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A sobering message from a history teacher:

SalAunese said:
I’ve been an agronomist, farmer, sales rep, claims rep, bank officer and USDA loan officer. What’s your point?
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I don’t as being a smart ass. He made a deal out of being a as teacher. What do u know Smart ass doesn’t recognize a smart ass.
 
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SA_Hawk said:
Apparently Trump is the first fascist in history to attempt to reduce the size and reach of government and return power to the states.

Trump was handed the keys of ultimate dictator power during Covid and said no thanks. The same thing can’t be said for the current governor's of California and Michigan.
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You're missing the point of slashing the government. It's not just about cutting costs — it's about creating chaos and making the government ineffective. The ultimate goal is to justify privatizing essential programs like Social Security and Medicare, turning them into profit streams for Trump's inner circle. It's a fast track to a Russia-style oligarchy where his loyalists rake in billions.
 
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SI_NYC said:
I’ve spent years teaching both American and international government. We study the full spectrum of systems: from well-established democracies like the UK, to hybrid regimes like Mexico and Nigeria, to authoritarian states like russia, Iran, and China. Each case study offers a lesson — but lately, the most unsettling one comes from within our own borders.

One key lesson I teach my students: there’s never a single, defining moment when a democracy falls. No leader ever declares, “I am now a dictator.” The erosion is subtle. Gradual. Legal on the surface. And often supported — or at least tolerated — by the public.

Look at russia. When Putin took power in 2000, it had the trappings of democracy: elections, a constitution, federalism, and a separation of powers. Today, those structures remain on paper, but functionally, they mean nothing. Putin holds absolute power — and is, perhaps not coincidentally, admired by Donald Trump.

So, how do we recognize when a democracy is backsliding? There are clear warning signs — every first-year political science student learns them. Here are a few I share with my students:

1. When the Legislative Branch yields to the Executive.

Congress was designed to check presidential power. If Congress becomes subservient — whether through inaction or complicity — the balance envisioned by the Constitution collapses. Putin faced early pushback from the Duma. He eventually sidelined, intimidated, and replaced dissenters with loyalists. Sound familiar?

2. When corporatism becomes normalized.

In an authoritarian slide, industries and oligarchs cozy up to power in exchange for favors. In russia, compliant billionaires got rich. Critics were jailed or exiled. We’ve seen similar patterns here: tax breaks, deregulation, and media consolidation benefiting those aligned with Trump.

3. When adherence to the Constitution becomes optional.

Rule of law is foundational to democracy. Yet we’ve seen moments when Constitution was ignored under Trump’s leadership. In healthy democracies, that shouldn't even be a question.

4. When enemies — internal and external — are manufactured.

Authoritarians thrive by uniting people against scapegoats. Vulnerable communities become targets. Historic allies become threats. The purpose? To consolidate power under the guise of protecting the nation.

5. When personal loyalty to the leader outweighs loyalty to the nation.

Public servants swear oaths to the Constitution, not individuals. But when loyalty shifts toward one man — especially among military, law enforcement, and intelligence — democracy is in grave danger.

Here’s the hardest truth: if America continues down this path, it won’t be because we were blind. It won’t happen in darkness. It will happen in plain sight — and with our permission.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It survives only when we choose it — over and over again.
Click to expand...
Ah yes those successful Mexican and Nigerian regimes. Dolt
 
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SI_NYC said:
I’ve spent years teaching both American and international government. We study the full spectrum of systems: from well-established democracies like the UK, to hybrid regimes like Mexico and Nigeria, to authoritarian states like russia, Iran, and China. Each case study offers a lesson — but lately, the most unsettling one comes from within our own borders.

One key lesson I teach my students: there’s never a single, defining moment when a democracy falls. No leader ever declares, “I am now a dictator.” The erosion is subtle. Gradual. Legal on the surface. And often supported — or at least tolerated — by the public.

Look at russia. When Putin took power in 2000, it had the trappings of democracy: elections, a constitution, federalism, and a separation of powers. Today, those structures remain on paper, but functionally, they mean nothing. Putin holds absolute power — and is, perhaps not coincidentally, admired by Donald Trump.

So, how do we recognize when a democracy is backsliding? There are clear warning signs — every first-year political science student learns them. Here are a few I share with my students:

1. When the Legislative Branch yields to the Executive.

Congress was designed to check presidential power. If Congress becomes subservient — whether through inaction or complicity — the balance envisioned by the Constitution collapses. Putin faced early pushback from the Duma. He eventually sidelined, intimidated, and replaced dissenters with loyalists. Sound familiar?

2. When corporatism becomes normalized.

In an authoritarian slide, industries and oligarchs cozy up to power in exchange for favors. In russia, compliant billionaires got rich. Critics were jailed or exiled. We’ve seen similar patterns here: tax breaks, deregulation, and media consolidation benefiting those aligned with Trump.

3. When adherence to the Constitution becomes optional.

Rule of law is foundational to democracy. Yet we’ve seen moments when Constitution was ignored under Trump’s leadership. In healthy democracies, that shouldn't even be a question.

4. When enemies — internal and external — are manufactured.

Authoritarians thrive by uniting people against scapegoats. Vulnerable communities become targets. Historic allies become threats. The purpose? To consolidate power under the guise of protecting the nation.

5. When personal loyalty to the leader outweighs loyalty to the nation.

Public servants swear oaths to the Constitution, not individuals. But when loyalty shifts toward one man — especially among military, law enforcement, and intelligence — democracy is in grave danger.

Here’s the hardest truth: if America continues down this path, it won’t be because we were blind. It won’t happen in darkness. It will happen in plain sight — and with our permission.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It survives only when we choose it — over and over again.
Click to expand...
I agree. The scary part is we will reach a point where it can't be fixed.
 
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SI_NYC said:
You're missing the point of slashing the government. It's not just about cutting costs — it's about creating chaos and making the government ineffective. The ultimate goal is to justify privatizing essential programs like Social Security and Medicare, turning them into profit streams for Trump's inner circle. It's a fast track to a Russia-style oligarchy where his loyalists rake in billions.
Click to expand...
Bush wanted to privatize Social Security in 2000. He was going to take the 1 trillion in the SS fund and invest it into the stock market.

The market was at 9,000 then and at 42,000 now. Good thing we avoided that because we would be drowning in surplus cash right now and SS funded for the next 1000 years.
 
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goldmom said:
He’s just matching the hyperbole of the OP, really.
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You can bury your head in the sand all you want, but this history professor has outlined the exact maneuvers that have taken countries from democracy to dictatorship — and Trump’s moves fit the pattern to a tee. A former career diplomat echoed these same concerns to me just three weeks ago. The alarm bells are ringing. You can either choose to be part of the problem or stand up and speak truth to power.
 
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SI_NYC said:
Did they skip the civics section in your Social Studies certification? Please do share who certified you, as it’s becoming clear those qualifications might need a second look.
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Some of you Dems are about as in democratic as anyone. Did you lose your brain? Come back from OZ
 
IIowaFarmBoy said:
Some of you Dems are about as in democratic as anyone. Did you lose your brain? Come back from OZ
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I’m not sure what that means.
IIowaFarmBoy said:
I don’t as being a smart ass. He made a deal out of being a as teacher. What do u know Smart ass doesn’t recognize a smart ass.
Click to expand...
Is English your second language?
 
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SI_NYC said:
I’ve spent years teaching both American and international government. We study the full spectrum of systems: from well-established democracies like the UK, to hybrid regimes like Mexico and Nigeria, to authoritarian states like russia, Iran, and China. Each case study offers a lesson — but lately, the most unsettling one comes from within our own borders.

One key lesson I teach my students: there’s never a single, defining moment when a democracy falls. No leader ever declares, “I am now a dictator.” The erosion is subtle. Gradual. Legal on the surface. And often supported — or at least tolerated — by the public.

Look at russia. When Putin took power in 2000, it had the trappings of democracy: elections, a constitution, federalism, and a separation of powers. Today, those structures remain on paper, but functionally, they mean nothing. Putin holds absolute power — and is, perhaps not coincidentally, admired by Donald Trump.

So, how do we recognize when a democracy is backsliding? There are clear warning signs — every first-year political science student learns them. Here are a few I share with my students:

1. When the Legislative Branch yields to the Executive.

Congress was designed to check presidential power. If Congress becomes subservient — whether through inaction or complicity — the balance envisioned by the Constitution collapses. Putin faced early pushback from the Duma. He eventually sidelined, intimidated, and replaced dissenters with loyalists. Sound familiar?

2. When corporatism becomes normalized.

In an authoritarian slide, industries and oligarchs cozy up to power in exchange for favors. In russia, compliant billionaires got rich. Critics were jailed or exiled. We’ve seen similar patterns here: tax breaks, deregulation, and media consolidation benefiting those aligned with Trump.

3. When adherence to the Constitution becomes optional.

Rule of law is foundational to democracy. Yet we’ve seen moments when Constitution was ignored under Trump’s leadership. In healthy democracies, that shouldn't even be a question.

4. When enemies — internal and external — are manufactured.

Authoritarians thrive by uniting people against scapegoats. Vulnerable communities become targets. Historic allies become threats. The purpose? To consolidate power under the guise of protecting the nation.

5. When personal loyalty to the leader outweighs loyalty to the nation.

Public servants swear oaths to the Constitution, not individuals. But when loyalty shifts toward one man — especially among military, law enforcement, and intelligence — democracy is in grave danger.

Here’s the hardest truth: if America continues down this path, it won’t be because we were blind. It won’t happen in darkness. It will happen in plain sight — and with our permission.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It survives only when we choose it — over and over again.
Click to expand...
LOL - And this is Exhibit A as to why our nations school children have plummeting test scores.


I wouldn't want this individual to teach anyone

 
SI_NYC said:
I’ve spent years teaching both American and international government. We study the full spectrum of systems: from well-established democracies like the UK, to hybrid regimes like Mexico and Nigeria, to authoritarian states like russia, Iran, and China. Each case study offers a lesson — but lately, the most unsettling one comes from within our own borders.

One key lesson I teach my students: there’s never a single, defining moment when a democracy falls. No leader ever declares, “I am now a dictator.” The erosion is subtle. Gradual. Legal on the surface. And often supported — or at least tolerated — by the public.

Look at russia. When Putin took power in 2000, it had the trappings of democracy: elections, a constitution, federalism, and a separation of powers. Today, those structures remain on paper, but functionally, they mean nothing. Putin holds absolute power — and is, perhaps not coincidentally, admired by Donald Trump.

So, how do we recognize when a democracy is backsliding? There are clear warning signs — every first-year political science student learns them. Here are a few I share with my students:

1. When the Legislative Branch yields to the Executive.

Congress was designed to check presidential power. If Congress becomes subservient — whether through inaction or complicity — the balance envisioned by the Constitution collapses. Putin faced early pushback from the Duma. He eventually sidelined, intimidated, and replaced dissenters with loyalists. Sound familiar?

2. When corporatism becomes normalized.

In an authoritarian slide, industries and oligarchs cozy up to power in exchange for favors. In russia, compliant billionaires got rich. Critics were jailed or exiled. We’ve seen similar patterns here: tax breaks, deregulation, and media consolidation benefiting those aligned with Trump.

3. When adherence to the Constitution becomes optional.

Rule of law is foundational to democracy. Yet we’ve seen moments when Constitution was ignored under Trump’s leadership. In healthy democracies, that shouldn't even be a question.

4. When enemies — internal and external — are manufactured.

Authoritarians thrive by uniting people against scapegoats. Vulnerable communities become targets. Historic allies become threats. The purpose? To consolidate power under the guise of protecting the nation.

5. When personal loyalty to the leader outweighs loyalty to the nation.

Public servants swear oaths to the Constitution, not individuals. But when loyalty shifts toward one man — especially among military, law enforcement, and intelligence — democracy is in grave danger.

Here’s the hardest truth: if America continues down this path, it won’t be because we were blind. It won’t happen in darkness. It will happen in plain sight — and with our permission.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It survives only when we choose it — over and over again.
Click to expand...
I know where you're trying to go but,

1 -maybe yielding the other way, but Legislative branch gave both Obama and Biden an extra trillion dollars their first year to give friends.
2 - like the media being 95% on one side, covering up (dementia in the Potus) and promoting fabrications (collusion)
3 - Biden "I'm going to do this even though I know it's unconstitutional"
4 - like present day Nazis?
5 - they all serve at the will of the their leader, always
 
SI_NYC said:
I’ve spent years teaching both American and international government. We study the full spectrum of systems: from well-established democracies like the UK, to hybrid regimes like Mexico and Nigeria, to authoritarian states like russia, Iran, and China. Each case study offers a lesson — but lately, the most unsettling one comes from within our own borders.

One key lesson I teach my students: there’s never a single, defining moment when a democracy falls. No leader ever declares, “I am now a dictator.” The erosion is subtle. Gradual. Legal on the surface. And often supported — or at least tolerated — by the public.

Look at russia. When Putin took power in 2000, it had the trappings of democracy: elections, a constitution, federalism, and a separation of powers. Today, those structures remain on paper, but functionally, they mean nothing. Putin holds absolute power — and is, perhaps not coincidentally, admired by Donald Trump.

So, how do we recognize when a democracy is backsliding? There are clear warning signs — every first-year political science student learns them. Here are a few I share with my students:

1. When the Legislative Branch yields to the Executive.

Congress was designed to check presidential power. If Congress becomes subservient — whether through inaction or complicity — the balance envisioned by the Constitution collapses. Putin faced early pushback from the Duma. He eventually sidelined, intimidated, and replaced dissenters with loyalists. Sound familiar?

2. When corporatism becomes normalized.

In an authoritarian slide, industries and oligarchs cozy up to power in exchange for favors. In russia, compliant billionaires got rich. Critics were jailed or exiled. We’ve seen similar patterns here: tax breaks, deregulation, and media consolidation benefiting those aligned with Trump.

3. When adherence to the Constitution becomes optional.

Rule of law is foundational to democracy. Yet we’ve seen moments when Constitution was ignored under Trump’s leadership. In healthy democracies, that shouldn't even be a question.

4. When enemies — internal and external — are manufactured.

Authoritarians thrive by uniting people against scapegoats. Vulnerable communities become targets. Historic allies become threats. The purpose? To consolidate power under the guise of protecting the nation.

5. When personal loyalty to the leader outweighs loyalty to the nation.

Public servants swear oaths to the Constitution, not individuals. But when loyalty shifts toward one man — especially among military, law enforcement, and intelligence — democracy is in grave danger.

Here’s the hardest truth: if America continues down this path, it won’t be because we were blind. It won’t happen in darkness. It will happen in plain sight — and with our permission.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It survives only when we choose it — over and over again.
Click to expand...
When you get past your biases, you might want to dig a little deeper.
 
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Titanhawk2 said:
I know where you're trying to go but,

1 -maybe yielding the other way, but Legislative branch gave both Obama and Biden an extra trillion dollars their first year to give friends.
2 - like the media being 95% on one side, covering up (dementia in the Potus) and promoting fabrications (collusion)
3 - Biden "I'm going to do this even though I know it's unconstitutional"
4 - like present day Nazis?
5 - they all serve at the will of the their leader, always
Click to expand...
1. I also disagreed with the bailout of the financial institutions but it did help us recover from a recession, but all of the money should have been paid back with interest.
2. BS - What's the most watched news channel?
3. Not sure what you are referring to.
4. "
5. What is happening in the current administration has no comparison. The nation is inching closer and closer to Stasi level fascism.
 
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SI_NYC said:
You can bury your head in the sand all you want, but this history professor has outlined the exact maneuvers that have taken countries from democracy to dictatorship — and Trump’s moves fit the pattern to a tee. A former career diplomat echoed these same concerns to me just three weeks ago. The alarm bells are ringing. You can either choose to be part of the problem or stand up and speak truth to power.
Click to expand...

Another history professor - Ruth Ben-Ghiat


History Professor Answers Dictator Questions | Tech Support | WIRED​


 
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TC Nole OX said:
Another history professor - Ruth Ben-Ghiat


History Professor Answers Dictator Questions | Tech Support | WIRED​


View embedded media
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15:20 of the video. Maybe it's time to stop exhausting ourselves trying to convince people that a shift toward dictatorship is happening. The reality is, those still backing Trump likely have no problem with an authoritarian leader.
 
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SI_NYC said:
15:20 of the video. Maybe it's time to stop exhausting ourselves trying to convince people that a shift toward dictatorship is happening. The reality is, those still backing Trump likely have no problem with an authoritarian leader.
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I agree with your observation to a point. And I hear MAGA people say things like “well it’s about time someone is telling it like it is”.
That may be somewhat true but there really is a fine line between authoritarian government and a “benevolent dictator” and it could easily slide into something more sinister.
 
goldmom said:
I agree with your observation to a point. And I hear MAGA people say things like “well it’s about time someone is telling it like it is”.
That may be somewhat true but there really is a fine line between authoritarian government and a “benevolent dictator” and it could easily slide into something more sinister.
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Are you ok with an authoritarian style government?
 
Kelsers said:
Are you ok with an authoritarian style government?
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I’m sorry if I gave that impression. I’m not really.
But you know I think our government has been more authoritarian for a while now and we seem to just go along with it.
Almost like the frog in the pot of simmering warm water analogy.
 
goldmom said:
I’m sorry if I gave that impression. I’m not really.
But you know I think our government has been more authoritarian for a while now and we seem to just go along with it.
Almost like the frog in the pot of simmering warm water analogy.
Click to expand...
I don't see that, and definitely not at the current extreme.
 
goldmom said:
I agree with your observation to a point. And I hear MAGA people say things like “well it’s about time someone is telling it like it is”.
That may be somewhat true but there really is a fine line between authoritarian government and a “benevolent dictator” and it could easily slide into something more sinister.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, we are already there.
 
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OP seems to shrink America is a democracy...and says he's a history teacher.

That tracks I guess
 
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