Tyranny

The erratic nature of a tyrant is a force that shapes societies in profound and often devastating ways. Fear is the first tool a tyrant wields, silencing dissent and discouraging resistance. As I’ve knocked on doors to remind voters of their democratic responsibility, I’ve seen this fear firsthand. People hesitate, their voices tremble, and even leaders admit, “I am afraid.” This fear is not unique to one nation—it’s a universal thread that binds the oppressed in places like Syria, Russia, and North Korea.

Propaganda is the tyrant’s second weapon, a relentless stream of lies and misinformation that conditions people to accept the unacceptable. Over time, this social conditioning erodes critical thinking, leaving individuals unable to distinguish truth from falsehood. In our own society, the propaganda machine churns out narratives that defy logic, such as arguments against birthright citizenship that would, ironically, disqualify the children of the very leaders promoting them.

The repetition of lies creates a dangerous normalization, where even blatant contradictions are overlooked. This is not just a flaw in leadership but a reflection of how deeply fear and propaganda can infiltrate a community’s psyche. It’s a reminder that vigilance and courage are essential in preserving democracy and resisting the allure of tyranny.