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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhat you yes, you can do to save America from tyranny
Here are 20 lessons from across the fearful 20th century, adapted to the circumstances of today.
1. Do not obey in advance. Much of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then start to do it without being asked. You've already done this, haven't you? Stop. Anticipatory obedience teaches authorities what is possible and accelerates unfreedom.
2. Defend an institution. Follow the courts or the media, or a court or a newspaper. Do not speak of "our institutions" unless you are making them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions don't protect themselves. They go down like dominoes unless each is defended from the beginning.
3. Recall professional ethics. When the leaders of state set a negative example, professional commitments to just practice become much more important. It is hard to break a rule-of-law state without lawyers, and it is hard to have show trials without judges.
4. When listening to politicians, distinguish certain words. Look out for the expansive use of "terrorism" and "extremism." Be alive to the fatal notions of "exception" and "emergency." Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.
5. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that all authoritarians at all times either await or plan such events in order to consolidate power. Think of the Reichstag fire. The sudden disaster that requires the end of the balance of power, the end of opposition parties, and so on, is the oldest trick in the Hitlerian book. Don't fall for it.
More: http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2016/11/21/learning-history-can-save-america-tyranny
Madam45for2923
(7,178 posts)MontanaMama
(23,297 posts)This is important. This is coming.
barbtries
(28,787 posts)and printed. thank you
Silver Gaia
(4,542 posts)Dustlawyer
(10,494 posts)It seems they are "economic terrorists" that cause property damage. Yea, they slip a few black flags into the protesters to incite and commit destruction. Voila! Instant terrorists!
Madam45for2923
(7,178 posts)BSdetect
(8,998 posts)Easily manipulated by fearmongers.
Madam45for2923
(7,178 posts)LWolf
(46,179 posts)and I know that honesty is often not appreciated at DU, while these are good tips, I would rather people have paid attention before they were necessary.
This outcome was predictable, was predicted by many, and derided by so many of those now outraged and offering advice for how to deal with it. If only they'd offered better ideas before it reached this point.
It simply exhausts and discourages me to see so many jumping in with "solutions" when they ignored the real solution. It doesn't inspire me to jump in.
I guess the silver lining is that we might, now, be able to oppose bad policy without being shouted down as disloyal.
Madam45for2923
(7,178 posts)LWolf
(46,179 posts)Not here, though. I know better, but thanks for playing.
Madam45for2923
(7,178 posts)duhneece
(4,110 posts)mahatmakanejeeves
(57,370 posts)Another link, just in case.
A Yale history professors powerful, 20-point guide to defending democracy under a Trump presidency