Historians are everywhere: Youtube, Facebook, Substack and more. This is not new. The PBS News Hour has long had historians as regular guests, just don’t ask me to name them. That has changed. Most if not all Villagers know Heather Cox Richardson, professor of History at Boston University. Many, like myself, can list a couple other historians they follow. Fellow history buffs would agree, this is a good thing. But to be serious, there is more going on.

It is also reflective of the current gestalt. We live in troubled, uncertain and in many ways, terrifying times. It’s not clear if the near future will resemble in any way our recent past. The questions we ask of our historians arise out of the sense that our institutions can no longer be trusted and are collapsing. We want to know: how did we get here and what do we do now?

Joe Parker, a student of history and recently retired Professor of International and Intercultural Studies at Pitzer College, had the same questions. When he joined the Village with his partner in 2023, in typical Villager fashion he assembled a discussion group to explore possible responses.

Authoritarianism in the United States, as Joe’s group is called, discusses “United States political leaders that attack the electoral system and that made statements that do not support the checks and balances of the constitution. [The group] will talk over the views of respected commentators who see movement towards authoritarianism in the U.S. and discuss ways for Pasadena Village members to get involved in non-partisan efforts to support the constitution.”

Joe is an excellent facilitator, skilled at stimulating discussion, avoiding rabbit holes and gently guiding the group towards meaningful insights.

Villager Valerie Jones perhaps says it better: “I like how Joe tries to remain neutral yet encourages everyone to voice their thoughts and opinions. I also like that he tries to keep people on track with the topic so they don't become overly verbose or lead the group in another direction. I also feel that he makes each person feel like they have something worthwhile to contribute to the group and that nothing anyone says is unimportant. “

For Jim Hendrick, the discussion group has provided insights into how we got here and what to do: “The situation created by Trump has sent shock waves through our fragile democracy. Joe is helping us understand how an authoritarian state develops and how an engaged electorate can fight back.”

Everyone has their own list of action items. Here are my take-a-ways so far:

1. Yes, we live in dangerous times. We need to remain alert, be safe, aid those harmed or at risk of being harmed.

2. Stay informed. Find information sources we can trust. Here’s a partial list:
- Heather Cox Richardson, historian, can be found on Substack
- The journalists writing for the Contrarian on Substack
- The ACLU at www.aclu.org
- Website: choosedemocracy.us, lots of useful information on what we can do now,
- Timothy Snyder, Historian and author of “On Tyranny,” and Robert Reich, professor of Public Policy at Berkeley, Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, also on Substack

3. Support civic institutions, congressional representatives, judges and law firms that are defending the constitution. Send them letters and emails for their work protecting democracy.
4. Find a group of like minded people. Build a network of community groups.
5. Find a non-violent path of resistance.
6. Prepare for a long term commitment.

“Authoritarianism in the United States” was set up for six weeks only and the June meeting is the last. However, for several participants, the search for answers will go on.

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