An Orwellian answer to all our problems

Online Journal | May 31, 2007

By Kerry Tomasi

“I don’t know, Mr. President, it doesn’t look good. They simply have too much on you, with potentially more to come, if you know what I mean. The only way, the only legal way that is, to avoid being removed from office is if some kind of “catastrophic emergency” were to occur, in which case you could invoke “Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-20,” then quickly put an end to any impeachment proceedings, and any further investigations. But, unfortunately, one never quite knows when a “catastrophic emergency” might occur, now do we sir? If you know what I mean.”

On May 9, the White House issued a decree, entitled “Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-20,” instituting a plan for responding to a “catastrophic emergency.”

In this directive, George W. Bush bestowed upon himself the authority to personally take control of the entire federal government -- including the judicial and legislative branches -- for the purpose of “ensuring constitutional government.”

Yes, that’s George “the Constitution is just a goddamned piece of paper” Bush we’re talking about. The same person who’s done more to dismantle the Bill of Rights, and our constitutionally mandated checks and balances, than anyone in history. This is the guy who’s going to ensure that our constitutional form of government endures by seizing control of it.

I swear, if George Orwell were alive, this BushCo crew would make him weep with envy at their machinations.

I’m sure many of you see nothing alarming about any of this, and believe I’m being overly apprehensive, to put it mildly.

But let me ask you this -- do you really think George W. Bush has put forth this directive so that Edwards, Hillary, or Obama would have the authority to take control of the entire federal government in the event of a “catastrophic emergency”?

Or do you think the puppet masters behind the scene are fairly confident that one of their own pawns -- be it George or the next one -- will be at the controls when (not if, but when) the next “catastrophic emergency” occurs?

Most Americans believe that a fascist form of government is simply inconceivable in this country. I suspect that’s only because they’re expecting to see images of goose steppers, swastikas, little rectangular mustaches, and cattle cars -- all in grainy black and white.

That’s not how it’s going to look this time around.

Twenty-first century fascism will be perfectly disguised as true blue Americanism, brought to you by friendly looking, aw-shucks types of folks, waving flags and clutching Bibles (or vice versa), and denouncing anyone who stands in their way as “un-American.”

Americanized fascism is not only possible in this country, it’s right at our doorstep, leaning in. All it will take is for just one more “catastrophic emergency” to occur, and that door is going to fling wide open, and in they’ll come, prepared to solve all our problems with just a few “minor adjustments” to the system.

The military/industrial/corporate complex that owns or controls most of this country has been maneuvering for 50 years to bring us to this point.

Dwight Eisenhower saw it coming in 1961: “ . . . we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted.”

Sound advice. Advice we would be wise to heed, prior to the next “catastrophic emergency” befalling us. Otherwise, be prepared for some unwelcome guests settling in. Guests