The rise of American authoritarianism

http://www.vox.com/2016/3/1/11127424/trump-authoritarianism

This post is not an attempt to sway Trump supporters, or even possible Trump supporters, to reconsider their vote, so if that’s you, just move on — there’s nothing to see here. This article uses big words, and even bigger ideas, that are likely to only confuse and frighten you. So seriously, just move on.

No, this post is an attempt for the rest of us. those of us who have retained the power of rational thought, to understand exactly what in the holy hell is actually happening. As a rule, if something is scary, understanding it usually helps assuage that fear, at least a little. Scary things, once we understand them, become a little less scary to us.

Unfortunately, with this, that may not be the case. If these guys are right, the reality might just be even more frightening than we imagined. We may be living in the final days of the republic. Every republic has an end, and somebody has to live through it.

Those of you who know me, know I’m not a “the sky is falling” kind of guy. In fact, I’m usually the one pointing out that the sky is not, in fact, falling. I can’t do that this time. It may actually be falling. I hope not. Believe me, I will be extremely happy to be wrong about that.

Anyhow, short version — please read, at least the large print yellow highlighted parts.