Movement Towards Fascism

At stake is American democracy. Either we stand up in great numbers and in every way that we can or the likelihood of losing the heritage of democratic values is frighteningly real!

Demagogue: Does this sound like Trump? I think so.

A demagogic leader arises during some period of perceived “crisis” and gains substantial populist support by appealing to emotional passion by exploiting prejudice and ignorance   and not by offering rational deliberation. Closed rallies of supporters are typical, avoiding broader public participation. Demagogues typically claim a popular mandate in face of clear contradictory evidence.

Demagogic leaders often repeat lies/falsehoods until they are accepted as true by their audiences. They also may claim credit for things that they did not do. Free speech, generally, and free press norms, in particular, are not upheld. Demagogues typically attack critics or media that do not agree with them. With State power, they often punish critics with varying degrees of severity.

Demagogues in a democratic society may discredit many or all aspects of the democratic process and structure. They may may politicize or delegitimize an independent judicial system. Political opposition may be punished formally or informally.

Demagogic leaders in power may align with other authoritarian regimes.

Another Reason Trump Loves Putin

They swim together in the white nationalist fever swamps.
(by Jamelle Boule, Sept. 9, 2016, Slate)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was booed by a crowd full of Baltimore Ravens fans after mentioning Tom Brady at his campaign rally in Maryland. Here are some other instances of Trump's awkward pandering. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

"Like others I’ve discussed in “Demagogue: The Fight to Save Democracy from Its Worst Enemies,” Trump’s rise has been one of sheer hubris, overblown promises and an almost effortless seduction that can sweep up even the toughest critics. Consider the normally hard-nosed Republican pollster Frank Luntz, who reported “my legs are shaking” after talking Trump with focus group participants last August." (From  Here’s what demagogues like Trump do to their countries when they take power  by Michael Signer, February 29, 2016, The Washington Post)

At stake is American democracy. Either we stand up in great numbers and in every way that we can or the likelihood of losing the heritage of democratic values is frighteningly real!

#TheResistance