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All in the fight for democracy, Thomas Jefferson warned that democracy could be at risk if citizens were not vigilant. He believed that constant effort was needed to protect the right to vote and maintain a fair system.
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free,…it expects what never was and never will be.”
Thomas Jefferson
In a democracy education is fundamental and is the foundation of all civilised societies.
Elizabeth Willing Powell was outside Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention in 1787. She asked Benjamin Franklin,
“Well, Doctor, what have we got—a republic or a monarchy?”
Franklin responded with the now-famous line,
“A republic, if you can keep it.”
He underscored the idea that the continuation of a republic requires active effort and vigilance from its citizens.
When the American Psychiatric Association (APA) silenced mental health experts from officially informing the public about Donald Trump’s mental health, it was a warning of impending authoritarian danger.
The Fight for Democracy – Voter Suppression
Half of the world’s countries have seen democratic decline in the first quarter of the 21st century. This includes flawed elections and limits on civil liberties. Even established democracies are not immune to the threats.
Citizens must stay vigilant to protect voter rights and democratic institutions. An engaged populace is crucial to preserving democracy against authoritarian forces.
“All In: The Fight for Democracy” is a 2020 documentary film that sheds light on voter suppression in the United States. The film explores how barriers to voting have affected citizens’ rights throughout history.
Voter suppression has taken many forms over time. In the past, literacy tests and poll taxes were used to keep certain groups from voting. Today, more subtle methods are employed.
Barriers to voting include:
- Strict voter ID laws
- Reduced polling locations
- Limited early voting options
- Purging of voter rolls
The film highlights how these tactics disproportionately affect minority communities and low-income voters.
The documentary traces the history of voting rights in America. It shows how progress has been made, but also how challenges continued to emerge.
By examining past and present struggles, the film aims to educate viewers about their rights as citizens. It encourages active participation in the democratic process to safeguard voting rights for all.
The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump
Donald Trump’s presidency raised serious concerns about his mental fitness for office. Mental health experts attempted to warn the public, but their efforts were suppressed. The consequences of this silencing became apparent as Trump’s actions led to significant harm.
How the Mental Health Experts were Silenced in the USA
A group of 37 psychiatrists and mental health professionals sought to alert Congress about Trump’s mental state. They were set to meet with members of Congress to share their expert opinions. However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) blocked this meeting.
The APA’s actions prevented crucial information from reaching lawmakers and the public. This decision was based on the ‘Goldwater Rule’, which prohibits psychiatrists from diagnosing public figures they haven’t personally examined.
As a result, the public was denied access to vital warnings from mental health experts. This silencing ultimately put public health and safety at risk.
In 2017 (updated in 2019), Dr Brandy X Lee with 30 others published the Best Seller ‘The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump’. It was a book that alarmed Americans, and international onlookers wanted to know what was wrong with him.
Warnings that Came True
The suppressed warnings from mental health professionals proved prescient. Trump’s presidency had several damaging effects. Among them:
- Erosion of democratic norms
- Spread of misinformation
- Polarisation of the American public, and
- Undermining of electoral integrity
These issues culminated in the January 6 insurrection. Trump’s false claims about election fraud incited his supporters to storm the Capitol, threatening the peaceful transfer of power.
The events leading up to January 6 demonstrated the accuracy of the mental health experts’ concerns. Their silenced warnings could have potentially prevented or mitigated these dangerous outcomes.
The Cult of Donald Trump
Donald Trump built a devoted following that has been called cult-like. His fanatical supporters showed intense loyalty despite controversy, scandal, impeachment, indictment, and criminal conviction.
How Trump Built a Cult
Trump used powerful emotional appeals to connect with followers. He tapped into fears about immigration and economic insecurity. His rallies had an almost religious fervour, and he lied repeatedly.
Trump positioned himself as a political outsider fighting corrupt elites. This resonated with many who felt left behind. He used simple slogans like “Make America Great Again” to great effect.
Social media amplified Trump’s reach. His unfiltered tweets gave supporters direct access. Echo chambers reinforced pro-Trump views.
Trump demanded total loyalty from allies. He attacked critics harshly. This created an us and them mentality among followers.
Why Millions Bought into the Cult
Many saw Trump as a strong leader who could fix America’s problems. His business success appealed to those wanting economic change.
Trump’s celebrity status was compelling. Some enjoyed his brash style and ‘telling it like it is’ approach.
He validated people’s grievances about immigration and globalisation. This gave voice to those feeling unheard.
Trump’s constant claims of victimhood resonated with supporters who felt similarly aggrieved. They saw attacks on Trump as attacks on themselves.
For some, Trump represented a rebellion against ‘political correctness’. His controversial statements were seen as refreshing honesty.
The Dangers to Democracy Worldwide
Democracy faces serious threats globally. Authoritarianism and fascism are on the rise, endangering basic rights and freedoms. Citizens’ ability to vote freely and fairly is at risk in many nations.
The Psychology of Trump Contagion
Dr Bandy Lee’s book – The Psychology of Trump Contagion – was published on 31 May 2024. In it she says his condition makes him an existential threat to American Democracy and all humankind.
How dangerously impaired is Donald Trump, and what has this meant for his followers, and the world?
Bandy Lee was correct about him from the very start.
Abstract from – The Psychology of Trump Contagion
This section is an abstract from Bandy Lee’s book.
I had seen president-elect Donald Trump televised when he had direct interaction with his followers.
Emotional contagion unlike rational thinking spreads rapidly because of the emotional compulsion behind it.
I recognised the magnetic pathological dynamics I had seen with street gang members in prison blocks. Also, with the violent offenders I have treated, who were extremely dangerous. The dynamics were shocking to see in the outside world, not to mention in politics. Although I had predicted them for decades.
In my writing, I stress that structural violence leads to behavioural violence. By which, I mean the growing gap between rich and poor, causes more deaths than all direct violence,–suicides, homicides and collective violence – combined. It is the most potent stimulant of behavioural violence and the rise of dangerous personalities.
Peace in a state of growing inequality, therefore, was simply a calm before the storm. As dangerous individuals do not stop. They are emboldened by the absence of accountability.
For the time being, too few are holding Donald Trump accountable within the United States. On the contrary, many are enabling and cajoling him with disingenuous praise. A mentally impaired leader is easily manipulated by malevolent actors. While the dangerous situation unfolds for the USA and the world, mental health experts remain silenced.
Trump may not have caused many of the national and international crises, but he has acted as a catalyst and an accelerant. Also, he is a product of many maladies. And it may take a global effort to reign him in before it is too late.
Mental health knowledge embraces corrective safeguards.
They include:
- the recognition of paradoxes,
- defenses,
- denials,
- projections, and
- reversals of reality.
Professionals can provide healthy coping skills as well as sound reality testing.
What may seem like unsolvable psychological conundrums to the average person are exactly what mental health professionals specialise in treating.
The Disruption: Authoritarianism and Fascism
Where Democracy is under threat, authoritarian leaders curtail rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly.
Fascism as a political ideology
Though primarily considered a political ideology, some scholars and commentators argue Fascism should be viewed through a psychological or pathological lens.
- Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian ultranationalist ideology that emerged in early 20th-century Europe.
- It typically features strong centralised power, dictatorial leadership, forcible suppression of opposition, and strict control of society and the economy.
- Key elements include extreme nationalism, militarism, and often racism or xenophobia.
Fascism as a mental pathology
Dr Lee describes Fascism as mental pathology in politics and argues it is not really a political ideology, but it follows along with the principles of psychiatry.
- Some scholars argue that fascist beliefs and behaviours exhibit patterns similar to certain psychological disorders, such as paranoia, narcissism, or antisocial personality traits.
- The extreme us-versus-them mentality and willingness to use violence against perceived enemies can be seen as pathological thinking.
- The cult-like devotion to a leader figure and rejection of information that contradicts the ideology might be viewed as delusional behaviour.
Controversy
Classifying political ideologies as mental disorders is controversial.
- It can lead to the medicalisation of political dissent.
- It may oversimplify complex social and historical factors that contribute to the rise of fascist movements, and
- It could stigmatise mental health issues by associating them with harmful ideologies.
Most academic and political discourse treats fascism primarily as a political ideology, while acknowledging that psychological factors may play a role in its appeal and manifestation.
Dangers of Empowering The Mentally Unwell
Allowing individuals with severe untreated mental illnesses to gain positions of power can pose significant risks to a country, domestically and internationally.
Addressing the risks requires:
- robust mental health support systems,
- checks and balances within the government, and
- a culture that prioritises the well-being of leaders as well as the populace.
Erratic Decision-Making:
Mental health conditions can impair judgment and lead to unpredictable or irrational decisions. This could result in policies that are harmful to the economy, society, or even national security.
Instability and Chaos:
A leader who is mentally unwell might create instability by making inconsistent or contradictory decisions, fostering a climate of confusion and unpredictability. This can undermine trust in governance and lead to social unrest.
Abuse of Power:
Some mental health conditions can exacerbate tendencies towards authoritarianism or paranoia. This could lead to abuses of power, including the suppression of dissent, erosion of democratic institutions, and violations of human rights.
Increased Risk of Conflict:
Internationally, a mentally unstable leader might engage in reckless behaviour, provoking conflicts or mismanaging diplomatic relations. This could escalate tensions and potentially lead to wars or other conflicts.
Economic Downturn:
Poor leadership decisions stemming from mental health issues can lead to economic mismanagement. Policies that are not well thought out or are driven by delusional thinking could harm the country’s economy, leading to recession, unemployment, and widespread hardship.
Public Health Crisis:
If a leader’s mental health is not regularly checked, it might lead to not heeding experts’ advice and consequently neglect in health services, which could adversely affect the broader population. This was typified during the Covid19 pandemic when the US President ignored expert advisers.
Loss of Global Standing:
A country led by someone who is mentally unwell may lose credibility and influence on the global stage. Allies might distance themselves, and adversaries could take advantage of perceived weaknesses.
Internal Divisions:
The stress of having a mentally unwell leader could deepen political and social divisions within the country. Groups might exploit the situation to push their agendas, leading to further polarisation.
Final Thoughts
If the intoxication of power can turn the heads of sane men, imagine the havoc it could wreak in the hands of a mentally unstable person.
Governments are responsible for the safety of the people.
When danger is imminent, the oath they took demands they address it. It does not permit them to look the other way.
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