This Autocratic Intention Signaling by Donald Trump is perhaps another excellent opportunity to remind people of the Seven Rules for Dealing with Autocrats and their enablers. I wrote these when working with those worldwide fighting for Democracy in their nations, and they are just as applicable today with what we face in America in the coming months.
Rule #1: Play the Game You Are In, Not the One You Wish or Want to Play - Recognize and adapt to the dynamics. In a zero-sum struggle against illiberal forces, there's no room for romantic win-win approaches. The outcome is binary: either victory for democracy or defeat to autocracy.
Rule #2: Speak Truth to Power Relentlessly - Challenge the illiberal forces' Big Lies by consistently speaking truth to their power base, the people. Persistence is key, as there's always a tipping point where either truth or lies prevail.
Rule #3: Avoid Giving Autocrats Ammunition - Remember, the struggle isn't about policy or ideology but democracy. Be cautious with your words to prevent autocrats from using them to divide you from your allies.
Rule #4: Recognize Authoritarians' Disregard for Truth - Understand that authoritarians operate in a truth-free zone, focusing solely on maintaining or gaining power. They want you to move on with them, don't. Stay vigilant in forcing them to answer for their actions, lies, and distortions.
Rule #5: Employ Zero-Sum Judo - Turn their tactics against them. Use Big Truths, marginalization, dependency, mockery of disinformation, and division to weaken their power structure. Exploit their need for the legitimacy of democracy.
Rule #6: The Stalin Rule - Unite Against Illiberalism - Stand with anyone willing to fight against illiberal structures, regardless of other differences. Shared commitment to democracy and opposition to illiberal politics is the binding force.
Rule #7: Daily Challenge to Power Structures - Every day, seek ways to expose, confront, and destabilize vertical power structures. Be proactive in restoring faith in democracy and facing the fear used by autocrats to keep you in silence.
Final Thought: Believe in the erosion of fear and the rise of faith in democracy of your fellow Americans. This battle is crucial not just for our nation but for the world. It's about preserving the legacy of a Great Experiment and a Shining City on a Hill, not only for ourselves but for the generations of Americans who will follow.
I am an optimist; if you stand up, and I do too, we are the majority and will prevail! We need to hold fast in the faith in one another, which makes democracy work and has carried America in its times of peril past. We will win this battle against the Autocratic Forces because we have no choice.
Rule #1: Play the Game You Are In, Not the One You Wish or Want to Play - Recognize and adapt to the dynamics. In a zero-sum struggle against illiberal forces, there's no room for romantic win-win approaches. The outcome is binary: either victory for democracy or defeat to autocracy.
Rule #2: Speak Truth to Power Relentlessly - Challenge the illiberal forces' Big Lies by consistently speaking truth to their power base, the people. Persistence is key, as there's always a tipping point where either truth or lies prevail.
Rule #3: Avoid Giving Autocrats Ammunition - Remember, the struggle isn't about policy or ideology but democracy. Be cautious with your words to prevent autocrats from using them to divide you from your allies.
Rule #4: Recognize Authoritarians' Disregard for Truth - Understand that authoritarians operate in a truth-free zone, focusing solely on maintaining or gaining power. They want you to move on with them, don't. Stay vigilant in forcing them to answer for their actions, lies, and distortions.
Rule #5: Employ Zero-Sum Judo - Turn their tactics against them. Use Big Truths, marginalization, dependency, mockery of disinformation, and division to weaken their power structure. Exploit their need for the legitimacy of democracy.
Rule #6: The Stalin Rule - Unite Against Illiberalism - Stand with anyone willing to fight against illiberal structures, regardless of other differences. Shared commitment to democracy and opposition to illiberal politics is the binding force.
Rule #7: Daily Challenge to Power Structures - Every day, seek ways to expose, confront, and destabilize vertical power structures. Be proactive in restoring faith in democracy and facing the fear used by autocrats to keep you in silence.
Final Thought: Believe in the erosion of fear and the rise of faith in democracy of your fellow Americans. This battle is crucial not just for our nation but for the world. It's about preserving the legacy of a Great Experiment and a Shining City on a Hill, not only for ourselves but for the generations of Americans who will follow.
I am an optimist; if you stand up, and I do too, we are the majority and will prevail! We need to hold fast in the faith in one another, which makes democracy work and has carried America in its times of peril past. We will win this battle against the Autocratic Forces because we have no choice.
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