For years, accusations of authoritarianism have been leveled against one particular former president. Protests echoed with cries of “NO KINGS!” and warnings of a looming monarchy, fueled by every executive action.
But a stark example of government overreach already exists, etched in the recent past. It wasn’t found in Washington D.C., but within the borders of California in 2020, under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom, now a potential contender for the highest office in the land, effectively declared ownership of a cherished American tradition: Thanksgiving. The rules he imposed on families were far-reaching and deeply unsettling.
Before the restrictions were unveiled, Newsom issued a Thanksgiving proclamation that felt less like a message of gratitude and more like a political statement. It prominently featured California’s “Truth and Healing Council” and a revised interpretation of American history.
The proclamation subtly framed the holiday within a specific political narrative, emphasizing a “fuller accounting of our history” alongside the traditional values of friendship and resilience. But the true extent of the control was yet to come.
On November 22, 2020, the California Department of Public Health released “new safety guidelines” – not for public events, but for private gatherings. These weren’t suggestions; they were directives.
The guidelines limited gatherings to a maximum of three households, and mandated that all celebrations take place outdoors. A strict two-hour time limit was imposed on these outdoor events, as reported at the time.
Indoor access was restricted to restroom use only, with the caveat of “frequent sanitization.” Masks were required at all times, except for the briefest moments of eating or drinking, maintaining a six-foot distance from anyone outside one’s immediate household.
Even the simple act of conversation was regulated. Singing, shouting, and chanting were “strongly discouraged,” relegated to a “normal speaking volume” behind a face covering. Seating arrangements demanded six feet of separation between households.
Disposable containers were mandated for food service, communal dishes were forbidden, and hand sanitizer became a constant necessity. This wasn’t public health advice; it was an attempt to micromanage personal lives.
The irony is striking. The very voices that decried potential tyranny elsewhere enthusiastically supported these measures in 2020. The contrast is a glaring example of selective outrage.
No action taken by the former president ever approached this level of intrusion into the private lives of Americans – dictating who could share a meal, how long they could converse, or even the volume of their voices.
Five years later, the selective amnesia is remarkable. As we gather this Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to remember who truly acted like a ruler imposing their will, and it wasn’t the figure so often accused of authoritarianism.
