Thom Hartmann lays out in this short video this 3-step approach that some radical Republicans implement as an authoritarian take-over of the American Dream. In the current political landscape, a concerning revelation has emerged regarding the Republicans and their alleged three-step plan to establish an authoritarian regime in the United States. The implications of this plan are alarming, as it involves transforming America into a white supremacist version of what could become classic fascism. To fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, it is essential to understand the three steps outlined by these individuals and the potential consequences they may have.
Take Over Election Systems
The initial step in the Republicans' plan is to exert control over election systems by exploiting claims of election fraud and resorting to gerrymandering and voter suppression. This strategy aims to limit the accessibility of voting for individuals who do not align with their political agenda. By perpetuating the narrative of widespread fraud, they seek to undermine the integrity of the electoral process, making it challenging for those outside their voter base to participate.
This manipulation of election systems is not a novel concept. Similar tactics have been employed in countries like Russia and Hungary, where gerrymandering significantly consolidates power for leaders like Orban. Hungary is a prime example, where Orban's party received 53 percent of the popular vote but secured 68 percent of parliamentary seats through gerrymandering. The media landscape in Hungary further exacerbates the issue, with a majority of media outlets either owned by Orban and his allies or controlled by state-run media, thus stifling opposition voices.
Building a Fascist-Like Base
The second step of the Republicans' plan involves building a fascist base through the targeted oppression of racial, gender, and religious minorities. This approach has been witnessed in previous instances of fascist regimes, such as those led by Orban in Hungary and Putin in Russia. By fueling hatred and marginalizing these vulnerable communities, they aim to rally support from those who resonate with their divisive ideologies.
Aligning policies with the interests of powerful billionaires and industries is another method to bolster their authoritarian base. By prioritizing the needs of the wealthy elite, they create an environment where economic inequality and disparities thrive, perpetuating a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many.
They are also building this base by the call for a return to traditional gender roles, often employed to consolidate support from conservative segments of society. This appeal to traditional values can sway individuals who yearn for a perceived sense of stability and conformity.
Seizing Control of State Power
The final step in the plan involves seizing control of the ultimate state power, particularly the Department of Justice. By politicizing this institution and using it as a weapon against political opponents, they aim to solidify their grip on authority. Recent statements by former President Donald Trump, where he called for a special prosecutor to target Joe Biden and his family, highlight the danger of this approach.
The Department of Justice historically maintained independence from the White House following the Nixon scandals in the 1970s. Policies were implemented to create a firewall between the two entities, ensuring the justice system's impartiality. However, under the tenure of Attorney General Bill Barr, this separation was eroded as the Department of Justice became politicized.
The repercussions of allowing the Department of Justice to be fully politicized are immense. It opens the door for the abuse of power and the instrumentalization of the justice system for personal and political gain. The legislation proposed by Nancy Pelosi in the House of Representatives aimed to safeguard against such exploitation but faced significant opposition in the Senate, signaling the potential for the further erosion of democratic principles.
Halting the AuthoritarianTakeover
Awareness and action are vital to prevent the realization of this three-step plan and the establishment of a fascist-like authoritarian regime in the United States. By understanding the strategies employed by those seeking to undermine democratic values, individuals can actively work towards thwarting their efforts.
Engaging in open dialogue and educating others about the potential consequences of such a takeover is crucial. Awareness about the erosion of democratic institutions and the dangers of marginalizing vulnerable communities is essential in garnering support for preserving democratic values.
Encouraging critical thinking and media transparency are pivotal in combating the spread of misinformation and propaganda that often accompany these regimes. Encouraging individuals to question and analyze information critically makes it more challenging for manipulative narratives to take hold.
Civic engagement and participation in the political process are vital in safeguarding our democracy. By exercising the right to vote and holding elected officials accountable, individuals can actively contribute to preserving democratic principles.
The path toward preventing an authoritarian takeover requires collective effort. It necessitates unity and collaboration among individuals who value democracy and seek to protect it from those who aim to undermine its core principles. By staying vigilant, informed, and actively involved, we can work towards a future where democratic values thrive, and the specter of fascism is thwarted.
The revelation of the radical Republicans' alleged three-step plan for a one-party takeover of the United States is alarming. Understanding their strategies, such as taking over election systems, building a fascist-like base, and seizing control of state power, allows us to identify the signs and take necessary action to prevent such an outcome.
Preserving democratic values requires ongoing vigilance, education, and active engagement. By standing together against the erosion of democratic institutions and the marginalization of vulnerable communities, we can strive toward a future where inclusivity, justice, and freedom prevail.
About the Author
Robert Jennings is co-publisher of InnerSelf.com with his wife Marie T Russell. He attended the University of Florida, Southern Technical Institute, and the University of Central Florida with studies in real estate, urban development, finance, architectural engineering, and elementary education. He was a member of the US Marine Corps and The US Army having commanded a field artillery battery in Germany. He worked in real estate finance, construction and development for 25 years before starting InnerSelf.com in 1996.
InnerSelf is dedicated to sharing information that allows people to make educated and insightful choices in their personal life, for the good of the commons, and for the well-being of the planet. InnerSelf Magazine is in its 30+year of publication in either print (1984-1995) or online as InnerSelf.com. Please support our work.
Creative Commons 4.0
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License. Attribute the author Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com. Link back to the article This article originally appeared on InnerSelf.com
Related Books:
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
by Timothy Snyder
This book offers lessons from history for preserving and defending democracy, including the importance of institutions, the role of individual citizens, and the dangers of authoritarianism.
Click for more info or to order
Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America
by Stacey Abrams
The author, a politician and activist, shares her vision for a more inclusive and just democracy and offers practical strategies for political engagement and voter mobilization.
Click for more info or to order
How Democracies Die
by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
This book examines the warning signs and causes of democratic breakdown, drawing on case studies from around the world to offer insights into how to safeguard democracy.
Click for more info or to order
The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
by Thomas Frank
The author offers a history of populist movements in the United States and critiques the "anti-populist" ideology that he argues has stifled democratic reform and progress.
Click for more info or to order
Democracy in One Book or Less: How It Works, Why It Doesn't, and Why Fixing It Is Easier Than You Think
by David Litt
This book offers an overview of democracy, including its strengths and weaknesses, and proposes reforms to make the system more responsive and accountable.
Click for more info or to order
