The fascist moment is here: Have mainstream liberals heard the alarm go off?

This could be the moment we have all been anticipating — or from another perspective, the moment we have long dreaded. If you think that “this” refers to “it,” you are likely correct. This is the time to bring out clichés and give them a genuine sound, for questions such as “Which side are you on?” or “What did you do in the war, Daddy?” are no longer antique rhetoric from a postwar melodrama.

The process leading up to this moment has been gradual and prolonged, slowly eroding the notion that “it” cannot happen here, similar to how Hannibal Lecter (“the late, great Hannibal Lecter,” as President Trump refers to him) keeps you alive and sedated while devouring your brain. Nevertheless, was there not a moment that struck you? There certainly was for me.

The understanding of this pivotal moment separates those who comprehend its significance from those who do not, a contrast that has become stark over the past week. We are witnessing an exceptional shift, where mainstream conservatives awaken while mainstream liberals continue to capitulate.

For instance, consider New York Times columnist David Brooks urging for mass action against the Trump administration and unironically quoting the “Communist Manifesto.” No one could have predicted that from a mainstream media figure. Also, observe Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shielding her face from photographers in the Oval Office and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s sudden change in stance, dismissing the deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a mere “distraction of the day” compared to issues like Trump’s tariff policy.

Before delving into any of those specifics, let’s revisit the particular moment that impacted me the most, resonating with many others, as it exemplifies a broader issue. It was the video captured from a window in suburban Boston, showing a group of masked individuals in plain clothing snatching a young woman off the street and driving her away in an unmarked van. It was not just the video itself but also the aftermath — or lack thereof — once the world witnessed it.

The fate of Rümeysa Öztürk, a 30-year-old Turkish citizen living in the U.S. on a student visa, is somewhat immaterial. What matters is the message conveyed: Trump’s agents have the authority to remove individuals from society based on any pretext, or none at all.

A federal judge recently ordered Öztürk to be brought back to Vermont from Louisiana, where she was detained, following a habeas corpus petition filed by her attorneys. The judge acknowledged significant constitutional concerns surrounding her arrest and detention. While this ruling marks a procedural triumph, discussing the case in legal terms drains the passion from the conversation, as is often the case.

The Kafkaesque scenario unfolding, where individuals vanish off public streets at the hands of government agents without uniforms, official vehicles, or visible identification due to their political beliefs, has been overshadowed by procedural and jurisdictional debates. Öztürk and others remain in ICE custody with an uncertain future ahead.

The Trump administration’s actions echo those depicted in Franz Kafka’s “The Trial,” where bureaucratic incompetence and legalism are as destructive as overt cruelty. The administration’s Kafkaesque approach is evident in the prolonged legal processes faced by individuals like Öztürk.

While Öztürk’s legal battles continue, the lack of acknowledgment of the policy that led to her abduction as a mistake remains troubling. The administration’s ability to detain individuals without accountability signals a dangerous precedent.

The responses to these events transcend ideology and speak to individuals’ belief systems. Those who prioritize political survival over morality have lost touch with fundamental values. The recent calls to action against the Trump regime highlight a growing resistance among non-MAGA or anti-MAGA conservatives, underscoring the threat to democratic principles.

The actions of individuals like Newsom and Whitmer, who prioritize realpolitik over morality, contrast with those who take a stand against the administration’s policies. The reluctance to challenge the administration’s abuses reveals a lack of principled leadership.

As the Trump administration continues its authoritarian practices, individuals like Öztürk and Abrego Garcia face prolonged legal battles with no clear resolution in sight. The need for a collective pushback against these violations is evident, yet the reluctance to confront them persists among political leaders.

In a political landscape where survival tactics supersede morality, the need for principled leadership becomes increasingly critical. Individuals like Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who uphold democratic values amid political turmoil, serve as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in the face of oppression.