no, i know. the rule of law only matters so long as the government is willing to respect it. this administration doesnt, and has done and continues to do everything they possibly can to undermine and subvert the judicial branch, the only real check against their agenda since the GOP is happy to finally be able to implement the shit they've always wanted to but never could. if it comes down to it i'm really hoping there's enough in the military that remember they have a duty to not follow illegal (unconstitutional) orders, that their oaths bind them to the constitution and its defense rather than the government, and that if things get too bad they will mutiny. and this is exactly why trump wants his own private army and private spies, which are beholden to him rather than the country. its still unclear if we're headed for despotic fascism, civil war, or if we'll weather this storm and come out better for it. really though its a slow enough process that its really probably only establishment of authoritarian regime vs impeachment, whichever comes first.
Ok I'm back and this time, super duper stoned. I'm accompanied by my friend an unidentified purple Indica. We did a little research ( emphasis on little) on authoritarian and fascist regimes rise to power. Now, first, of course we have checks and balances in this country by dividing the government into 3 branches so as to not allow too much power to one party. The house and the Senate have Republican majority. Everyone knows that (go out and vote next year!) Wowwie! Balance! So who's checking the executive branch? No, seriously, who?
From what I've gathered, authoritative regimes like to invoke fear internally and externally. *Caugh* deep state, Islamiphobia. They love them some private military and while I recall Trump mention his interest in private military during his campaign, other than a meeting with the guy behind blackwater a few months ago, I haven't seen any progress here, yet. Trump not following through with his campaign promises? Say it ain't so! So...ok less scared now.
Another trait in authoritative regimes is controlling/censoring/criticizing the media. Hmmmm... I don't think Trump has ever done such a thing. Haha no. As everyone who has a pulse knows, this is trumps favorite mouth diarrhea. Let's see, accusations of "fake media" which is practically a meme now. No need to elaborate it's in our faces all the time. A scarier brain shart: His proposal to file lawsuits against news outlets and journalists who report anything that breaks his thin skin. Oohhh I'm getting scared again.
Lastly, all the hottest fascist leaders believe opposing views are equal to treason. Boy, are dictionaries fake news too? Anyways, the most recent example that comes to mind is when Trump accused Democratic politicians of treason for not clapping during his state of the union address. Sometimes my dog makes noises that clearly aren't English but he's obviously trying to communicate something to me. Ive never clapped my hands for his efforts, am I a traitor? Maybe!
This is clearly not a thorough assessment but I at least I feel smarter ( emphasis on feel)
I would like to make clear that I should not be taken seriously. I'm just dealing with my fear in a humorous way. There are worse ways to deal with fear as the wise and adorable Yoda puts it:
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
It's mass brainwashing.
