In A Christmas Carol, the third spectre shows Ebeneezer Scrooge his miserable future, the consequence of his misanthropy and greed. Scrooge posited the critical query; “Are these the shadows of the things which Will be, or are they the shadows of the things that May be, only?”

David French’s NY Times dire opinion piece on May 31, 2026, harkens to this existential question. Today, American populist demagogues persuade the vulnerable that democracy, decency and constructive compromise are weakness; tyranny, cynicism and brutality are strength. Ignorance of historical consequences of such folly is not bliss. Rather, it is a prelude to national shame, international catastrophe and incalculable suffering.

The historical record is crystal clear… dictatorships, theocracies, and communist regimes oppress citizens and foster global conflicts. Sadly, chaos fomented by America’s demagogues threatens the democratic world order and turns nations into adversaries with predictable sequelae… wars, genocides, and dictatorships.

Have we truly forgotten the twentieth century’s grim experiments with European/Asian Fascism and Soviet Communism? Are these the things that Will be, or May be? As with Ebeneezer, it is up to us to decide our fate. Rejuvenate democracy or sink further into the morass of authoritarian misery. The choice is ours.

Mike Shivers MD

Altoona and Boulder, Colo.