Soviet-born author and political analyst, Michael Malice, expressed concerns over a trend in America during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing it to Soviet informant practices. On the ‘Planet Tyrus’ podcast, Malice discussed how citizens turned against each other, reporting lockdown violations. He emphasized that authoritarian regimes don’t solely depend on military force; they involve civilians actively.
Malice pointed out that Americans first encountered the harsh reality of this during COVID-19. ‘People were turning in their neighbors and boasting about it,’ he remarked, reflecting on the eagerness to report, saying, ‘They were happy: I got this cashier fired. That was very Soviet.’
Malice is the author of ‘The White Pill,’ a book analyzing tactics used during the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. He drew parallels between pandemic responses and authoritarian methods.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a prominent public health figure during the pandemic, was scrutinized recently. During a congressional hearing, Fauci exercised his Fifth Amendment rights extensively, raising criticism over COVID-19 shutdowns.
Republican politicians and conservative voices castigated the lockdown measures, highlighting enforcement actions such as filling skate parks with sand. Rep. Lance Gooden commented on X, ‘Americans should never forget what they did.’
In his defense, Fauci argued the hearings aimed to extract statements for political gain.
Malice further elaborated on the subtlety of dictatorial control, noting it often manifests through minor officials and enforced neighborly monitoring. ‘People cling to their little power with all their strength,’ he said.
Malice emphasized how this enforcement contrasts with traditional American values. Fox News Digital’s Pete D’Abrosca and Madison Colombo contributed to detailing the developments and public reactions.