American Nero

Many US Democrats and political leaders across the world (with the exception of Putin and his acolytes) are going through the five stages of grief.

First up, we have denial. Let’s show deference to ‘Mr. President’. This is not the ruthless, callous authoritarian we have been warned about. Just another politically savvy person who has won the top job. It’ll be OK.

Quickly, the second stage kicks in. Executive orders multiply like aphids, devouring all the good and decent practices that had been in place. Valiant heroes and dedicated public servants removed without cause. Harmful policies at home, vicious threats (against US allies) abroad. Anger erupts.

Next to come is the desire to bargain one’s way out of this madness. Perhaps concessions will help. Vote with him, and not against him, and maybe, just maybe, he would not be as horrible as so many dread. Give in to him, he only wants to strike a deal. 

The fourth stage arrives with the depressive realisation that like Nero, Caligula, Commodus, and all the other vicious dictators that followed in their deranged footsteps, the man has not the heart to feel the pain he causes others, not the brain to understand the havoc he wreaks, and not the slightest sense that he should turn to the counsel of decent minds. 

Finally, the doors of ‘Acceptance’. On the right side the door opens to acceptance of the craven new world. “Cry MAGA, and let slip the dogs of war”. Chaos and pain shall reign. Submit to the emperor. Or take the door on the left, and accept that resistance is the only way forward. Bowing down to power-hungry ‘Leaders’ have never saved any country. Look at the tragic excesses unleashed by ruthless tyrants when their powers went unchecked (and it was J. D. Vance who famously likened Trump to Hitler). Rally every true patriot to voice their opposition, vote out those who support him, back the courts against his law-breaking defiance, and demand the reinstatement of funding for vulnerable people and vital scientific research.

22.7% of the adult population in the US voted in 2024 for what they thought would be their MAGA hero. It’s now clear they have landed their country and the rest of the world with an American Nero.

Roman senators kept giving grounds to the Caesars until they were left powerless and could do little but prostrate for mercy before their supreme ruler. US senators and representatives must act before their republic is also forever lost.