Thread by @SollySollinger

In a fascist regime, the dictator gets to decide what the law says, who it applies to and how punishment is doled out. The law is what the dictator says it is. And the people who are punished or rewarded is determined by the dictator (or his people). 1/

In a fascist regime, you/me cannot choose to behave lawfully bc we don't know what the law will be or what the punishment might be - bc it changes per the will of the dictator/his people. We cannot behave rationally.

We behave out of fear of pissing off those w/ power. 2/

Alternatively, those with power can behave according to their whims and fancies. Because they will not be punished.

When Trump offers pardons to anyone who breaks the law (immigration officials) according to his political goals (no shit brown poor people)....3/

(1) DJT makes Congress & all laws irrelevant. The law is what DJT says it is. The law says, asylum can be processed at border. Trump says "I don't like it. So, I will pardon you if you follow my policies/my rules." 4/

Now, the law becomes DJT's policies, whims and desires & punishments and rewards gets decided by DJT on a case-by-case basis. Congress has become irrelevant. The laws already passed - irrelevant. All that matters is that DJT's policies get carried out according to his whim.
5/

(2) Trump makes the courts irrelevant. If you break the law, don't worry - you won't get arrested or tried or sent to prison. I will pardon you and I'll make you a supervisor. 6/

He literally just decimated the 3 branches of government in one fall swoop.

This is the destruction of democracy and checks and balances.

GONE. TODAY.

THE US IS ON LIFE-SUPPORT. 7/

But destroying democracy wasn't enough for him. Nope. Now, he is taking refugees & immigrants and dumping them in sanctuary cities. First, he has no authority to do that - but who cares because remember he's ignoring the law (see 2). But its worse.... 8/

Now he is punishing anyone who challenges him (sanctuary cities). He's making this punishment up to suit his DESIRES and his vengeful self.

THIS IS NOW FASCISM.

Unless the GOP moves fast, furious and with authority.... This is game over. 9/

It might not feel like it. Your daily life might not change -until it does. Under fascism we can't predict what is legal v illegal.

When Trump arrests Maddow, when he says Hillary/Illan deserves to die and I will pardon anyone who carries out my will.

How will we stop him?

fell swoop