Member-only story
‘Perfect Match’ breakup ends with threats, anger… and opportunity.
Protection racket
The America of determination and courage has been commandeered by a political movement that urges us to live in fear and, more importantly, to be cautious. On the anniversary of D-Day, we reflect on a time when we, as a nation, chose to set aside our fear of the Nazi war machine, act boldly, and commit ourselves to freedom. Eighty-one years later, the Trump administration is characterized by its ability to instill fear and perpetuate cruelty. The shift has been stark, as the Trump administration has positioned itself as our “protectors,” and for many of us, the true protection we need is from them.
The Big Beautiful Bill House Republicans passed in the dark of night strains our understanding of euphemism; the real dangers that should trigger our fears lie within it. And, just as fear-inducing, the policies of the current administration’s agenda strategically identify who ought to be afraid, whom and what to be scared of, and why. We should be afraid of immigrants, afraid of being “taken” by trade partners, fearful of the poor and powerless draining our wealth, alarmed by women demanding control of their reproductive rights, and gays openly expressing their identity. Meanwhile, our “protectors” are bullies who would readily turn our fear into political power and use it against…
