this post was submitted on 18 Nov 2024
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[–] [email protected] 186 points 1 week ago (18 children)

Hello. I'm from Germany and I have bad news for you. If our own history taught me anything, it's this: When there is a critical mass of citizens (including military personnel) who are willing to ignore common societal values and at the same time there is a corrupt justice system which can just bend the law to their will, there is very little in the way to full scale fascism. You guys have the groundwork for this right in front of your face. Your supreme court is only inches away from fulfilling that role and the last election showed that a majority of people are already blindsided enough to wholeheartedly believe the bullshit that they are being fed.

So please don't take this lightly. Democracy is not for granted and it can be taken away. It's a slow process up to a point where things fall in place and then it happens very quickly. In Germany the rise of the Nazis didn't happen over night. Warning signs were there from the first world war on, and the slow erosion of society along with economic factors was a key element. Hitler himself was widely regarded as a loud mouthed clown with little chance to actually accomplish anything.

The erosion part has been going on in the US for decades now. This time, most of the puzzle pieces needed are already in place.

And about the "they are incompetent, it won't be that bad" argument. They don't need competence to break things when they are in power. Breaking things is precisely what these people are looking for. Destruction of democratic values, economic instability, fear, poverty, chaos and social unrest are the key to more power. You just need to look at the designated cabinet positions. Those candidates were specifically chosen to fuck things up in the worst way imaginable. This is not a coincidence. This is a recipe taken right from the fascist's handbook.

[–] Gigasser 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Wonder what one can do about this?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago

There's a lot one can do. This is a nice starter:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/17/how-to-survive-the-broligarchy-20-lessons-for-the-post-truth-world-donald-trump

I would have framed a few things differently, so here's my take:

  • The system thrives on fear and isolation of individuals. So, obviously, do not succumb to fear and apathy.

  • Be kind to your fellow humans (that includes people who believe the bullshit! Most of them aren't evil just very misguided).

  • Offer help and look out for each other.

  • Get organized, don't isolate yourself hidden behind your phone. There are organizations in which you can help a good cause and gain a network of trusted people in return.

  • Stay alert and aware of the situation.

  • Don't assume safety just because you think you're not the target right now. They start with the weakest ones but that's just the beginning.

  • Plan ahead and have an escape plan ready just in case.

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