The author reflects on the symbolic ”funeral of democracy,” drawing parallels to historical events and literary allusions. The inauguration of a president, who built their career on undermining democratic norms, is presented as a somber occasion marked, not by mourning, but by an unsettling air of celebration among those who should be lamenting democracy’s decline. This stark contrast between the gravity of the situation and the festive atmosphere highlights the paradoxical nature of the event, where the very principles being eroded are seemingly celebrated by their detractors. This evokes a disturbing question: what becomes of democracy when a majority no longer values it?
The author likens this peculiar celebration to the fictional funeral of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, where the townsfolk mourn their presumed deaths, only to be surprised by their reappearance. However, unlike the joyous return in Twain’s story, this political funeral lacks a sense of redemption. Instead, it’s punctuated by pardons for individuals complicit in an attack on the very ideals the inauguration ostensibly represents. This act of clemency further solidifies the narrative of a democracy under siege, its principles disregarded by those entrusted with its protection. The author questions whether democracy’s existence is merely a brief interlude in human history, now approaching its demise.
Drawing on the words of Mark Twain, the author contemplates the concept of death, reflecting on its inevitability and the seeming insignificance of its absence before life. This philosophical musing serves as a transition to a discussion of historical parallels, specifically the rise of fascism during World War II. The author invokes the experience of Ture Nerman, a Swedish journalist who fiercely opposed Nazism during a time when freedom of speech was suppressed. Nerman’s experience under censorship underscores the fragility of democracy and the importance of resisting authoritarian tendencies.
The author highlights Nerman’s observations about the unsettling rise of ”vile, evil, and perverse people” during times of violence and oppression, drawing a parallel to contemporary events. The brutal war in Ukraine and the erosion of democratic values in the West are presented as evidence of a resurgence of these tendencies. This comparison serves as a warning about the potential for a global shift toward authoritarianism. The normalization of ”roughness” emanating from powerful institutions is likened to ink spreading through water, gradually contaminating everything it touches. This imagery captures the pervasive nature of the threat and the potential for a creeping acceptance of undemocratic behavior.
The author emphasizes the importance of moral clarity in such times, echoing Nerman’s call to ”call black black and gangsters gangsters, not statesmen.” This statement underscores the urgency of resisting the temptation to normalize or excuse acts of violence and oppression. The author cautions against the dangers of complacency and the insidious nature of an inverted morality where right becomes wrong and good becomes evil. The author suggests that unchecked, this trend could lead to a widespread desensitization to violence and a blurring of ethical boundaries. This internal ”death” poses a significant threat, potentially paving the way for further erosion of democratic values.
Despite the grim outlook, the author expresses hope, drawing inspiration from Nerman’s unwavering optimism. Nerman’s belief that “one day it will turn” and that “the good, honest, and healthy people are working deep down” provides a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The author suggests that the symbolic funeral of democracy might paradoxically become a catalyst for its rebirth. Referencing the feigned deaths of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, the author suggests that even in mourning, there exists a potential for renewal and a renewed appreciation for the very things we thought lost. The author concludes with a defiant statement, suggesting that democracy is not dead, but merely lost and temporarily buried, awaiting its resurrection.
