Today's guest columnist argues that critical thinking and civic engagement are essential to preserving democratic institutions.
by John M. Mishler
Guest Contributor
What allows Mr. Trump and his enablers to steadily dismantle the framework of our democracy without any meaningful pushback or resistance? The answer is rather complicated, but several quotes from well-known personalities may provide us with simple and straightforward explanations.
As an illustration, H.L. Mencken once said...”The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the most daring liars; the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth.” So, according to his observation, Mr. Trump, the Liar, should be admired most by the American people, and those individuals who speak the truth are, sadly, detested.
Therefore, if Mencken's simple lesson has any validity, why is Mr. Trump praised by so many Americans? Besides being a daring liar, what has he done to garner such adulation? Maybe George Bernard Shaw can provide additional thought-provoking insight, by offering the following…”Two percent of the people think; 3 percent of the people think they think; and 95 percent of the people would rather die than think.” If one merges both comments, it appears Mr. Trump, the Liar, is adored by those Americans who rather live without thinking, believing whatever he tells them without question, pushback, or resistance! Is there a problem here? Absolutely.
In reality, is it so difficult both to think and to know when someone is lying? Yes, because both entities challenge one to “go outside the box,” “connect the dots,” study, read, ask relevant questions, possess doubts, rely on verifiable facts, be curious, have discussions with others, problem-solve, prognosticate, evaluate, utilize common sense - all of these tasks require time, dedication, and an inclination to query one's role in our society, and the definition of what it means to be a responsible citizen.
However, it appears that a majority of Americans have no time, dedication, or inclination to spare - it has become more “efficient” and “convenient” for these same individuals to have Mr. Trump, mobile phone news feeds, right-wing radio/television/newspapers, podcasters, and a myriad of far-right sycophants lie to them, while simultaneously “thinking” for them. What is the obvious issue here - is it dealing with reality? Yes.
Why must Americans be able both to think and to differentiate between truth and fiction, as a means to understand important issues which impact their daily lives?
As an example: is a tariff a form of regressive tax or not? Know the answer? Economic experts state a regressive tax removes a larger percentage of income from low-income individuals than from high-income persons. These same experts identify a tariff placed on imported goods as a regressive tax. Therefore, Americans who can think, read, and comprehend factual material, know Mr. Trump is lying to and misleading the American public with his rhetoric, noting his tariffs are required to "even the playing field" with other countries exporting goods to the United States. He further asserts the revenue generated from said tariffs (which he claims are paid for by exporting countries - a lie) will reduce the national deficit (it has not/will not) and bring back much-needed high-paying manufacturing jobs to America (we currently are losing said jobs). From his standpoint, as well as his gullible followers, employing tariffs appears rational. Yes, to them, but what is the truth? In actuality, a tariff is an “added” tax placed upon goods imported into America and paid for by both American companies and consumers! These regressive taxes placed on low-income groups will result in said groups spending thousands of dollars more per year on essential imported items and food. Therefore, Trump’s tariffs are hurting rather than helping Americans in general and low-income citizens, including his own MAGA enthusiasts, in particular.
Are there other examples? Sadly, yes. Americans also need to “think” and be able to “differentiate" between a falsehood and a verifiable fact, with respect to: the rate of inflation (it is rising); job creation (it is decreasing); arresting and deporting “dangerous gang members" (little progress here); illegally firing government employees (without cause); weaponizing the FBI and Department of Justice (well underway) - all important elements which require close and sustained scrutiny.
Given this litany of abnormal events/actions, is our current democracy in jeopardy? Yes. We are in the midst of hurtling toward an impasse. One side will continue this toxic environment created by Mr. Trump and his enablers, where judicial, legislative, and executive functions are severely compromised in order to comply with his autocratic vision of America. The other, the more difficult and transparent side, requires soul-searching, confronting the truth, no matter how inconvenient it may be. What inconvenient truth? As a nation, notwithstanding Mr. Trump’s claims of American greatness, we are confronted with: severe wealth/social inequality; uneven health care provision; areas of food insecurity; lack of preparedness for the consequences of climate change/global warming; making all citizens equal under the law; sustaining three equal, but separate branches of government; providing safer food and drugs …… the list goes on. What is the plan for this more difficult side?
We must think, develop new/novel solutions for our inconvenient truths, shun leaders who lie and promote misleading propaganda, and work toward a better, more inclusive democracy for all Americans! We can and must undertake this plan, beginning with the 2026 Mid-term Elections. How? By identifying, supporting and, thereafter, electing legislators who value the truth and will devote their energy and wisdom in support of all Americans. Think, know the truth, and vote!
About the author ~
John M. Mishler was a former Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Professor of Basic Life Sciences, Medicine, and Pharmacology at the University of Missouri. He currently resides in Harpswell, Maine.
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