Thread by @jenmercieca

When folks say “don’t give up in advance?” What does that mean? 🧵

It means do not allow yourself to succumb to the new fascist disciplinary regime. Fascism is a way of thinking, associating, and communicating. So is democracy.

The fascist regime will constantly exert its will over you—both your thoughts and your actions. It will require obedience and outward displays of loyalty. People will be fired and silenced for being disloyal to the regime. Faced with those threats, most people will comply.

Most people will give up in advance, they won’t test the regime. They’ll comply out of fear of the threat of consequences. But the consequences will come for all of us, whether we fight or not.

Fascist regimes are run by liars, cheaters, and thieves. They do not solve problems, they create them through indifference. They’re incompatible with freedom. The stated goals of this fascist regime are to turn the US into a white christofascist regime.

That means compulsory religion. That means “purifying” the nation of anyone who isn’t white and hetero and Christian. You will be tested on how well you conform to the regime mandates. You will wear a pin, display a flag, make a salute, join a parade or march.

There is no place in the world where you will be safe. If the US goes christofascist, then the rest of the world will be more vulnerable. Trump will form an alliance with the other autocrats & together they’ll rule the rest of the world. This is the plan.

Most folks don’t care about politics and they’re not paying attention. They’ll go fascist because it will take them by surprise and they won’t know how to resist. Make a plan for yourself.

Resist by not losing hope.

Resist by believing in democracy and the rule of law.

Resist by voting.

Resist by marching or protesting.

Resist by maintaining friendships, especially with people turned into “hate-objects” by the regime.

Resist by making eye contact with folks, being friendly with folks in public spaces.

Resist by donating your time, attention, & energy to places where people connect (libraries).

Resist by being a “democrat” in public. Make sure that people know that you support democracy and the rule of law.

This is our time. We can do this.

Anyone who is cynical about this has already given up. Block them, they're working for the fascists now.

This is great. There is an eternal struggle between the forces of fascism and the forces of democracy. We're the heroes who will save our democracy.

https://x.com/dcpetterson/status/1808165503778935229

Winston Churchill, “I have only one purpose, the destruction of Hitler, and my life is much simplified thereby. If Hitler invaded Hell I would make at least a favorable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons."

One purpose, defend democracy.

And, obviously, fascism is for losers

Adding: learn about what is sometimes called "autocratic legalism" or "competitive authoritarian" regimes. This is how it happens. jstor.org/stable/26455917