People remark often on the admiration President Donald Trump reserves for dictators and authoritarians. But increasingly people are pointing out the words and actions of the POTUS that borrow from the playbook of totalitarian regimes.
Hollywood actor and director Robert Redford penned an Op-Ed titled "President Trump's dictator-like administration is attacking the values America holds dear" and subtitled "This monarchy in disguise has been so exhausting and chaotic, it’s not in the least bit surprising so many citizens are disillusioned." for NBC News addressing just that topic.
Redford wrote:
"We’re up against a crisis I never thought I’d see in my lifetime: a dictator-like attack by President Donald Trump on everything this country stands for."
In an op-ed published Tuesday for NBC News, Robert Redford said Trumps' "monarchy in disguise" must come to an end… https://t.co/hiIZXGIweV— Hollywood Reporter (@Hollywood Reporter) 1574786607.0
The Academy award-winning director referenced the impeachment hearings. He came to a very definite conclusion regarding both the President and those who enable him.
"It’s time for Trump to go—along with those in Congress who have chosen party loyalty over their oath to 'solemnly affirm' their support for the Constitution of the United States. And it’s up to us to make that happen, through the power of our votes."
Redford, 83, reflected on the United States he grew up in.
"Tonight it pains me to watch what is happening to our country. Growing up as a child during World War II, I watched a united America defend itself against the threat of fascism."
"I watched this again, during the Watergate crisis, when our democracy was threatened. And again, when terrorists turned our world upside down."
"During those times of crises, Congress came together, and our leaders came together. Politicians from both sides rose to defend our founding principles and the values that make us a global leader and a philosophical beacon of hope for all those seeking their own freedoms."
He then offered a warning...
"We’re at a point in time where I reluctantly believe that we have much to lose — it is a critical and unforgiving moment. This monarchy in disguise has been so exhausting and chaotic, it’s not in the least bit surprising so many citizens are disillusioned."
...and a call to action.
"Let’s rededicate ourselves to voting for truth, character and integrity in our representatives (no matter which side we’re on). Let’s go back to being the leader the world so desperately needs. Let’s return, quickly, to being simply ... Americans."
Reactions to Redford's views were mixed.
@THR @sherrybaudet @realDonaldTrump Donald Trump is unfit for and unworthy of the office of President of such a sma… https://t.co/nhh66m1r39— Ron van der Weerd (@Ron van der Weerd) 1574894743.0
@onthevergetime @THR you think there are a lot of people out there who wouldn't care otherwise but have now decided… https://t.co/ML7UbYPkO8— Choz (@Choz) 1574794082.0
@THR Who cares about this hasbeen. Before any of these Hollywood types . Question the effective abilities of any gi… https://t.co/0vyJdQdyhj— Greg Silva (@Greg Silva) 1574825787.0
@THR @gottaspeakgirl Wow lots of cultists and Russian trollbots replying. People who don't even know him putting hi… https://t.co/FAGLs0QHYm— John Austin (@John Austin) 1574790603.0
@THR Rich guy rants about how evil the President is... @realDonaldTrump claimed to be for the common man and woman—… https://t.co/ooG6Zlk6Iv— ✝️⚫️—United We Fall (@✝️⚫️—United We Fall) 1574801240.0
@THR Look at the bots swarm on this thread. They must see this as a real threat.— Rebekah Conner (@Rebekah Conner) 1574788670.0
@THR Too bad Robert Redford has Democratic Distortion Disease. I liked him in movies, but his political view is way… https://t.co/IMR1aAaAKL— Teresa G-Dei (@Teresa G-Dei) 1574811487.0
@TheDemCoalition This is not just a Democrat-only issue. We need to take back our Democracy from Trump the want-to-… https://t.co/9uLglRtM3W— Dave Geenens (@Dave Geenens) 1574892826.0
While Redford called for unification and an end for divisiveness from both sides, the polarization of the comments on his Op-Ed indicate it may be some time if that is ever achieved.