America's dictator

It Can't Happen Here ~ by Sinclair Lewis, 1935, fiction

This cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy is an alarming, eerily timeless look at how fascism could take hold in America.  Written during the Great Depression, when the country was largely oblivious to Hitler’s aggression, it juxtaposes sharp political satire with the chillingly realistic rise of a president who becomes a dictator to save the nation from welfare cheats, sex, crime, and a liberal press.  Called “a message to thinking Americans” by the Springfield Republican when published, it is shockingly prescient.

I found this 2017 comment by "John C" on Amazon:

It Did Happen Here, You Hear!

What’s wrong with me?  I majored in political science in college and grad school.  I studied for a PhD, worked in state and local government and taught “American Government” for decades at various colleges in the Baltimore-Washington area.  And, I did not read It Can't Happen Here [ICHH] until 2016.  Finally, in the storm of the 2016 election, I read this book.  Shame on me.

This is a classic fictional novel by American Sinclair Lewis.  Published during the rise of fascism [1935], it describes the rise of Berzelius "Buzz" Windrip, a politician who defeats FDR to become US President.  Windrip foments fear and promises drastic reforms while promoting a return to patriotism and "traditional" values.   ["America First."]

Windrip takes complete control of the government and imposes totalitarian rule with the help of a ruthless paramilitary force, similar to Hitler’s SS.  The novel's plot centers on journalist Doremus Jessup's opposition to the new regime and his subsequent struggle against it.  [The Press vs. President]

Some have emphasized a connection with Louisiana politician Huey Long, who was preparing to run for president in the 1936 election when he was assassinated in 1935 just prior to the novel's publication.  Over the years, ICHH has been compared to FDR’s internment camps, Nixon’s Watergate affair, and even the 2016 Donald Trump campaign.  Following the 2016 US presidential election, sales of ICHH surged significantly as it made various bestseller lists.  And now that #45 is 100+ days into his term, it still resonates loudly.

President Windrip outlaws dissent, puts political enemies in concentration camps, and trains and arms a paramilitary force called the Minute Men, who carry out his wishes.  One of his first acts is to eliminate the influence of the United States Congress.  In addition, his administration curtails women's and minority rights, and eliminates individual states by subdividing the country into administrative sectors.

Early in the story, Doremus states:  "Yes, I agree it’s a serious time.  With all the discontent there is in the country to wash him into office, Sen. Windrip has got an excellent chance to be elected President. … And, if he is, probably his gang of buzzards will get us into some war, just to grease their insane vanity and show the world we’re the huskiest nation going."  Is this 1935 or 2017 — fiction or fact; "alternative facts" or today’s headlines?

PLEASE read or re-read this classic.  You can decide for yourself whether it is prescient or relevant or just another political novel.  It will not be a waste of your time.

Another Amazon commenter said:

"It's scary how much this fits Trump's statements — from whining about fake news to discussing ending any news that isn't pro-Trump to claiming to represent forgotten people to consorting with very specific elements that could be violent in their support of him."

And I found this on Facebook:

I guess I must find a copy at the library or buy this book for my Kindle.