Why do Americans support an obviously fascist regime such as Donald Trump’s Republicans? This question is one that is asked more and more both by Americans and to me as an American in Europe.

“The Answer is complex.” I answer. “It is important to remember that American can be defined in large part by the drive for profit, personal benefit, and fear. There are no safety nets in America and America is in large part a theocratic society. Religion and money. One makes empty promises and the other gives false hope. And so what is left is fear because deep down Americans know that what they believe, whether it is religious or social, is not, in fact, true.”

“Add to that,” I continue, “Americans want to be, they strive to be independent in the true sense of the word. The American story is based upon rough and ready independence. But the fact is that such independence is and always has been a fantasy. So why do any Americans support Donald Trump? Because he offers easy answers based on empty promises, false hope and fantasy.”

Donald Trump and his minions are cheap. Truth is expensive.