Current politics in this country and abroad must make Niccolò Machiavelli very happy, as they seem to follow his writings consistently. While “the ends justify the means” may be the most well-known phrase attributed to him, others seem particularly apt at this point in our political struggles. Among his quotes are:
“It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”
“Politics have no relation to morals.”
“Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.”
“And there is nothing wastes so rapidly as liberality, for even whilst you exercise it you lose the power to do so.”
While a deeper reading of Machiavelli reveals some principles of enlightened governance, the above-mentioned quotes strike an all-too-familiar chord in today’s world. Many authoritarian leaders are using “fear over love” as a way to exert control and stay in power. Few would interpret the actions of Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, or Xi Jinping as anything but fearmongering. And, of course, Trump’s reason for living was to spread fear everywhere he could to achieve his ends.
Regarding politics having no relation to morals, even a cursory look here in the US reveals the unprecedented immorality of actions attempted and taken by right-wing extremists on everything from voting to individual rights. I find it amazing that many people advocating the unfettered personal right to bear arms change their tune and support government interference in and control of such personal rights as a woman’s choices regarding her body, gender identification, and who can legally marry.
Deception has been the name of the game for right-wingers since the Republicans retook Congress in 2010, halfway through Obama’s first term. I actually applauded that occurrence at the time, figuring it would ably support government checks and balances.
But now, the level of deception predominates in so many places and in so many ways that entrenched, “don’t confuse me with the facts” right-wingers continue to drink the Kool-Aid doled out by right-wing media, social media, and plentiful conspiracy-theory forums.
Republicans clearly control the Supreme Court, are poised to retake one or both houses of Congress and are deftly stacking the decks at state levels to cripple democracy. So, I find myself rooting for Democrats to re-establish meaningful checks and balances.
The last Machiavelli quote about “liberality” speaks to the present-day fragility of the entire democratic republic “experiment.” If things continue the way they are, the experiment will end—and likely will be replaced by some form of oligarchy or autocracy. We may well become Russian-like in our governance. I will be interested to see how the same right-wing extremists decrying erosion of our freedoms react when under the thumb of a real dictator or group of authoritarian leaders.
Of course, before the democratic republic crashes to earth like the Hindenburg, there’s likely to be widespread violence and anarchy in many parts of our country.
I’ve been predicting an all-consuming “forest fire” and ensuing anarchy for years. Surprisingly, it’s not because I’m a pessimist (which of course the preceding statements would support). It’s because I’m a realist who does pay attention to facts and aims to draw conclusions based on the best available information. In part, that’s why I criticize the far left frequently as well as the far right. Propaganda on both sides predominates in the media and social media, on the lips of political extremists, and in the single-focused aim of gaining total control.
Finally, there’s Machiavelli’s “end justifies the means.” This is where propaganda thrives and has since the dawn of civilization. Use any means regardless of how cruel, heartless, or destructive. It’s all okay if you achieve the ends desired, according to propagandists.
Actually, despite potential appearances, I’m not a gloom-and-doomer. I believe that the country ultimately will right itself, finding the much-needed middle ground most of us crave and support. Unfortunately, to get there will require the “forest fire” to burn down the current rotten underbrush.
Hopefully, we won’t lose our democratic republic permanently and will rebuild in a positive way. We need to remain mindful of Machiavelli’s cautions about liberality and build a new government with individuals dedicated to doing what’s right for the people instead of fueling a greedy quest for money and power.
Gray Flannel Head 