Bucks County Militia Under National Spotlight, The 411 On Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Jason Stanley On Our Looming Democratic Collapse, and My Latest Column!

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Bucks County is under the national spotlight, but sadly for the worst reason - dangerous right-wing extremism. However, sunlight is the best disinfectant (just not for COVID19 like former President Trump once suggested). The Atlantic Council Digital Forensic Research Lab did a deep dive into the Proud American Patriots Network-Three Percent militia cell based in Jamison, PA, titled “Pennsylvania Three Percenter group lays the groundwork to go national.”

First read it, then share it!

And thanks to the underground progressive network, largely led by what I would call a bunch of local punk rock moms, who have been doing the digging and investigating for a long time on this group (and local right-wing extremism in general), and whose work I helped amplify here and on Twitter. This story would not have been covered if it were not for their dedication and relentlessness.

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The 411 on Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. While all of our sites are set on this November, the following one presents another opportunity to replace our fake moderate congressman who is afraid to hold a town hall. This Raging Chicken Media podcast should be required listening for everyone from candidates to voters. It stars Bucks County Activist Kierstyn Zolfo, who I showcased on the newsletter here.

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Please become a paid subscriber to support progressive activist-journalism!

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I interviewed Jason Stanley a while back for my article “Anti-Critical Race Theory hysteria revives McCarthyism, Klan politics.” He is the author of “How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them,” a book I highly recommend and might be perfect for a political/activist book club. That being said, his recent thread on what he believes is our looming democratic collapse is terrifying and underscores why we must double down on our organizing and activism, as exhausting as it is:

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

It is likely that we are in the last couple of years of being regarded as a quasi democracy. The neo-fascist social movement consisting of Christian nationalists and billionaires cynically supporting them in a bid for unconstrained power will likely be what rules from here on out

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

Some states, such as my own, will continue as two party states with competitive elections. Most states will be one party states completely controlled by the not entirely coherent libertarian plus Christian nationalist movement, with election outcomes controlled.

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

The far right Supreme Court will tightly control any outcome with their far right ideology, including elections. Occasionally Democrats may control one or another position of power, but it will be only at best for show (if it even happens),

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

The rapacious attack on the climate will escalate. The far right Supreme Court will move to constrain any action on climate change. The Christian nationalists will see it as impending judgment day, and the billionaires will make sure their families are protected.

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

As climate catastrophes escalate the emerging fascist state will protect its minority rule by drones and similar technology (this is admittedly more speculative). Waves of climate change caused immigration will fuel more fascist nationalism and less opposition.

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

It remains to be seen what happens to institutions like Universities and the press. Will the US hold onto its system of the best universities in the world, or follow through on the demonization of universities and the press as Hungary did, by clamping down and destroying them?

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

A central factor as I see it is what Tim Snyder calls “anticipatory obedience.” Institutions should commit now to electing leaders who will not engage in anticipatory obedience. Some personal advice is to try to move to states that remain two party.

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

The Trump years exhausted me, and I am choosing to spend these few years teaching, on my academic work, and most importantly, with my family. It’s rational to think about how to protect one’s family in this likely future.

Jason Stanley @jasonintrator

As with climate change, it’s not mature or adult or reasonable to be optimistic. It’s foolish.

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Finally, after taking August off, I am back writing my column again. And no, Bucks County’s far-right, despite its best, albeit doltish ongoing efforts, has yet to cancel my column. Please click at The Courier Times or The Intell to read “Rather than risk their child’s life, this family left Bucks County.” Thank you Christina Manos Bocek for reaching out and trusting me to tell your story! If you hit a paywall email me and I’ll send you the text.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to your feedback and suggestions. And most importantly, keep organizing!