mistresses are driving around in 200,000 dollar cars (an actual scandal that filled pages here in Côte d’Ivoire); people’s lives are not getting any better even though lots of resources come here; there are too many strings attached (debt, being beholden to aid providers — again, a very strong anti-French discourse); and with no aid, governments will have to finally step in and do their job.

The third reason has to do with conservative social norms. Homophobia seems quite pervasive in Côte d’Ivoire. I don’t know what the legal status of LGBTQ+ is, but I’m assuming that it is not great. Trump is seen as some sort of return to morality, particularly defined by the rejection of the LGBTQ+ “agenda”. I have heard some resentment of the perceived push by the US (and the French) for African countries not to legislate against homosexuals, so the new administration’s rejection of LGBTQ+ protections is seen as some sort of redemption. Trump’s supposed religiosity has also been accepted by many here as genuine.

The last reason, is not really a reason, but rather a reflection on what contributes to the formation of the above ideas. Of course, it comes from social media – a social media that we know is often manipulated by government, outside powers, and those who cleverly express provocative opinions. People do not trust the mainstream media, and are attracted to the provocative unbridled style of influenciers. Also, I have heard that the Russians in particular are working hard to orient social media towards its anti-French rhetorical deluge.

I personally do not believe that America’s moral, diplomatic and strategic “abandonment” of Africa will allow a thousand flowers to grow. There are many others, within Africa and elsewhere, who are more than willing to take advantage of any void (China, Russia, Jihadists, and Rwanda, to name a few). Also, the drying up of development assistance will not be a positive for poor Africans. And moral indignation is always relative (the princely do often fall). However, the strategically organized rendition of social media does ring true. The question is why, in terms of content, form, and spirit is it so convincing. I don’t have an answer to that.

Taken together, the arguments are similar to the logical daisy-chains we have seen amongst MAGA supporters: government involvement (or that of foreign powers) in the lives of the every-person is both absent and too present; there is a “hidden agenda” that explains why there is so much suffering; money is leaking out of the government system and into the hands of the few; the fall of the outsider elite is a gleeful event; strongmen whose “hands are not tied” will set things straight (figuratively and metaphorically); and the “real truth” comes from dark, whispery corners (okay, some inordinately loud corners as well).

What does all this mean for the fight against fascism? Basically, we have formidable enemies when trying to win hearts and minds. They are organized not just nationally, but internationally. We must do better in terms of combatting the torrent of misinformation. I have written about the need for us to talk to people, even those we don’t agree with, as modest acts of anti-fascism. My short trip to Côte d’Ivoire confirmed for me the necessity of doing this.

Fighting fascism — Day Twenty-Four — fighting through your pocketbook

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

Sorry I missed a blog date. I am currently on the road, having decided to visit some friends in West Africa for about a week. It will be interesting to see what they might have to say about what is going on in the US right now. I’ll report back soon.

Today’s blog is about fighting fascism through economic means. One way to express one’s disgust/disagreement/outrage regarding the current political trends is to stop consuming so much, stop consuming certain products, or stop buying from certain suppliers. I suggest three ways that you could express your resistance to the current slide towards fascism in our consumer society.

First, as we know, the administration has called government agencies and the private sector to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The cynicism and downright meanness of this move is only surpassed by the willingness of many private companies to (quite quickly) close or weaken their relevant programs and policies. Doing this during Black History Month only adds insult to injury. You can respond by staying away from certain companies and also demonstrate that you appreciate those that have held firm despite pressure from the administration. Below are a list of companies that fit into each category.

Companies that have pared back or ended their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs include Google, Amazon, Meta, McDonald’s, Target, Walmart, Ford, John Deere, Craftsman, Harley Davidson, Coors, Lowes, Toyota, Caterpillar, Jack Daniels, Nissan, GM, Intel, Paypal, Chipotle, and Comcast.

Companies that have maintained their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives include Microsoft, Apple, Costco, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Salesforce, Pinterest, NASDAQ, E.L.F. Beauty, Logitech, Visa, Coca Cola, and Wegmans.

I may have some mistakes: please let me know and I will revise. My sources for the above are Forbes, Yahoo News, NPR, Google, and Reddit.

The second action is to go specifically after the elephants in the room: Amazon; Meta; and X (there are others so please share suggestions). Each is associated with billionaires who have taken the craven attitude of aligning themselves with the administration in very vocal and active ways. If it is possible to obtain products from other sources than Amazon, I suggest that you should try very hard. Closing Facebook accounts is a tricky move, but I know people have done so. Many are concerned with the implications of becoming isolated. Personally, I have not yet because I still this idea that we can subvert it to our ends – but I might be rationalizing. WhatsApp may be replaced by Signal and X by Bluesky (I’ve done both). I’m not sure what to do about Google, since I have had the same gmail address for a couple of decades now and it would be hard for me to change email accounts, but I’ll consider it. These are tough choices and what happens when there are monopolies.

The last is to participate in an event that I found out about from Democrats Abroad: An economic “blackout” that is supposed to take place on February 28. The following sections describe this action in some detail (copied from Democrats Abroad). I have to do more research on this idea.

The 24 HOUR ECONOMIC BLACKOUT

“As our first initial act, we turn it off. For one day we show them who really holds the power.

WHEN: Friday February 28th from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM

WHAT NOT TO DO:

  • Do not make any purchases
  • Do not shop online, or in-store
  • No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy
  • Nowhere!
  • Do not spend money on:
    • Fast Food
    • Gas
    • Major Retailers
    • Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Only buy essentials that are absolutely necessary (Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies)
  • If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.

SPREAD THE MESSAGE

Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!

WHY THIS MATTERS!

  • Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line.
  • If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message.
  • If they don’t listen (they won’t) we make the next blackout longer (We will)

This is our first action. This is how we make history.

The meme for this event is here.”

As a final point, last night, Democratics Abroad brought Malcolm Nance to talk to Americans living outside the US. Malcolm is a former military and intelligence officer with tremendous experience all around the world. He is also an analyst, contributor to major media outlets and a writer. He has about a dozen books on the subjects of terrorism, ideology, democracy. He was quite eloquent and believes that there is a national resistance movement that is forming. He had messages in line with what has been proposed in these blog (“Do something for America every day”). One of the more inspiring points he made was that we should adopt a “resistance posture”.  Taking actions such as the ones discussed above are manifestations of that. For those living abroad, he also suggested that we should be the ambassadors of the True America, the one that continues to be dedicated to democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech and thought, and equality.

There is a national resistance movement that is forming.

Fighting fascism – Day Eighteen – Fighting racism is fighting fascism

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

Considering the din from the administration’s efforts to dismantle the government of our democratic republic and establish a fascist regime, we may have forgotten that this is Black History month. This might seem a jarring non sequitar considering all that is going on, but it is striking that it seems to be barely found in the news. [I just came across a news clip from NBC News saying that several federal agencies have cancelled Black History Month activities] [On the other hand, the President had signed a memo declaring February to indeed be Black History Month and where he deemed Clarence Thomas to be a great Black American hero].

The government’s “Black History Month” website is still in place. I guess that this particular bit of Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness was too much for the administration to handle right now. In some ways, I’m a bit surprised because rewriting history is a tried and true fascist tactic. And there is nothing more “woke” in the original sense of the term than fighting racism.

But, you would think that those combatting fascism would make more of the fact that this is the month where we are particularly vocal and reflective of one of the most important aspects of the historical development of democracy in the US: the fight against racism.

The NAACP has engaged to fight Project 2025, putting forward its own “Our 2025”. They have an “ACTION” button on their site. However, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Black Lives Matter, and the National Urban League have not updated their sites, and thus not mentioned the current events or specified actions in response to the administration’s antics. I’m not sure what they are waiting for. If you are aware of organizations whose mandate is to fight racism and are calling for action during these trying times, please let me know so I can reference them.

On USAID, a friend had a great idea, For anyone who lives in a country where USAID and USAID implementing partners have had to curtail activities, they can take video of the services that are being shut down, health clinics that are empty, etc.  If they can do this soonest, they can forward the videos to me and I will forward to my friend who can in turn make them available to persons on the Hill. 

A final point: where are the unions in all this?  The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is very active, which is reassuring. They have quite a bit going on to protest the multi-prong onslaught on civic servants. However, the AFL-CIO, for example, seems to be ignoring what is happening altogether.

A final final point: I suggest that you look at 5calls.org when you have a chance, which has a host of new initiatives:  State AGs: Prosecute DOGE for Illegal Data Breach ; Oppose The SAVE Act (H.R. 22 / S.128) – A Voter Suppression Bill; Condemn a US Takeover of Gaza; Protect Medicaid Funding; Fight Against Elon Musk’s Government Takeover ; and Protect the Department of Education.

Fighting Fascism – Day Five – talk to people

by Michel Welmond, posted in Uncategorized

One friend had a very interesting suggestion: stop people in the street and talk to them! I am a bit ambivalent about that strategy – social norms and all (not polite to talk about politics or religion with strangers). However, that said, it is true that most of the suggestions I’ve shared to date are lonely ones – signing petitions, calling the offices of representatives, and writing letters. Women in Black is more of a social experience, which is one of the reasons I included it.

I would probably prefer striking up a chat with someone sitting next to me on a bus or at the next table in a café than stopping someone in the street. In our paranoid and angry time, these might be safer contexts.

It doesn’t have to be complete strangers. You can talk about your concerns regarding the rise of fascism in your book club, after services, or during a neighborhood gathering. But, what to say when you want to strike up a conversation about fascism? Using the word “fascism” as a opener probbably isn’t always a good idea. I did a little research and questions like: “What are your thoughts on the direction the neighborhood/city/country is moving in?” might work. “Do you think that the administration is making the right decisions presently?” could be another chat starter. “How did you come to that conclusion?” might be a way to deepen the conversation. At issue isn’t even whether you agree with the other person. It is to have an exchange with another human being. If it gets unpleasant, one can always politely stop the discussion. If you have suggestions about how to talk to strangers about regime change, please share them!

There seems to be a lot of organizations out there that are interested in dialogue and creating opportunities for exchanges across political borders. I found the Listen First Project as one example, although it appears that a lot of big companies are financing it (Facebook, Target, MacDonalds, etc.), so I’m not sure that they are truly non-partisan. If you have any information on this group, let me know. But, they do have links to a lot of organizations and seem to have some good tips. If you are aware of others that are creating fora for dialogue and ideas about how to go about talking to people face-to-face again, please share.

In terms of an action that you might want to take today, I would recommend that you voice your concerns about the nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. The Senate Finance Committee will meet on Jan. 29 to discuss the confirmation of RFK Jr., whose stances on vaccines and abortion have raised questions from Democrats and Republicans alike. So, time is of the essence. A good friend suggested this link. 5calls.org has a link providing info on how to call your senator to protest this abominable nomination.

As is probably obvious, I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to all of this. If you would rather than I include you in the bcc: list rather than the to: list, please let me know. I understand that I might have made a faux pas here. Apologies.

Fighting fascism – Day Two – freedom of the press

by Michel Welmond, posted in Fighting fascism

Thanks for checking out my blog. Here’s my ongoing attempt to keep fighting fascism!

The fascists are moving very fast: erasing birthright, pardons for insurrectionists, militarizing the border, pulling the U.S. out of the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement, gutting diversity, equity and inclusion programs and overturning protections for transgender Americans are among the more egregious acts. Many more have happened and are on the way.

There will be a lot to do to fight back. And it will be a long haul. In my opinion, anti-fascist organizations are probably not moving fast enough –the ones I listed yesterday haven’t updated their “TAKE ACTION” pages in response to the inaugural speech yet. However, many of the actions they propose stay relevant. I just looked at the ACLU action page and there are at least a half-dozen petitions that can be signed. There’s one on Common Cause’s website that I believe merits attention regarding Project 2025.

In any case, what is important is to stay informed and to inform others. We need to keep on top of what is happening. There is a lot of news being reported and analyzed out there and it is easy to be overwhelmed. I do not claim to be a master of that universe, but I would like to draw your attention to one site that I think has particularly interesting coverage. The Contrarian is run by two former Washington Post reporters, who quit for reasons we certainly understand. I find they have interesting articles and discussions that are worth visiting.

Aside from Media Matters, which I listed yesterday, here are a few other organizations that are fighting for freedom of the press and against disinformation.

  1. Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) – Focuses on defending digital privacy, free expression, and internet freedoms. (www.eff.org)
  2. Political Research Associates (PRA) – Conducts research on authoritarian and far-right movements to counter their influence. (www.politicalresearch.org)
  3. Institute for Research & Education on Human Rights (IREHR) – Tracks far-right extremist groups and promotes strategies to fight them. (www.irehr.org)

I need ideas! If you have any suggestions, please share them with me so I can put them on subsequent blogs posts.