A Republican View of Autocracy –– Pt. II

Review by Bill Doughty––

Some of the strongest voices standing up to MAGA “Trumpism” are current and former Republicans: George Will, Max Boot, David Frum, Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheney, Mitt Romney, William Kristol, Nicolle Wallace, Michael Steele, Joe Scarborough, Tim Miller, and Stuart Stevens.

Stevens –– one of the founders of the Lincoln Project along with Rick Wilson, George Conway , and Steve Schmidt, and others –– is a Paul Revere figure among those strong voices.

Published a year before that last election, Stevens warned of his party’s fast-moving slide toward autocracy in “The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Democracy Away” (Twelve, Hachette Book Group, 2023). The author is a former chief Republican strategist. He worked on campaigns for prominent republicans including Bob Dole and Mitt Romney and helped elect George W. Bush.

In a blurb for this eye-opening book, journalist and author James Fallows writes, “Stuart Stevens has been everywhere and seen everything, and he shares what he has learned in concise, vivid prose. His book is urgent but not despairing. It is deadly serious but frequently funny. It offers the big picture…”

Here is how Stevens presents the big picture.

“While it is difficult to attribute any deliberate or methodical plan to Donald Trump, whose mind operates like an old-fashioned pinball machine on tilt-bouncing from one inchoate impulse to another—his basic anti-democratic, Strongman instincts have crushed dissent in the Republican Party, empowering the underlying authoritarian impulses within the party. A once-center-right political party with core ideological principles is now marching toward the formation of an autocratic state.”

The big picture includes obvious racism and misogyny in MAGA’s core constituency that would reject a woman of color, Vice President Kamala Harris, from becoming president.

“…the xenophobia and racism that appealed to Trump voters was far more motivating to Republican voters than the small government, low taxes, constitutionally conservative so-called "values" they insisted were the true core of the Republican Party. The absurdity of their deceit could not have been more glaringly obvious. Their commitment to their deeply held beliefs was so weak that they now supported a man who bragged he was "the king of debt," refused to release his tax returns to show he even paid taxes, and his Muslim ban was a religious test that was a clear violation of Article VI of the Constitution that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." They didn't care about anything but remaining in power. The Republican Party leadership was a collection of liars and frauds who thought they could use Trump while controlling him.”

Ouch.

Stevens saw (and foresaw an even greater) corruption by Trump and his family –– and the acceptance by the cult followers of grift and greed.

“Trump’s base of supporters didn’t care if he used his office to enrich himself and his family because if being rich was a qualification for office, getting richer only proved you were more qualified,” he writes.

A party that once stood for “states’ rights” and against a centralized government under a single authority, now supports the opposite. How has the Republican Party strayed? Lincoln emancipated slaves and united the nation; Teddy Roosevelt fought against big money in politics; Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency and achieved rapprochement with China; and the Bushes and Reagan welcomed immigration. All would be considered “woke” or supporters of DEI (diversity, equity/equality, inclusion) by MAGA Republicans today.

“Once a political party in a democratic system abandons any moral or ideological rationale for its existence, it is on the road to autocracy.”

Stevens offers these nuggets of wisdom about the current downhill road to autocracy, from the Big Lie of election fraud to greater violence against democratic institutions:

• “There’s always been too much money in American politics. No other Western democracy allows vast sums of money to pollute its electoral system.”
• “No anti-democratic movement becomes more democratic once in power.”
• “The last time Americans couldn’t agree on who was a legal president was in 1861.”
• “Two truths remain constant … if there is to be a democracy, someone must be willing to lose … (and) no one tries to change the rules…”
• “The truth is that no one in the Republican Party actually believes there is widespread (voting) fraud, but it is a convenient cover story for the destruction of democracy.”
• “The success Republicans have had gerrymandering congressional districts is a supercharged propellant for minority rule.”
• “The Trump loyalist who stormed the Capitol have broken faith with the institution of American democracy.” [ written before Trump pardoned them and is now attempting to pay J6ers reparations]
• “You do not assault the Capitol unless you believe the democratic process has failed and must end. You do not refuse to certify the election of the candidate who received more votes than any presidential candidate in U.S. history if you respect the will of the people, an essential element for any democracy to survive.”
• “Violence has become an essential element of the Republican political narrative, signaling to the once fringe militia groups and their sympathizers the they have a place in the party.”
• “The far right is obsessed with guns and violence because they reject … the essence of a shared community.”
• “The Trump announcement at Waco was a declaration of war against American democracy made to a well-armed crowd eager to be his soldiers.”
• “If white evangelicals love Trump and black evangelicals hate him, is this about religion or race? And like all of Trump’s appeals, it is about race.”
• “In healthy democracies the heads of state act as a calming influence, reassuring citizens that their safety is protected by government policies and institutions of the state. Dictators act in exactly the opposite manner.”

Trump and his chosen loyalists have fast-laned the U.S. military on the highway to autocracy and Christian Nationalism/Supremacy by using troops as backdrops at Republican rallies, promoting protestant Christianity in the ranks, and restricting balanced media and independent thinking at the Pentagon.

Stevens notes:

“People in the armed forces are fond of the term ‘combined arms maneuver.’ The U.S. Army's Military Review defines it as "the application of the elements of combat power in a complementary and reinforcing manner to achieve physical, temporal, or psychological advantages over the enemy to preserve freedom of action and exploit success.’ This is exactly how Republican efforts to shape elections should be perceived. The Republicans have successfully undertaken ‘complementary and reinforcing’ efforts to control legislatures and appoint conservative judges at every level for decades.”

In Part I of our review of “The Conspiracy to End Autocracy,” we pulled quotes from various authors cited by Stevens.

One of the authors Stevens relies on to make his point is “Surviving Autocracy’s” Masha Gesson who warns, “Autocrats declare their intentions early on. We disbelieve or ignore them at our peril.” Gesson adds about President Trump, “He was probably the first major party nominee who ran not for president but for autocrat. And he won.”

Trump won again in 2024, despite Stevens’s warning a year earlier.

Trump was elected, in part, because of the support of Republicans who were former “never-Trumpers” –– especially in the immediate aftermath of January 6, 2021 –– but who then pinballed back as loyal supporters and enablers: J.D. Vance (who called Trump “America’s Hitler”), Marco Rubio (who referred to Trump as a “con man”), Ted Cruz (who said Trump was “utterly amoral”), and Lindsey Graham (who once called Trump a "race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot”).

Other formerly ardent supporters, however, have turned away from the MAGA leader’s autocracy movement: Marjorie Taylor Green, Tucker Carlson, Chris Christie, Megyn Kelly, Sohrab Ahmari, Candace Owens, Alex Jones, Shawn Ryan, Theo Von, and Joe Rogan.

Once afraid of Trump and his followers, they are joining the ranks of those opposed to tearing down the Constitution and democracy.

Civility ‘By George’

Review by Bill Doughty

In his first Easter address today Pope Leo XIV said this, in part: “Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!”

In one of President Trump's messages issued on Easter Sunday, after threatening to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Age,” Trump said: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”*

George Washington would not have approved of Trump’s message.

First Commander in Chief George Washington lived by a code of manners, habits, and values. His 110 rules may seem quaint by today’s standards, but many of his words of wisdom –– which originally came from a French Jesuit book of etiquette –– resonate powerfully hundreds of years later, especially when we compare his code of conduct with that of the current CINC.

Washington’s rules are examined in “By George!: Mr. Washington’s Guide to Civility Today” by Steven Michael Selzer (Andrews McMeer Publishing 2000).

Selzer wrote this small book more than 20 years before Trump dared to compare himself as a better president than Abraham Lincoln or George Washington.

Selzer observed cracks in society at the turn of the millennium with plenty of symptoms of incivility, hate speech, and meanness. He writes:

“Rudeness. Crudeness. Thoughtlessness. Uncivilized behavior is everywhere. From the boss who publicly chews out her assistant, to the driver who barrels dangerously down the highway, to the sports fan who yells obscenities at the ball game, there is little doubt that we live in an increasingly barbaric world. And it's just as clear that many of us would like to see things change.

Polls indicate that a great many Americans long for greater civility because the way we treat one another has a powerful impact on our daily life. Civility in this context goes beyond good manners. It means behaving honorably and ethically in all aspects of our lives.

The problem is we just don't know how to behave anymore. On the one hand we're taught to be forthright and assertive in our interactions, while on the other hand there is an expectation that we will be extremely polite — even passive –– when faced with a problem or conflict. The mixed messages are confusing and misleading. What Americans need is a model of civility, one we can look to for insight and inspiration.”

Washington copied the 110 rules down at age fourteen and kept them as his model for good and honorable behavior.

Many of the rules apply to a different time in history –– an 18th century era of castes, chauvinism, and codes for dress, table manners, and body language. For example, Rule 2 says, basically, “watch where you scratch;” Rule 9 admonishes, loosely, “don’t spit in the fire;” Rule 13 advises, literally, “Kill no vermin, as fleas, lice, ticks, etc., in the sight of others;” and Rule 100 tells diners, “Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork, or knife.”

Washington's wording sometimes comes across as old-fashioned and stilted, but Selzer helps translate and contextualize the insights along the way.

Many of the 110 rules stand out as golden rule common sense advice, which is especially relevant 250 years after the birth of the United States. There is some redundancy and a scolding tone, but there are also some gems that reach across the years:

Rule 1: “Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present.” Show some respect, including to the legislature, judiciary, and media!

Rule 6: “Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace.” Wake up even if you’re not “woke.”

Rule 21: “Reproach none for the infirmities of nature, not delight them that have have them in mind.” Don’t make fun of disabilities.

Rule 22: “Shew not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.” Speak only good things about those who pass away –– or say nothing at all.

Rule 25: “Superfluous compliments and all affectation of ceremony are to be avoided.” Be careful about commenting on the appearance of others or in wrapping yourself in the flag.

Rule 26: “Remove your hat to persons of distinction … make a reverence…” Especially during dignified transfers of the remains of service members who die in wars you start. It’s common sense.

In a speech to the citizens of Baltimore on April 17, 1789, Washington said, “It appears to me that little more than common sense and common honesty, in the transaction of the community at large, would be necessary to make us a great and happy nation.”

Rule 35: “Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.” Selzer expounds: “Be short and comprehensive in speech. It is inconsiderate to waste the time of others.” Ramble not.

Rule 36: (Translates to) Remain humble and treat everyone equally. “…Treat them with affability and courtesy, without arrogancy.”

Rule 47: “Mock not nor jest at anything of importance, break no jests that are sharp and biting..” Imagine George’s and the other founders’ horror at some of the AI generated memes and vitriolic social media texts by the current White House.

Rule 49: “Use no reproachful language against anyone, neither curse nor revile.” [*For example, Trump’s Easter post to Iran.]

Selzer notes, “Profanity demeans us, not those against whom we use it. And it usually backfires.”

Rule 50: “Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.” Ignore gossip and rumors –– and conspiracies such as Big Lies and distorted statistics.

Rule 56: “Associate yourself with men of good quality …” Consider Trump’s second administration, which included Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi and still includes (for now) Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Pete Hegseth. His first choice for Attorney General was Matt Gaetz.

Rule 58: “Let your conversation be without malice or envy as a sign of a commendable nature.”

Rule 59: “Never express anything unbecoming nor act against the moral rules…”

Rule 61: “Utter not base and frivolous things among grave and learned men…”

Rule 63: “A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities of wit, much less of his riches, virtue, or kindred.” How many presidents railed publicly about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize or bragged about their wealth and self-proclaimed virtues?

Rule 76: “While you are talking, point not with your finger at him of whom you discourse, nor approach too near to him to whom you talk, especially to his face.” Including members of the press.

Rule 82: “Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.” If you promise to lower prices, release all the Epstein files, and not start a war it’s important to keep your promises.

Selzer adds, “A promise is to keep. Trust is based on performing on your promises. You should always be there when it counts. People rely on you, and you should be willing to make a personal sacrifice to meet your commitments.”

Public office should not be a means for self-enrichment and profiteering. Selzer notes that during the eight years General Washington fought the Revolutionary War, he spent only three days of respite at his Mount Vernon home. “To keep a promise, George Washington believed in sacrifice –– he lost half his net worth during the Revolutionary War.”

Rule 88: “Be not tedious in discourse, make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same manner of discourse.” Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Rule 89: “Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.” Selzer adds, “Fairness is basic to our entire social system.” And, “If ever there was a golden opportunity to exercise the golden rule, this is it.”

Rule 110: “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.” If you have a conscience.

Washington’s final rule focuses on conscience as the ultimate guide toward civility. He frowned on hubris, self-importance, and dishonest behavior. Instead, he sought to follow his conscience toward humility, kindness, respect, tolerance, restraint and empathy. Civility

George Washington lived core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

One of his namesakes, USS George Washington (CVN 73), is part of the Forward-Deployed Naval Forces and calls Yokosuka, Japan, its current home.

Hegseth’s Holy War

By Bill Doughty

On March 25 at the Pentagon “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth prayed “in the name of Jesus” for God to help break the teeth of his enemies in Iran.

His prayer, written in part by a military chaplain, calls up ghosts of the Crusades, Manifest Destiny, and Old Testament brutality as well as an interpretation of the New Testament that is violent and unforgiving.

Hegseth called on the Christian God to give “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

“Almighty God, who trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle. You, who stirred the nations of the north against Babylon of old, making her land a desolation where none dwell. [“Nations of the North against Babylon of old” = Crusades]

“Behold now, the wicked who rise against Your justice and the peace of the righteous. Snap the rod of the oppressor, frustrate the wicked plans, and break the teeth of the ungodly.

By the blast of Your anger, let the evil perish. Let their bulls go down to slaughter, for their day has come… 

"Pour out your wrath upon those who plot vain things, and blow them away like chaff before the wind. Grant this task force clear and righteous targets for violence. Surround them as a shield. Protect the innocent and blameless in their midst. Make their arrows like those of a skilled warrior who returned empty-handed. Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation.”

[“Riighteousness…great nation = Manifest destiny]

“Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy. Preserve their lives, sharpen their resolve, and let justice be executed swiftly and without remorse, that evil may be driven back and wicked souls be delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them. For the wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

[Overwhelming violence…without remorse…eternal damnation = Old Testament.

“We ask these things with bold confidence in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ, king over all kings.”

Hegseth’s apocalyptic vision frames the war with Iran as a struggle against "religious fanatics" seeking a "religious Armageddon.”

As George W. Bush did in his war with Iraq, Hegseth also characterizes Operation Epic Fury as a "crusade" and a "holy war.” Theocracy is embraced on a path toward "end times."

Framing Jesus Christ as “king over all kings” seems to place Christianity above the Constitution, with “under God” supplanting “e pluribus unum.” It is a turn away from secular democracy and toward dominion domination.

Considering the pattern of discrimination against secular humanism and diversity, equity and Inclusion –– such as raising the profile of Christian military chaplains and preventing the promotion of blacks and women in senior officer ranks –– Hegseth’s prayer and war strategy seem to align with white Christian supremacy.

During his Pentagon prayer service, he welcomed another member of the Trump cabinet, Veterans Administration head Doug Collins, an Air Force reserve chaplain. “It’s such a blessing to be a part of a cabinet filled with faith-filled members who pray together, who share scripture together on a regular basis, who meet together and pray together,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth’s pastor, Doug Wilson, spoke and prayed at a previous Pentagon service. Wilson opposes gay marriage, supports women not voting, and promotes past slavery as good for black people.

Regarding slavery, Wilson says that the Bible does not explicitly forbid slavery and permits owning other people if slaves are treated well. He co-authored “Southern Slavery as it Was,” which claimed that American slavery preserved families and introduced black families to Christianity.

Hundreds of Christian leaders, joined by other religious and nonreligious groups, have condemned white Christian nationalism and supremacy and Hegseth’s view of patriarchy and dominionism. Many express their opposition in ongoing “No Kings” rallies and protests.

After Hegseth’s prayer for violence, Pope Leo addressed Catholic worshippers during a Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square. Leo said the conflict between Iran, Israel and the US was “atrocious” and that Jesus could not be used to justify war.

“This is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he said to tens of thousands of followers. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”

Quoting a Bible passage, Leo added: “‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.’”