Pushing back a neo-fascist authoritarian threat is absolutely the primary challenge of our time. But we won’t be able to do that unless we’re willing to analyze how we became so vulnerable to it to begin with. Yes, there is a malignant narcissist who had a lot to do with it. Plus, social media as well. But there was something more, something even more insidious that weakened our democracy and left us open to the threat. FDR said we wouldn’t have to worry about a fascist takeover “as long as democracy delivered on its blessings.” And that is where we’ve failed. The fact that people do not have healthcare, do not have a livable wage, cannot go to college or send their kids to college, do not get help with child care, feel so little economic wind at their back…those speak to the the “blessings of democracy” that our system has failed to deliver. And that is what has weakened our societal immune system. Providing such things now, like a massive infusion of hope and opportunity, is the boost to our immune system without which we will have a very hard time keeping the disease at bay. Too late for vitamins. We need a quick IV.