Three professors from the University of Yale go into exile in Canada – Liberation
It is « A warning » And « A call for action ». Marci Shore, Timothy Snyder and Jason Stanley are American teachers at the University of Yale (Connecticut), and all of the recognized specialists in the history of authoritarianism and fascist rhetoric. In a video with a serious tone published on the New York Timesthey explain to go into exile because of the danger that Donald Trump and his administration make democracy in the United States.
Since the return to power of the billionaire, University and research environment are privileged targets of the Head of State, whom he accuses of being bastions of « wokism », propalestinian ideas and anti -Semitism. Taking words from the tenant of the White House, who said that the Americans did not « Still seen », The trio of academics says it has found refuge at the University of Toronto, Canada.
« I go to the University of Toronto because I want to do my job without being afraid of being punished for my words », underlines Jason Stanley, professor of philosophy. The historian Marci Shore, she, establishes a parallel with the 1930s: « The 1933 lesson is better to leave earlier than too late. » Further on, she continues: « We are like passengers of the Titanic who say that their ship cannot flow (…) and what you know as a historian is that there is no insubmersible ship. » Her husband, Timothy Snyder, a historian specialist in central Europe and Holocaust, follows suit to support his wife, believing that the public university in Canada, a country where he has already lived for a few months, is now a place more conducive to debate and freedom of expression.
The three researchers converge on the same description of the political situation of their country: every passing day is a new march towards « Authoritarianism » and the « fascism ». « There is a word in Russian who helps to understand what is happening in the United States :: « PROVZOL », advance Marci Shore, the idea that « »Power can do what he wants And you have no recourse ”. Another word inspired by the Russian language and suggested by the professor: « Prodazhnost », which means that « Anything or anyone can be purchased or sold », In reference to the words of Donald Trump who said « Determined to buy and own Gaza ». And finally the expression « DNA Ne Suschetvuet »either « There is no background »no limit to « Depravation », « to sadism » And « To cruelty » to which Americans attend daily.
Faced with Donald Trump’s desire to put American institutions in step, the three academics invite us to turn to the few democratic models that have let the storm pass and are now trying to rebuild. Poland, again governed by a coalition ranging from the center right to the leftunder the leadership of the former president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, after eight years of authoritarian nationalism and illiberal abuses calling into question the rule of law, represents in their eyes an example of resistance. “The morality of Poland is that our democratic institutions, the media, universities, courts, are essential, says Jason Stanley. You know that you live in a fascist society when you are constantly going back to mind the reasons why you are safe. ” And conclude: « What we want is a country where none of us has this feeling. »
