2016: Into the Abyss

When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Welcome to 2016, a year with the potential to be historic in a way our posterity will curse for centuries to come.

Rebirth of Fascism

Donald Trump hasn't just moved the Overton Window regarding fascism, he has seismically shifted it. His call to expel 11 million people from the country was greeted enthusiastically by racists from coast to coast. His deliberate use of Nazi soldiers in an early campaign ad was a clear dog whistle for neo-Nazis that he was one of them. As his outrages have become more and more outrageous each previous unthinkable stance has been mainstreamed. The hate filled fascist-lite Ted Cruz is now being touted as a moderate alternative to Trump.

But it is not just the United States that has seen a growth of fascism. France's National Front, which is both anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim, got a plurality of votes in the first round of regional elections in early December. All of Europe has seen a surge of fascist party support in recent years.

Anti-Science Idiots

As the effects of global climate change become obvious politicians have stepped up their denials of basic facts. Running second to Trump in the Republican presidential race is a man aggressively attacks all forms of scientific research or thought.

Return of Jim Crow

Mississippi first requires driver's license or equivalent to vote. They then closed the offices issuing those documents in African-American communities. The Supreme Court is striking down voting rights and civil rights at every opportunity. Police shooting of unarmed black men and even black children has been effectively legalized and has become a 21st century version of lynching.