The two contributors who last week (May 15) reacted against the accusation of ‘fascism’ directed at the Reform party, make some valid points, and the longer letter is thoughtfully structured.
However, Reform candidates – especially the new Mayor – have owed a good deal in their prospectuses to Donald Trump.
It is now becoming plain that in America the actions of the Trump government have resulted in clear changes in the practices of, for instance, artists, authors, and institutions, who have become noticeably less inclined to criticise or comment adversely on government actions, for fear of retaliatory punishment from Trump or his aides.
This is now apparently a regular topic of conversation and of comparison with totalitarian and Fascist practices, and it is reported that U.S. publishers are experiencing rocketing sales of books on the rise of the Nazis in Germany.
In a democracy, sound political criticism should be free. In totalitarian states it is not, and in the US at present it can clearly provoke not just government reaction, but government threats. Trump, having sworn to uphold the Constitution, does not do so. That is not true democracy.
The problem for Reform is its close links with, and apparent approval of, the Trumpian system.
Reform is not yet in national power, but it may be one day. If it doesn’t change, that may be a day when concern will be justified.
John Tippler
Spalding
