Gaddis: Republicans spell out ‘action blueprint’ for 2025

The Seattle Times and The New York Times have published articles that refer to the Republicans’ action blueprint for 2025 if a Republican wins or if No. 45 wins a second term. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow referred to this using the name, “Plan 2025.” It is what Donald Trump laid out in his 90-minute speech at the Turning Point Action Conference of July 15. In short, the plan centralizes virtually all power at the presidential level.

Listening to him reminded me of watching documentary films in high school about Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. The words and tone of 45 were terrifying because he intends to do just what he says he will do.  

I am old enough and lucky enough to have learned from dedicated, well-educated, well-informed and truth-telling teachers. They were well read and demonstrated that they dealt in facts. Whether we were learning world history, American history or civics, my teachers were able to relate history to current events. They made sure we learned the opposing sides of various discussions and debates. They often shared their own opinions but did not present them as the only realities.

I met my best high school history/civics teacher in my senior year. He was new to teaching, having come from a business career. He insisted upon facts, presented them firmly, made us research them and allowed us to express different opinions if we supported them with evidence.

Today, there are too many states limiting too many topics of learning and discussion, leading to fewer shared facts, less knowledge and little wisdom. Could it be because today’s politicians know that a well-educated population would likely vote them out?

I did not listen to the entire rant by POTUS 45 at the Turning Point conference, but I heard enough to recognize the two people he was emulating. The first was Benito Mussolini, a charismatic and convincing speaker with the skill to cause the population to dislike or fear his opponents in elections. As I read or heard translations of his speeches, I could not understand why so many believed in him. The other was Adolf Hitler, also a forceful speaker, as well as a showman. His rallies were impressive, and he convinced the citizenry that he was the true leader who would benefit them. Both were fine examples of how to rise to dictatorial power.

The responses from the “young” audience at the Turning Point conference brought those two dictators to mind. Like them, Donald Trump has a devout following. His first campaign showed us what he was willing to do or say to win. His term in office showed what he does when he consolidates his acolytes and how he deals with those who disagree with or oppose him. Fortunately, that ended when he left office.

It has amazed me for years why some very intelligent citizens chose to vote against their own interests. Do not be fooled by No. 45’s promises to dissolve certain parts of the “deep state” (there isn’t one), make life better for “all” (meaning his devotees and allies) and avenge all the (imaginary) damage done to you by our democratic republic.

We must defeat the Republican Plan 2025, along with former POTUS 45 or anyone else trying to carry it out. We are being told how anyone will be dealt with if they oppose an elected Republican or Trump. If Plan 2025 is carried out, we will have lost the freedoms that have lasted for more than 200 years.

Alan P. Gaddis

Dover