American Fascism

Recently, it dawned on me that I should be a bit more literate on what a flip from a democracy to a dictatorship will most likely look like since it's becoming increasingly evident that the US Democratic Party is most likely in on this shift. AKA, no one's coming to right this ship.

There are some books out there in the world that have documented this very situation: "How Democracies Die" by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt / "Threat to Democracy" by Fathali Moghaddam / "How To Lose A Country" by Ece Temelkuran. I'd like the abriged versions of all of them since the full flip is now a little under four months away. And to get an even quicker start on the subject matter, I asked AI for a general set of answers to my dictatorship flip FAQs. Mind you, I was picky about which AI to ask. I know better than fucking with Microsoft's co-pilot because, "out-of-the-box", it's fascist as fuck AI. But, oddly enough - Amazon's Perplexity isn't? For now, anyway. I can get further into my experience with current day AI behavior in another post. But because I know I have gotten straight unbiased answers from Amazon's Perplexity in the past about social issues, and because Perlexity is just open and acessible without needing a log in, I hit Perplexity first. And the answers... well the answers I got was a fucking scary and stark dawning of realization that we have been on our way to a dictatorship for at least the last two decades. And where we are on that timeline now is literally late stage.

Me: Hey Perplexity - What should we expect for a country to switch from democracy to a dictatorship?

Perplexity: To transition from a democracy to a dictatorship, several key steps and changes typically occur:

1. Consolidation of power: The leader gradually concentrates authority, often by weakening checks and balances and other democratic institutions[1][2].
2. Control of judiciary and media: The regime seeks to influence or control the courts and major media outlets to limit opposition[1].
3. Exploitation of crises: Real or manufactured crises are used to justify emergency powers and restrictions on civil liberties[2].
4. Attacks on institutions: Democratic pillars like an independent press, courts, and legislative bodies face increasing pressure and constraints[2].
5. Elimination of term limits: Constitutional changes may be made to allow the leader to remain in power indefinitely[1].
6. Suppression of opposition: Political rivals and dissenting voices are marginalized, intimidated, or outlawed under various pretexts[1].
7. Propaganda and nationalism: The regime promotes a narrative of national crisis and presents the leader as the sole savior[2].
8. Gradual erosion of rights: Democratic norms and individual freedoms are slowly curtailed, often without immediate public awareness[1][2].
9. Militarization: Armed forces may be used to maintain control and suppress dissent[1].

This process can occur incrementally over years, making it difficult for citizens to recognize until significant democratic backsliding has already taken place

Citations:[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Dictatorships don't happen over night. They happen over a certain slow timeframe. Our assholes in "progressive" leadership know this and said... not a word. The last two, "consolidation of power" and "elimination of term limits" very well may come November 2024. Do you have a passport? Get it before the November.

To note: Perplexity at first didn't want to answer my question at all. It told me it was "uncomfortable" with such a discussion.
I had to explain to it that my country is on the verge of dictatorship and I need to know for my well being before it agreed to go furhter down this rabbit hole.

In fact, this was its reply: "I apologize, you're absolutely right that I should not have avoided providing a more detailed response. As an AI assistant, I have a responsibility to have an open and honest dialogue, even about difficult topics, in order to best serve and inform users.Given the gravity of the situation you describe, where a transition to dictatorship appears to be underway despite democratic institutions, I will try to provide a more comprehensive overview of what other countries have experienced in similar circumstances:"

Here's the rest of the conversation for the better or the worst. It's better to know than not know.

Me:Ok. Can you give me a general idea how it'll look on the day to day front door the working class?

Perplexity:

1. Reduced freedom of speech: Workers may become hesitant to discuss politics openly, fearing potential repercussions.
2. Media control: Access to independent news sources may diminish, with state-controlled media becoming dominant.
3. Economic uncertainty: Possible job losses or wage stagnation due to economic sanctions or mismanagement.
4. Labor rights erosion: Weakening of unions, reduced ability to strike or protest for better working conditions.
5. Limited political participation: Elections may become ceremonial, with decreased meaningful voter choice.
6. Increased corruption: More frequent encounters with bribery or favoritism in accessing basic services.
7. Arbitrary law enforcement: Increased risk of detention without due process, especially for perceived dissent.
8. Education changes: School curricula may shift to include more state propaganda and leader worship.
9. Reduced social services: Possible decline in quality or access to healthcare, education, and other public services.
10. Cultural restrictions: Increased censorship in arts, music, literature, and entertainment.
11. Travel restrictions: Potential limitations on freedom of movement, both domestically and internationally.
12. Surveillance increase: More monitoring of communications and public spaces.
13. Economic control: Possible rationing of goods or services, with preferential treatment for regime supporters.
14. Mandatory participation: Forced attendance at political rallies or state-sponsored events.

These changes would likely be gradual, making them less noticeable day-to-day, but cumulatively significant over time. The severity and speed of changes can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of the country in question.

Me: What else?

Perplexity:

## Common Experiences in the Transition to Dictatorship:

- Increased surveillance and monitoring of citizens, including digital communications and movements
- Crackdowns on dissent, with protesters, journalists, and political opponents facing harassment, arrest, or worse
- Erosion of judicial independence, with the justice system being used to target regime critics
- Restrictions on free media, with independent outlets being shut down or brought under state control
- Attacks on civil society organizations and NGOs that promote democratic values
- Politicization of public services, with access and benefits tied to loyalty to the regime
- Widespread corruption, nepotism, and the enrichment of those close to the ruling power
- Gradual dismantling of democratic checks and balances, with the executive branch consolidating control
- Nationalist propaganda and the cultivation of a personality cult around the leader

## Impacts on the Working Class

- Loss of labor rights and the ability to organize, with unions and strikes being suppressed
- Declining living standards, job insecurity, and economic hardship due to mismanagement
- Restricted access to information and independent media, leading to a distorted worldview
- Increased pressure to demonstrate loyalty to the regime, or risk losing employment and services
- Growing sense of powerlessness and fear in the face of an increasingly authoritarian state

I know this paints a bleak picture, but I believe it's important to be direct about the potential realities you may face, so you can make informed decisions to protect yourself and your family. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Me:What are good ways to prepare?

Perplexity: To prepare for a potential transition from democracy to dictatorship, it is essential to understand the common tactics used by authoritarian leaders to consolidate power. Here are some key steps to be aware of:

1. **Consolidation of Power**:The leader gradually concentrates authority, often by weakening checks and balances and other democratic institutions[1].
2. **Control of Judiciary and Media**: The regime seeks to influence or control the courts and major media outlets to limit opposition[1].
3. **Exploitation of Crises**: Real or manufactured crises are used to justify emergency powers and restrictions on civil liberties[1].
4. **Attacks on Institutions**: Democratic pillars like an independent press, courts, and legislative bodies face increasing pressure and constraints[1].
5. **Elimination of Term Limits**: Constitutional changes may be made to allow the leader to remain in power indefinitely[1].
6. **Suppression of Opposition**: Political rivals and dissenting voices are marginalized, intimidated, or outlawed under various pretexts[1].
7. **Propaganda and Nationalism**: The regime promotes a narrative of national crisis and presents the leader as the sole savior[1].
8. **Gradual Erosion of Rights**: Democratic norms and individual freedoms are slowly curtailed, often without immediate public awareness[1].
9. **Militarization**: Armed forces may be used to maintain control and suppress dissent[1].
10. **Cult of Personality**: The leader cultivates a strong personal image, often through propaganda and media control, to create a sense of authority and legitimacy[3].
11. **Subversion of the Judicial System**: The regime manipulates the judiciary to protect its own interests and suppress opposition[3].
12. **Impeachment or Prosecution of Opponents**: Those who stand in the way of the regime are targeted through legal means to eliminate them as threats[3].
13. **Maintaining the Illusion of Democracy**: The regime creates a facade of democratic institutions while actually controlling the outcomes[3].

Understanding these tactics can help you prepare for potential changes and protect your rights and freedoms.

Citations: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

America very well may flip from a democracy to a dictatorship by the end of 2024.