Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. This oft-repeated phrase is as powerful as it is succinct, encapsulating the cyclical nature of human error. But while many focus on the unintentional act of forgetting, there is an even more troubling trend: the willful choice to forget or ignore history, which only aids those who consciously opt to duplicate it.
It is more fitting, then, to say: “Those who CHOOSE to forget the past are condemned to suffer at the hands of those who CHOOSE to repeat it.”
Consider the contemporary political landscape. Liberals, with their idealistic and often forgiving nature, seek to move on swiftly, embracing peace, unity, and the prospect of a brighter future. They are eager to appease and return to the status quo, a tranquil rhythm where the challenges of the past are left behind. However, this mindset, while noble, is also their Achilles’ heel.
Contrarily, Conservatives appear to remember history more fervently. Events like the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 or the Veterans’ Riot in Paris in 1934 are not merely historical footnotes for them. These aren’t events to be glanced over in shame; they are milestones, each carrying a lesson, a tactic, and a strategy. Such events are studied, analyzed, and sometimes even idealized.
Today, with the significant shift of the Republican Party towards a white, Christian nationalist patriarchal stance, history appears to be echoing. Movements like the Tea Party and now the MAGA cult (led by the twice-impeached, four times indicted former president–a reality TV star who never had an approval rating above 50% and has never won a popular vote) draw parallels to previous incidents. The tactics, strategies, and even the rhetoric employed during these waves are eerily reminiscent of historical events. Moreover, these echoes from the past are often used to shield or even justify actions that challenge the Constitution or venture into illegal territory.
Meanwhile, Liberals operate under the presumption of normalcy. They approach the political arena as a battleground for ideas, hoping for reasonable dialogue and fruitful negotiation. But when faced with a faction that neither negotiates in good faith nor entertains compromise, the liberal strategy falters. It’s like expecting a civilized game of chess when the opponent is intent on torching the board. As Liberals extend an olive branch, some Conservatives are loading their weapons.
This isn’t a mere difference in political perspectives. It’s a deep-rooted ideological clash. While Liberals view Conservatives as political opponents, a growing faction within the Conservative realm perceives Liberals as enemies–nothing less than existential threats, undermining their vision of a white Christian patriarchy.
For Liberals, the solution isn’t to abandon their principles but to learn from history. The past is replete with examples of movements that embraced extremism, and understanding these movements can provide valuable insights into contemporary challenges. The MAGA movement and its allies within the Republican Party aren’t drawing from a forgotten history; they’re replicating a well-studied past.
The natural inclination to move forward is commendable, yet it is vital to remain grounded in the lessons history offers. Choosing to forget or ignore these lessons not only jeopardizes the present but could also reshape the future in ways we may come to regret.
The past, as they say, is prologue. It’s high time we started reading it.
