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Fraggin'By Bill ShunasThe year was 1968. Much was happening here and around the world: assassinations, Civil Rights struggles, and war. It was significant in my life also. I got drafted. I went off to Basic and AIT and then back to Chicago on leave that year. This was shortly before the Nixon—Humphrey presidential election and politics were hot and heavy. When on leave, I made a date with Sharon. We talked a lot of politics. Her take on Nixon was that he was a fascist. She seemed sincere when telling me she was considering moving to Canada if Nixon won. So I went back to Fort Leonard Wood. Nixon won. I returned home for leave. Sharon couldn't be found. Do you think? Then there was Mitchell. The war was still on. For me, it was now over. I used the GI Bill to take a few courses at Roosevelt University. I took one class from a dude by the name of Mitchell. Mitchell had a bag full of conspiracy theories, which were mostly what was talked about in class. I enjoyed it. I like conspiracy theories. Maybe I shouldn't say that in the age of QANON, where the fascists find recruits, but I do. As for Mitchell, he told us students that he had a go-bag ready, a passport, and an open airline ticket at a place that was easily accessible. Just in case. I mention Sharon and Mitchell because much of that thought has come back today, brought about by Trump and the MAGA clones. Back then, it was Nixon. Today, it's worse. Nixon famously said, "I am not a crook." Trump doesn't care that he's convicted. His followers don't care. That makes him much more dangerous to us, the American people. That's why it's not unlikely that his policies and executive orders often come up for discussion when you talk with friends and acquaintances. Admittedly, some actually like him, which is something to be aware of. Most have thoughts of hunkering down or musing about moving to Canada. Fine thoughts. But be aware that Trumpism is fascism. Fascism will creep into the picture. If we don't stand against it, it will not stop. That's where the country is heading. The indicators are present. They are transferring massive wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich. Civil Rights gains are under threat. The use of violence by the state will be the first resort, not the last. A thought. The Trumpees are down at the Mexican border trying to prevent immigrants from coming over. Then maybe the Canadians will try to prevent Americans from crossing over. Then, if they keep going, all will end in the Faroe Islands. As the poet Gil Scott-Heron said,
And now it's winter Trump has come to power a second time with a mandate to do harm. The votes of the Republican base combined with those dissatisfied with the way things have gone have resulted in this rise of fascism by whatever name you might call it. Throughout history, fascist leaders and fascist governments have relied on their opposition to let things slide. That enables fascists. I don't know if these American fascists can consolidate power or not. At the very least, they'll come close. In response, I don't think we should be running off to Canada, either actually or in our minds. We need a direct approach. Many of you may remember a film in the early seventies. Only the Beginning. It was about Vietnam, anti-war veterans, and VVAW. The last scene in the film shows scenes of veterans protesting the Vietnam War by throwing their medals away on the steps of the nation's capital in 1971. The medals were thrown over a security barrier, and each veteran said a few words. Only the Beginning captured some of this on film. The last brother in the film was shown throwing away his medals and saying something like this. (I paraphrase) I don't ever want to fight again, but if I do, it will be to take these steps. Words to contemplate. Bill Shunas is a Vietnam veteran, author, and long-time VVAW member.
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