The three stages of autocratic transformation are autocratic attempt, breakthrough, and consolidation. We are well on our way toward the latter, though the courts are pushing back and protests, vital in preventing the normalization of fascism, are mounting.

Encouragingly, cohorts attending many recent protests are much broader than in times past. Some are protesting for the first time in their lives. Shaming the current crop of fascists is pointless. They are shameless. However, ridicule, mockery, and (despite the seriousness of our crisis) humor are effective in calling out the attacks on our Constitution.

Authoritarians cannot handle free-thinking individuals. They want blind obedience. They cannot handle organized resistance. They want people to feel isolated, fearful, and powerless.

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