The story of a powerful man
I'd like to share a true story of a famous historical figure that remains relevant today. It is a story of one person who had a history of scandal. He was a convicted criminal, accused of treason and sedition, and often straddled the line of legality.
He was convicted for attempting to overthrow his government, but his criminal record didn’t disqualify him. It only made him more appealing to people who viewed their government as corrupt and broken. He had an endearing power over those who were angry and felt forgotten by their government.
In the beginning, many dismissed him. The political class of elites thought they could control him. They ridiculed him, but because of high inflation and economic instability, his messaging struck a chord. His message was that those living amongst them were to blame for their dissatisfaction.
His message didn’t promise solutions so much as it revealed that the reason people were unhappy was due to the presence of specific individuals among them. His message wasn’t just to blame others for their dissatisfaction, but to seek retribution against those who were to blame.
His support came from those who felt disenfranchised— communities who were upset at the deterioration of their communities and workers who felt abandoned. The people who once believed in democracy now thought he was the one to crush the powers that they believed had betrayed them. They cared less about what he stood for and more about crushing the system they felt had betrayed them. The more the establishment mocked him, the more people were drawn to him.
The powerful elites who thought they could control him were blindsided. He turned their criticism and insults into a badge of honor, making his campaign something to fight for. Young men who felt a disconnection to society formed militant groups ready to follow him.
These groups became his enforcers who used violence and intimidation to threaten and crush those who opposed their leader. They acted outside the law and became instrumental parts of their leaders’ power.
The leader didn’t simply vilify his enemies; he made them enemies of the state, whose existence was a threat to their cause.
Through weaponized propaganda, marginalized groups like intellectuals and universities, the LGBTQ community, or the disabled became targets because they weren’t just wrong, they were a dangerous cancer on the nation. Their rights were stripped away, described as a necessity for the nation's survival and greatness.
What followed were raids, arrests and the separation of families. Many were sent to camps. Some were deported to destinations unknown. They disappeared because no one knew where they were, nor how to contact them.
People then wondered what happened to their country.
DR James, MA, PhD History, Eureka, Montana