In recent years, our political landscape has seen significant upheaval, marked by movements like Occupy Wall Street and the increasing influence of radical ideologies. Scholars and critics alike have pointed out the dangers we face as a nation—dangers that have been accumulating since at least 2006 and continuing through 2011 and now into 2024. It’s time to reflect on the sobering insights presented by key texts that articulate our situation: Morris Berman’s Dark Ages America, Kevin P. Phillips’ American Theocracy, and Cliff Potts’ Conspirators, Confederates, and Christians. Each of these works offers a stark warning about the trajectory of our society, especially relevant for the Democratic Party.

Morris Berman, in Dark Ages America: The Final Phase of Empire, draws unsettling parallels between contemporary America and the decline of the Roman Empire. He argues that we are witnessing the erosion of civil society, exemplified by declining literacy and education, rampant consumerism, and a growing disconnection from our societal values. Berman warns that without a conscious effort to redress these issues, we risk descending into a societal dark age. Democrats must grapple with the pressing need to promote education and community engagement as foundational tenets of a thriving democracy, rather than allowing them to wither under the weight of apathy.

Simultaneously, Kevin P. Phillips’ American Theocracy dissects the intertwined influences of radical religion, oil dependency, and economic irresponsibility. His insightful critique of our fiscal policies and societal priorities serves as a clarion call. Phillips argues that an entrenched reliance on borrowed money, facilitated by corporate greed and a culture of consumerism, jeopardizes our future. For Democrats, the implications are clear: a robust response to economic inequality and a rejection of policies that favor the wealthy over the working class is imperative. The party must resist the lure of short-term solutions and instead advocate for sustainable, equitable economic practices that empower all Americans.

Furthermore, Cliff Potts’ Conspirators, Confederates, and Christians navigates the complexities of modern activism, particularly echoing themes from the Occupy movement. Potts challenges us to confront who truly holds power in our society and how they manipulate agendas that often contradict the greater good. His exploration of the overlap between politics and religion prompts a critical examination of the moral foundation of our policies. Democrats should take heed of this interplay, ensuring that their policies are not only politically savvy but also ethically grounded.

Now is the time to move beyond the comfort of our screens and take action! Enough with the passive scrolling and the comfortable likes on posts that don’t change a thing. Posting memes or sharing posts that receive likes from friends who share similar views can create an echo chamber that leads to complacency. We need to fire up our collective passion and mobilize our communities. The warnings from these authors, spanning from 2006 through 2011 and now resonating into 2024, signal a clarion call that has largely gone unheeded. The collective message is clear: ignoring the convergence of radical ideologies, economic instability, and cultural disintegration is dangerous and poses a severe threat to our democracy.

The Democrats must take decisive action to address these issues, or they will contribute to a legacy of failure to safeguard the values we cherish. The time for half-measures and empty rhetoric is over. We need bold, courageous leadership that inspires real change. As we face a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it’s crucial for the Democratic Party to recognize the urgency of responding to these warnings. The impetus lies in addressing the systemic issues that breed discontent and disenfranchisement.

The time for action is now. Will the Democrats rise to this moment or allow the “Dark Ages” to linger as a specter over our future? The choice is in their hands, and history will judge us all. It’s time to get off the sidelines, engage in meaningful activism, and make our voices heard. The future of our country depends on it.