in contemporary american politics, the consolidation of fascism is a growing concern, and understanding its driving force is crucial for meaningful opposition. at the heart of this issue lies neoliberalism, operating insidiously through both major political parties, particularly the democratic party. this suggests that to combat the rise of fascism effectively, we must challenge the political duopoly, as both parties are complicit in advancing a neoliberal fascist agenda.
the democratic party, far from being a bastion of progressive values, often supports republican victories. this isn’t due to incompetence but rather a strategic choice to protect their donors' interests. democrats prefer to lose elections and maintain the status quo rather than win and disrupt the neoliberal agenda. thus, their primary concern is not winning elections, but safeguarding the economic interests of their benefactors.
this dynamic is evident in the policies and actions of both parties. despite the rhetoric, both democrats and republicans push for neoliberal economic policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the broader populace. this alignment reveals a shared commitment to maintaining an economic order that fuels fascism by exacerbating inequality and disenfranchisement.
consider the clinton administration (1993-2001), which enacted significant neoliberal economic policies, such as the north american free trade agreement (nafta) and the repeal of the glass-steagall act, both of which contributed to economic instability and the 2008 financial crisis. the bush administration (2001-2009) continued this agenda with tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation in various sectors. the obama administration (2009-2017) promoted the trans-pacific partnership (tpp) and bailed out large financial institutions during the 2008 financial crisis without significant penalties, reinforcing the power of big banks. the trump administration (2017-2021) further entrenched neoliberal policies with the tax cuts and jobs act of 2017 and aggressive deregulation. even the biden administration (2021-present), despite progressive measures, has faced criticism for maintaining neoliberal principles, particularly in its handling of student debt and healthcare reform.
the continuation of these neoliberal policies across different administrations points to a deeper, systemic issue within the american political system. this issue is further compounded by the structural mechanisms that distort democratic representation, particularly the electoral college. originally designed to balance the interests of smaller states against more populous ones, the electoral college has evolved into a tool that perpetuates the power of a minority and exacerbates political polarization. in recent elections, it has enabled candidates who did not win the popular vote to secure the presidency, undermining the democratic principle of one person, one vote. this flawed system contributes significantly to the consolidation of neoliberal fascism by reinforcing a political strategy that prioritizes narrow interests over broader democratic engagement.
the electoral college incentivizes both major parties to focus their campaigns on a handful of swing states, neglecting the broader electorate. this strategic focus not only marginalizes voters in states deemed "safe" for one party or the other but also reinforces the duopoly by limiting the viability of third-party or independent candidates. without addressing this fundamental flaw, efforts to combat neoliberal fascism will remain hampered by a system that prioritizes political strategy over democratic representation.
to truly defeat the consolidation of fascism, we must break free from the illusion that either major party offers a genuine alternative. this requires building and supporting movements and parties that challenge the neoliberal consensus and advocate for systemic change. only by rejecting the duopoly and embracing a vision of politics that prioritizes people over profits can we hope to dismantle the structures that enable fascism to thrive.
the path forward demands a clear-eyed recognition of the complicity of both parties in perpetuating neoliberal fascism. it calls for a collective effort to forge a new political landscape where true democracy and social justice are possible. this includes rethinking and potentially abolishing the electoral college in favor of a more democratic and representative system, such as a national popular vote or proportional representation. these changes would help ensure that every vote counts equally and that the political system reflects the will of the people.
defeating neoliberal fascism is not just about opposing a political ideology; it's about envisioning and creating a society that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. it requires a commitment to structural reforms that address the root causes of inequality and disenfranchisement. by breaking the stranglehold of the duopoly and implementing a truly democratic electoral system, we can pave the way for a future where democracy is not just a lofty ideal but a lived reality for all. ensuring that everyone has access to basic needs—healthy food, shelter, clean water and air, healthcare, education, and economic security—creates a stable foundation that supports effective leadership transitions and the development of future leaders. such a comprehensive approach promotes equity and opportunity, enabling every individual to reach their full potential and contribute to the common good.
to build this society, we must embrace the principles of social anarchy, emphasizing true democracy, decentralization, and collective decision-making. this involves dismantling hierarchical structures that concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few and replacing them with systems that empower communities to govern themselves. we must foster solidarity and mutual aid, ensuring that all individuals have the resources and support they need to thrive.
we can create a world where power is decentralized, and communities are free to determine their own futures. this vision calls for radical transformation, where the values of equality, justice, and cooperation guide our social and political structures. it's a call to action for all who seek a just and equitable society: join us in this struggle, and together, we can dismantle the systems of oppression and build a world where every person can live with dignity and freedom.
by building a society where every citizen can thrive, we can create a future where power is transferred smoothly, leadership is dynamic and responsive, and stability is maintained, ensuring prosperity for generations to come. let us rise together, challenge the status quo, and forge a new path towards true democracy and social justice.
