Jack is correct: fascism can posture, preen, and pound its chest—but it cannot root itself in a country built for friction, defiance, and distributed power. America is not a monarchy in disguise; it is a machine of checks, balances, and redundancy. From the Civil War to Watergate, institutions have bent under pressure but never broken, because power here is never held in one hand. Narrative control, institutional obedience, and public resignation—the three ingredients fascism requires—simply do not exist in a nation wired for debate, protest, and relentless scrutiny.
The fight against authoritarian drift is not a cinematic showdown—it is persistence. Jack is correct that local elections, state resistance, court cases, and civic engagement matter more than headlines. Despair is surrender rehearsed in advance; noise, dissent, and vigilance are our defense. The spectacle of strongmen may feel overwhelming, but America’s distributed power and stubborn citizenry outlast theater. Fascism will not prevail here—the safeguard is not distant, it is in citizens who refuse to surrender their nerve.
I’ve been reminding friends that rebellion is in the DNA of this country, we were “ birthed” as a nation because of it…we were the “radical rabble” the upset the English king…and it’s what we have got to remember NOW…it’s part of the lifeblood of our country!
That reminder...that this country was born out of defiance against concentrated power... matters.
It reframes the moment. It pulls us out of panic...and puts us BACK into perspective. We weren’t founded on passive obedience. We were founded on friction.
And...you’re right to bring that up NOW.
Memory is leverage. When people remember that resistance to overreach is part of our civic DNA...it steadies them. It reminds them that tension isn’t new...it’s part of the design.
That lifeblood you’re talking about isn’t rage. It’s CONVICTION. It’s the instinct to push back when lines are crossed. And...that instinct has NOT disappeared.
Thank you for educating us, but also for being with us. There are days, moments when it seems pretty dire. As long as we know there's hope- we will defy them every hour of the day.
I love your comment, Virginia. I do. Because...every time I sit down to write...and that's pretty much all I am ever doing...I feel very connected to you...and everyone else here. That's a fact.
Dark days? Absolutely...and probably much darker to come. No question about it. However, those are the days...history shows us...where people have done some of the best work this country has ever witnessed. I expect no less out of us!
Well done, as usual. Better than, for me. So I was thinking about the threat of masked goons swarming the polls is likely a to be a sure thing, and it got me to do something I’m not very good at or proud of: math. Cocktail napkin stuff is OK, so I had to know. Hypothetically: if (the fantasy begins) we were able to get an equal number of people as who attended No Kings to go counter-watch, it would place the number at 61 people at (what I hope I found to be) Every Election Everywhere. (and misleading, Chicago would need a few more eyes than say, Hooterville.) Well, maybe not there, but it’s the first podunk town I thought of.
This was good to read to help keep spirits and fight up to keep America free. You are so right about us arguing about everything including condiments LOL. We are a nation of all kinds it will stay that way...no to white nationalist Christians for us. We are too diverse to let that happen Jack. Thank you,,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We need to feel this in our bones, we need to feel this in our souls. We need to remind each other of this as often as we can so we remember our strengths. #HOLDINGFAST We shall overcome.
Fabulous post—nothing is ever too small to argue about. The American Way!!!!
Beautifully stated, Melissa! It is absolutely the American way.
-Jack
LOL! You got THAT right, Melinda!
Once again Jack, you’ve given me a whole new perspective! I just LOVE when that happens…
Thank you Jack. I really needed this today.
Morgan, you're welcome. I'm glad it arrived at a time when it would be especially useful for you!
-Jack
Jack is correct: fascism can posture, preen, and pound its chest—but it cannot root itself in a country built for friction, defiance, and distributed power. America is not a monarchy in disguise; it is a machine of checks, balances, and redundancy. From the Civil War to Watergate, institutions have bent under pressure but never broken, because power here is never held in one hand. Narrative control, institutional obedience, and public resignation—the three ingredients fascism requires—simply do not exist in a nation wired for debate, protest, and relentless scrutiny.
The fight against authoritarian drift is not a cinematic showdown—it is persistence. Jack is correct that local elections, state resistance, court cases, and civic engagement matter more than headlines. Despair is surrender rehearsed in advance; noise, dissent, and vigilance are our defense. The spectacle of strongmen may feel overwhelming, but America’s distributed power and stubborn citizenry outlast theater. Fascism will not prevail here—the safeguard is not distant, it is in citizens who refuse to surrender their nerve.
#HoldFast
Keep it coming, Jane! Keep showing up. Keep resisting. Keep that, "Oh HELL NO!" attitude. That...is how we do it.
-Jack
Thanks! Jack’s clarity and fearlessness don’t just inspire—they show how to think critically and speak boldly.
Nice writing, HKJane.
Admittedly, I feel better. Lots better.
Diana...thank you for letting me...and others know. I think that's important for us all to see/hear those things. Truly!
-Jack
I needed this also. Thank you Jack.
My pleasure, Ellen Zucker! You're welcome.
-Jack
I’ve been reminding friends that rebellion is in the DNA of this country, we were “ birthed” as a nation because of it…we were the “radical rabble” the upset the English king…and it’s what we have got to remember NOW…it’s part of the lifeblood of our country!
Christie, you nailed something essential here.
That reminder...that this country was born out of defiance against concentrated power... matters.
It reframes the moment. It pulls us out of panic...and puts us BACK into perspective. We weren’t founded on passive obedience. We were founded on friction.
And...you’re right to bring that up NOW.
Memory is leverage. When people remember that resistance to overreach is part of our civic DNA...it steadies them. It reminds them that tension isn’t new...it’s part of the design.
That lifeblood you’re talking about isn’t rage. It’s CONVICTION. It’s the instinct to push back when lines are crossed. And...that instinct has NOT disappeared.
Well said!
-Jack
Thank you Jack! History lover here…and having a knowledge of history is so important!
Thank you for educating us, but also for being with us. There are days, moments when it seems pretty dire. As long as we know there's hope- we will defy them every hour of the day.
I love your comment, Virginia. I do. Because...every time I sit down to write...and that's pretty much all I am ever doing...I feel very connected to you...and everyone else here. That's a fact.
Dark days? Absolutely...and probably much darker to come. No question about it. However, those are the days...history shows us...where people have done some of the best work this country has ever witnessed. I expect no less out of us!
-Jack
Well done, as usual. Better than, for me. So I was thinking about the threat of masked goons swarming the polls is likely a to be a sure thing, and it got me to do something I’m not very good at or proud of: math. Cocktail napkin stuff is OK, so I had to know. Hypothetically: if (the fantasy begins) we were able to get an equal number of people as who attended No Kings to go counter-watch, it would place the number at 61 people at (what I hope I found to be) Every Election Everywhere. (and misleading, Chicago would need a few more eyes than say, Hooterville.) Well, maybe not there, but it’s the first podunk town I thought of.
You are right and you can see it collapsing.
I'm glad you can see it, too...Debbie. We have the upper hand...and...more people are beginning to wake up to that critical fact!
-Jack
Amen— it’s in our DNA☮️🇺🇸🌎
Diana...IT IS in our DNA! Every minute of every day.
-Jack
Love this, Jack! Right on.
Thank you!
D, thank you. YOU...keep rockin' this baby home!
-Jack
You got it! In the words of Triumph, “Fight the good fight every moment..’
Yes again to this post!! Thanks Jack.
You're welcome!
-Jack
You breakdown of reasons we will prevail is uplifting. We too often dwell on the negatives.
Thank you.
This was good to read to help keep spirits and fight up to keep America free. You are so right about us arguing about everything including condiments LOL. We are a nation of all kinds it will stay that way...no to white nationalist Christians for us. We are too diverse to let that happen Jack. Thank you,,
#HOLDFAST
Teri
You are awesome. Thanks for your inspiration and clarity. #HOLDFAST. 💯👍
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We need to feel this in our bones, we need to feel this in our souls. We need to remind each other of this as often as we can so we remember our strengths. #HOLDINGFAST We shall overcome.