While Thanksgiving and Christmas should have been a joyful time in my household, this year felt more like the eerie calm before an impending storm. We were all jumpy and grouchy, rather than being grateful for all we have and each other.
As a disaster researcher, I know how to prepare for all kinds of disaster events. The first thing I do is to educate myself. I locate the most reliable sources of information from experts in their field and access them regularly. We know what to do, if the storm materializes. It has taken us years to be well prepared. We have a generator, plenty of potable water in the basement, solar chargers, a hand-crank portable radio, working flashlights and extra batteries, first aid kits, and a supply of canned and dry foods, along with an old fashion hand cranked can opener. Most importantly, everyone in our household, including the pups, know where to go when the storm strikes.
It seems to me, that politically, our nation, and quite frankly the world, is facing a storm that could begin as soon as January 20th. Former president ‘Trump has already signaled the kind of president he will be: revengeful, uncontrolled and unburdened by past norms and current laws. While we don’t know what the severity of the storm will be, there are steps we can all take to weather what is coming as best we can. Using the same format as preparing for a nature-based disaster event, I suggest that we spend this liminal period educating ourselves on how to prepare for this tumultuous period.
Dr. Timothy Snyder, a professor of history at Yale University has a wonderful book called “On Tyranny” – which he turned it into a video series that is incredibly accessible and helpful. Another expert voice is that of Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, who is a professor of history at Boston College. She writes the Letters from an American, which began in 2019 as a nightly newsletter. It chronicles current events in the larger context of American history. We should also listen to those individuals who know things because of their position in past administrations, like retired Lt. General Russel L. Honoré whose December 29th opinion essay in the New York Times, "Elon Musk Is a National Security Risk."
He clearly outlines why Musk’s business dealings with China are cause for concern to the national security of our country.
As for how we can individually prepare for the incoming Trump administration, I defer to Dr. Snyder’s book, “On Tyranny” where he gives twenty concrete actions to take. I will leave you with my top four. Number one, Do not obey in advance. The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times’ cowardly refusal to endorse a political candidate is, it appears, a classic example of self-censorship. Trump did not have to make a direct threat to these media outlets. Their own leadership told them to “sit this one out.” Why? Because they wanted to stay safe. I’m not saying you should never speak your mind, to protect yourself. But it is an incredibly slippery slope.
Number two, Establish a private life. The internet has made all of our lives public. Be mindful of what you post and where. Routinely check your computers and phones for malware. As a GenXer I often long for the days before the internet when information was exchanged face-to-face. Tyrants will use what they know to push us around. The less they know, the better.
Number three, Contribute to good causes. My little community has no lack opportunities to do good. Contributing to organizations that fight food insecurity for humans and non-humans are my things. The Good Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes, the Giving Gardens, and The Humane Society of McDonough County are my favorites. They will happily accept your volunteer labor and/or monetary contributions to help them help others.
And four, Be as courageous as you can be. I think of the countless individuals who have defied tyrants before, whether they were part of the resistance movement during WWII, those who fought against the military junta in Argentina, or more recently dissident Alexei Navalny who lost his life fighting for the freedom of the Russian people.
As Dr. Snyder so eloquently writes, “If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die under tyranny.”
Heather McIlvaine-Newsad is a Professor of Anthropology at Western Illinois University. Her research focuses on collaborative action for sustainability.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the university or TSPR.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.