THE SCOURGE OF SYCOPHANTS

 The Scourge of Sycophants

Introduction
A functional democracy relies on leaders willing to speak truth to power and serve the people with integrity. Yet, the rise of political sycophancy, epitomized by Donald Trump's administration and his orbit of loyalists, represents a grave threat to democratic governance. These "creepy crawlers," fawning flatterers, and unqualified appointees exemplify the dangers of loyalty to a despot over duty to the nation.

Sycophants in Power
Trump's cabinet and close advisers are not defined by their expertise or qualifications but by their loyalty to him personally. Many have signed figurative, if not literal, loyalty oaths, sacrificing their autonomy and judgment. This band of toadies exists solely to enable Trump's every whim, regardless of its consequences for the country. Their flattery is relentless, and their service is not to the people but to the "Great Leader" who elevates them.

The resulting incompetence is palpable. Few of these individuals have the skills to perform their duties effectively, yet they occupy key positions, dismantling institutions and eroding public trust. Their sole qualification appears to be their willingness to pledge fealty to the ruler, often in exchange for promises of power or wealth.

The Cost to the People
While Trump and his inner circle thrive, the ordinary Americans who support him remain neglected. The so-called "cult of Trump" is marked by individuals who have been systematically misled. They are made to believe that Trump fights for them, even as his policies and priorities serve only the ultra-wealthy.

The sycophants’ loyalty to Trump comes at the expense of the people’s well-being. Their primary role is to uphold the "Great Leader" image and distract from his failure to deliver for the working class. Policies under this regime aim to create a minimum-wage society—an oligarchy where the wealthy thrive on the backs of an exploited majority.

Breaking the Spell
The Resistance has a crucial role in exposing this dynamic. It must educate those who feel left behind and show them that the sycophants—and their leaders—serve only themselves. Cult followers must be encouraged to ask: What has Trump done for me? The answer is often stark. Trump has enriched billionaires, installed unqualified loyalists, and dismantled protections for the average worker, leaving his base with empty promises.

It is hard to confront someone with the reality that they’ve been voting against their interests, especially when caught in cult-like devotion. Yet this confrontation is necessary for reclaiming democracy.

The resistance must emphasize the dangers of unchecked sycophancy. Trump’s loyalists plan to turn America into a nation of economic and social inequality, with power concentrated in the hands of a few. The country risks descending into a modern-day system of servitude, with workers stripped of protections and opportunities.

It is time to reject the scourge of sycophants and fight for a government that serves the people, not the ego of a despot. The path forward requires truth-telling, collective action, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy. Only by exposing and confronting the toxic dynamic of sycophancy can the United States hope to restore its values and protect its future.

William James Spriggs