With the onset of the Great Depression, popular support for the Nazi Party in Germany soared. In 1928, the Nazis polled only 2.6 percent of the vote. But by September of 1930, the Nazi share of the vote had risen to 18.3 percent. Then in July of 1932, the Nazis polled an astonishing 37.3 percent, becoming the largest party in the German Reichstag (parliament) with 230 delegates. Their rising vote, plus their Storm Troopers in the streets, made the Nazis seem unstoppable.

But opposition to Nazi outrages also grew, and a seeming miracle occurred. In November of 1932, new elections were held and the Nazi vote plunged to 33.1 percent, for a loss of 34 seats in the Reichstag. A general euphoria prevailed among the anti-fascist forces. A corner had been turned! The Nazis were not unstoppable! The pro-democracy forces would now surely prevail in the next elections!

Two and a half months later, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor (Prime Minister). Soon after, all opposition parties were outlawed and the first concentration camp for political prisoners was opened at Dachau in Bavaria.

This little bit of history should give some pause to those who are ecstatic about recent election results in this country.

Certainly, America in the 2020s is not Germany in the 1930s. But fascists are still fascists. Donald Trump, JD Vance, Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller have no intention of ever allowing national political power to fall into the hands of the Democrats, or any other oppositional force. The Trump/MAGA team believes that only those who stand for “traditional American values” (white supremacy, male supremacy, Christian supremacy, xenophobia, traditional gender roles, and American global dominance) are fit to rule. And they are supported by a cohort of billionaires.

Just as in November of 1932, the time we have left is now very short. Among the many millions opposed to the Trump/MAGA fascists are people with many different views of what a decent future would look like. But the point is this: None of us will get any of those futures unless the Trump/MAGA forces are prevented from consolidating fascist rule. All those who want to see a decent life for future generations must now come together and unite as one behind the common demand that Trump Must Go Now!

This can be done. By refusing to surrender the future and our humanity to a vengeful fascist maniac. By millions rising in massive, unrelenting, nonviolent protest and resistance—amassing in Washington, DC. By defying and refusing to comply with fascist dictates. By walking out. By shutting down. By fearlessly using our platforms and influence to inspire and challenge others to join us.

At this point, to wait for, and place our hopes on, rigged-in-advance elections yet to come is to court disaster.