We are witnessing the classic destruction of a democratic republic not unlike the 1930's Germans.

[olegramps]

It is not a new phenomena. Aristotle's analysis of political systems they are the work of demagogues who exploit people's prejudices and and their own failings by creating scapegoats. The failing of Athenians were blamed on Socrates who they said his preaching against superstitious believe in gods was the cause of Athens defeat. Hitler used he Jews in the same manner to blame Germany's defeat in WWI on the Jews. It is only being exploited by Trump in the same manner with the assistance of the extreme right wing media hacks who blame progressives their misfortune of not preparing for a society in transition to the information and automation age.

I do not doubt that there will be some resistance, but far to many are apathetic and will ignore the significance of what is taking place believing that they will not be affected. I am far from confident that the majority will awaken to the threat and fear that they will be victims of their indifference until it is too late.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

1. Your concerns are merited.

I hope we do pull through this attack on our republic.

[rickyhall]

2. We always wondered how that happened. Now we know.

They were "Good Germans", the NeoFascists need "Good Americans".

[ananda]

3. Our demise has more to do with classism and capitalism that..

turned into corporate fascism during the Bush years.

Once corporations and big money were able to influence
politics, our demise was coming.

[CentralMass]

4. I think that your concerns have merit.

[Chainfire]

5. The Nazis may have their 100 year anniversary of the 1000 Year Reich

On the Capitol steps in D.C.

It is where we are headed if we don't put a stop to it now.

[jalan48]

6. I agree with this. For those who are constantly outraged by Republican behavior, how can they be

doing this?! (fill in the blank)-it provides a framework to understand their strategy. They want our current system of government to fail so it can be replaced by an authoritarian system that is currently constrained by our Constitution.

[KT2000]

7. it is becoming the perfect storm

Look how easy it has been to tear apart families, the foundation of our society. The destruction is occurring at the grass roots.
Senator Whitehouse presented the scheme orchestrated by the Koch brothers to fill Supreme Court vacancies with trump (Kavanaugh). The Koch brothers are all about authoritarianism. These machinations through theirs and other groups have been going on for decades with the intended purpose of taking over the US. The republicans think they will be in charge but they will not - they are just doing the grunt work. It is happening.

Wasn't it Socrates who said democracies will always fail unless the populations are well educated. I believe even more than education, it is necessary to have a somewhat mentally balanced population capable of of critical thinking. Extreme religions demand uncritical thinking and submission and their numbers have grown over the years. Capitalism and especially free market philosophy breeds insecurity and that makes the US ripe for authoritarian takeover.

It is a slow motion car wreck and lots of Americans think a solution is just complaining about everything and hating "others." I am heartsick without a clue what to do.

[Elessar Zappa]

8. The good news is that we have 200 years of democracy

behind us, Germany was a relatively new democracy. Of course we could still lose our country. It’s going to take all hands on deck to stop these fascists.

[olegramps]

10. Will the ship be saved? I can' t predict the future, but the signs are ominous.

Could it be that democracy may not die, but put into a coma as in the case of Germany. Following their catastrophic defeat they were able to rebuild with our generous assistance and is a vibrant dynamic progressive nation. it even outlawed the fascist party that led them to them to close to oblivion. But, their recovery can not block out the reality of the massive destruction and loss of life, not only of themselves, but the entire world. It is of little consolation to the millions who died as the result of their "miscalculation" that they saw the error of their capitulation to a lying demagogue who easily exploited their ingrained hatred and blind prejudices.

Are we blundering down the same path?

[appalachiablue]

9. Agree, the US is in real danger of losing

more democracy and well on the road to authoritarianism. The process will continue short of major reforms.

[roamer65]

11. Give us 20-30 years when climate change really kicks into high gear.

There will be very few coherent governments left at that point.