Parallels to ‘1984’
Every day I read the news; I grow increasingly concerned about the direction our country is heading under the influence of Big Brother, Donald Trump. I refer to him as “Big Brother” not for dramatic effect, but because the parallels between his political tactics and George Orwell’s 1984 are becoming too frightening to ignore.
Hogwash, you say. Consider what’s happening to universities, news organizations, and law firms that challenge Trump’s autocratic ideology. These institutions are being pressured, defunded, or discredited, echoing the role of Orwell’s Ministry of Truth, which rewrote history to suit the administration’s narrative.
Trump’s use of terms like “alternative facts” and “fake news” allows him to tell his minions what he wants them to hear. His administration is seeking to dictate who people can marry, what children can learn in schools, and even which legal cases a law firm may defend. This is autocratic control.
Those who oppose Trump’s executive actions risk persecution, whether through legal threats, name calling, or other means of retaliation. The chilling effect on free speech and civil liberties is real and growing as can be witnessed from the buckling of pressure by universities and law firms.
Orwell’s 1984 is no longer just a dystopian novel, rather it is a road map for our current journey. The loss of freedom doesn’t happen overnight; It creeps in, disguised as patriotism. If we don’t recognize and resist this shift, we risk the certification of an oligarchy that will rule our country.
The choice is still ours. We must act while we still can. In 2026, vote out those who support this Orwellian vision. Let’s reclaim our democracy and ensure that America remains a nation where every citizen has a right to pursue happiness.
Harry Trumfio
Arlington Heights