Alan’s TTIM Stories #46

New laws restrict or eliminate immigration. A ban on gender and sexual diversity in schools, the media, advertising, and public places. Legalized surveillance of perceived enemies/critics. Central government control of institutions of higher education. A bias media uses xenophobic and anti-Muslim rhetoric to influence voters. Women are subject to “derogatory and sexist remarks” by government officials.

Opposing political parties are hindered by misinformation and vile advertising. The government discourages public involvement in national elections. Opposing factions fear the loss of public funds for their constituencies in retaliation. With a minority of opposing factions in the legislature, undemocratic laws are passed and enacted with ease. Intimidation stymies the prosecution of corruption.

The statements above are not taken from a campaign speech before the 2024 Presidential Election in the United States. They are a reality in a post-democratic Hungary and a prophetic look into America’s future.

The 2010 elections in Hungary began government changes by Prime Minister Viktor Orban to consolidate power, restrict freedom, and influence the judiciary, journalists, and voters.

There are other examples of democratic backsliding:

• The Poland Parliament enacted 13 laws that negatively affect the autonomy of the justice system
• Israel attempted to limit powers and independence of the Israeli Supreme Court and have greater control over the media
• Ten Russian dissidents have died under mysterious circumstances

The United States does not have to wait for Inauguration Day for democratic backsliding:

• In Florida, HB 1285 allows restrictions on books in local school districts; HB 1291 restricts the teaching of racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege; HB 933 allows chaplains in public schools
• Texas law prohibits the teaching of Critical Race Theory
• Book bans were enacted in Iowa in 2023
• The loss of Roe v Wade

Is there a way back? If differences aren’t addressed, calamity could follow.

Marshal Tito held Yugoslavia for 21 years under a “kinder, gentler” communism in comparison to the Soviet rival. In exchange for basic freedoms, the population was promised employment and education. His large personality that  held the country together died with the death of the leader. Opposing factors broke the country apart with 10 years of warfare and an estimated 140,000 deaths.

Will America return to democracy?  It will require a citizens’ response – a movement greater than any political party – to educate, address fears, and overcome lies.

Democracy is reserved for the deserved.

Sources:
Wikipedia
Reuters – Fact Box
Freedom House
Center for American Progress
Wikimedia Commons
The New Yorker
FSU News

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Follow announcements of Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author, with all available posts at www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels by the author include: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer, found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.