A sobering message from a history teacher:

[Odinorske]

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.

Balderdash. Democrats stand for:

• Big, bloated federal government
• Grift
• Affirmative support for illegal immigration
• Defense of antisemites and antisemitism
• Active support of trans people in women’s sports, with access to women’s (girls’) dressing rooms.
• War in Ukraine
• War in Gaza (tacit support for Hamas — disdain for Israel)
• Minority acquiescence and fealty to the Democrat party
• Inner-city crime
• Status quo in education
• Gun confiscations and registries
• High taxes
• Dependency
• Globalism
• Socialism/Marxism

 

[Kelsers]

Not any fan of Trump, but if you’re going to talk about the legislative branch ceding power to the executive, Democrats have been perfecting that for decades

Examples please. Thanks...

 

[The Tradition]

Examples please. Thanks...

Seriously? It goes all the way back to FDR..

 

[Kelsers]

Seriously? It goes all the way back to FDR..

Please share then. Thanks...

 

[win1forthe]

Catering to a specific demographic is the opposite of democracy.

Like catering to MAGAts or billionaires?

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

This thread is a great example of the loss of the ability to think critically and learn from history. As for wolves/sheep, the vast majority of Trumpers are the whiny sheep who got left behind.

From these responses, it’s clear none of the MIB understood the OP. Not a one.

 

[TarponSpringsNole]

From these responses, it’s clear none of the MIB understood the OP. Not a one.

It doesn’t compute for them. They think it’s histrionics from the left.

 

[joelbc1]

We have government by Bureaucracy. That was never intended.

No we don’t. We gave a representative democracy form of government. Bureaucracy does as it is instructed by Congress and the Executive branches.
Currently, Congress has voluntarily taken a subservient position to the Executive branch… a clear breach of the nation’s Constitution.

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

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.

Oh come on. We’ve gone through stuff before. Your mad.

I can agree on corporate influence but that has gone on for a long time noting new

Where was your speech during Covid? Are you just bitching about Trump or do you see it on both sides.

You sound like actors on commercials that say the play a medical doctor.

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

No we don’t. We gave a representative democracy form of government. Bureaucracy does as it is instructed by Congress and the Executive branches.
Currently, Congress has voluntarily taken a subservient position to the Executive branch… a clear breach of the nation’s Constitution.

The Dems can’t do anything about it. They blew an opportunity to win the middle and totally screwed themselves. Cammy? Lied about Biden?

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

Tom Paris….is a dbag for that. Nothing intelligent to say just spits hate.

He won’t admit the Dems screwed themselves

 

[SI_NYC]

"Democracy" means government by popular opinion.

Trump is winning the popular opinion.

You might want to check the polls on that. Trump won the vote, and now people are terrified by his actions.

If you can't see that Trump is actively trying to consolidate power and eliminate any obstacles in his way, there's not much hope for you.

 

[SI_NYC]

They keep forgetting Trump won the popular vote.

No, we don’t forget that. But that doesn’t make him a king, nor does it give him the power to unilaterally make laws. What Trump is doing is far beyond the norms of any president in our history — and it’s not even close. He thrives on division, fabricating enemies that don’t exist. Just look at what’s happening to Nebraska farmers. Trump convinced them to support policies that led to the deportation of the very workers they relied on to keep their farms running. Now, with those immigrants gone, Nebraska’s farmers are facing bankruptcy. All of this was done in the name of hate toward a group of people who were essential to their livelihoods. It’s not just harmful; it’s completely illogical.

 

[SI_NYC]

Oh come on. We’ve gone through stuff before. Your mad.

I can agree on corporate influence but that has gone on for a long time noting new

Where was your speech during Covid? Are you just bitching about Trump or do you see it on both sides.

You sound like actors on commercials that say the play a medical doctor.

During COVID, the WHO and CDC made decisions based on what they believed were the best options at the time. No one knew for certain what the right course of action was, and in hindsight, there are legitimate questions about whether lockdowns were the correct choice. Personally, I tend to think they were, but it’s fair to ask — at what cost? While the experience worked out fine for me, I fully recognize that wasn’t the case for everyone. The harshest impacts of the COVID response disproportionately affected those with lower incomes, unstable employment, and jobs that couldn’t be done remotely.

Comparing that to what Trump is doing now is completely misleading. Biden wasn’t attempting to shut down major parts of the government to force privatization, as Trump is openly doing. Trump’s actions are a clear push toward consolidating power and moving us toward an authoritarian oligarchy. Suggesting that Biden’s administration engaged in anything remotely comparable is disingenuous.

 

[gohawks50]

Where was your speech during Covid?

Refresh my memory, wasn't Trump also President during Covid?

 

[SIXERS24]

I have been teaching history and government since the 1990's

Every Republican since Nixon has been labeled Hitler by the Left.

Far left teacher upset at current Republican in office.

 

[win4jj]

No.....disappointed in my species and fellow countrymen

Yep. Me too.

 

[SA_Hawk]

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.

Apparently you slept through the previous four years.

 

[SI_NYC]

I have been teaching history and government since the 1990's

Every Republican since Nixon has been labeled Hitler by the Left.

Far left teacher upset at current Republican in office.

Every Democratic president has been labeled a Marxist by Republicans — it’s practically tradition at this point. But I prefer to judge presidents by their actions, and what Trump is doing is undeniably fascist. Comparing him to past Republican presidents isn’t even in the same ballpark. Nixon, for all his faults, looks like a saint in comparison.

 

[SA_Hawk]

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.

Spiridon Ivanovich Putin was a Russian chef, who worked as the personal chef of Vladimir Lenin and also cooked for Joseph Stalin. He was the paternal grandfather of Vladimir Putin, the current president of Russia.

And now everyone is shocked the Vladimir Putin is trying to recreate the USSR. It’s literally in his blood.

 

[TarponSpringsNole]

Spiridon Ivanovich Putin was a Russian chef, who worked as the personal chef of Vladimir Lenin and also cooked for Joseph Stalin. He was the paternal grandfather of Vladimir Putin, the current president of Russia.

And now everyone is shocked the Vladimir Putin is trying to recreate the USSR. It’s literally in his blood.

Thanks for the info, comrade.

 

[tarheelbybirth]

So basically, you didn't get what you want and you're angry about that?

If Biden had come in and turned George Soros loose to remake the govt with no accountability and no authority from Congress, your fvcking head would have exploded. And rightly so. You have demonstrated time and again that away from your precious grill you are an idiot. You and yours are sniveling hypocrites and God help the people who have to put up with your bullshit in real life.

 

[SA_Hawk]

Every Democratic president has been labeled a Marxist by Republicans — it’s practically tradition at this point. But I prefer to judge presidents by their actions, and what Trump is doing is undeniably fascist. Comparing him to past Republican presidents isn’t even in the same ballpark. Nixon, for all his faults, looks like a saint in comparison.

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.

 

[SA_Hawk]

Thanks for the info, comrade.

You are welcome fellow American patriot.

 

[TarponSpringsNole]

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.

Returning “power” to the states is a feint to control the citizenry.
You and your ilk are complicit rubes.

 

[DooBi]

Democracy is OVAH!!!

 

[hydro2.0]

Yes, when your fellow Americans turn out to be gullible, stupid piece of shit MAGA's you SHOULD be triggered

You’re an angry litter feller lately

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

Refresh my memory, wasn't Trump also President during Covid?

You missed the point badly. Shows your bias.

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

During COVID, the WHO and CDC made decisions based on what they believed were the best options at the time. No one knew for certain what the right course of action was, and in hindsight, there are legitimate questions about whether lockdowns were the correct choice. Personally, I tend to think they were, but it’s fair to ask — at what cost? While the experience worked out fine for me, I fully recognize that wasn’t the case for everyone. The harshest impacts of the COVID response disproportionately affected those with lower incomes, unstable employment, and jobs that couldn’t be done remotely.

Comparing that to what Trump is doing now is completely misleading. Biden wasn’t attempting to shut down major parts of the government to force privatization, as Trump is openly doing. Trump’s actions are a clear push toward consolidating power and moving us toward an authoritarian oligarchy. Suggesting that Biden’s administration engaged in anything remotely comparable is disingenuous.

Based on how many boosters people get I would say some of your points show high bias.

You made a biased political rant. And I am not a Trump supporter.

You are the jock strap of the left.

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

I’m a certified social studies teacher. I

The OP is full of left gravy. I play a teacher but I actually teach farm management.

I didn’t pay for this ad.

 

[joelbc1]

I have been teaching history and government since the 1990's

Every Republican since Nixon has been labeled Hitler by the Left.

Far left teacher upset at current Republican in office.

And every Dem is a Marxist…
Your point?

 

[Bierhalter]

Balderdash. Democrats stand for:

• Big, bloated federal government
• Grift
• Affirmative support for illegal immigration
• Defense of antisemites and antisemitism
• Active support of trans people in women’s sports, with access to women’s (girls’) dressing rooms.
• War in Ukraine
• War in Gaza (tacit support for Hamas — disdain for Israel)
• Minority acquiescence and fealty to the Democrat party
• Inner-city crime
• Status quo in education
• Gun confiscations and registries
• High taxes
• Dependency
• Globalism
• Socialism/Marxism

 

[SI_NYC]

Democracy is OVAH!!!

“I shouldn’t have left (The White House after first term). I mean, honestly, because we did so, we did so well,” Trump said during his rally in Lititz as he claimed the US-Mexico border was more secure under his administration.

“Am I allowed to run again?” Trump said last month at a meeting with House Republicans in South Florida.

And what does Trump want? When he met with House Republicans after he won the election in November, he told them: “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.’”


“We believe that if the public demands it, he will step forward and serve his third term,” Trejo said. “This could be a real chance to not just change some rules via executive order. Executive orders can be undone very quickly. This could be a substantial way for Trump to change the future of the country for generations to come.”

Third Term Project

Join the constitutional revival movement to elect President Trump to a historic 3rd term in office!

thirdtermproject.com

 

[gohawks50]

“I shouldn’t have left (The White House after first term). I mean, honestly, because we did so, we did so well,” Trump said during his rally in Lititz as he claimed the US-Mexico border was more secure under his administration.

“Am I allowed to run again?” Trump said last month at a meeting with House Republicans in South Florida.

And what does Trump want? When he met with House Republicans after he won the election in November, he told them: “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.’”


“We believe that if the public demands it, he will step forward and serve his third term,” Trejo said. “This could be a real chance to not just change some rules via executive order. Executive orders can be undone very quickly. This could be a substantial way for Trump to change the future of the country for generations to come.”

Third Term Project

Join the constitutional revival movement to elect President Trump to a historic 3rd term in office!

thirdtermproject.com

And many will say this is just normal politician behavior. I don't think there is anything that Trump could do that they wouldn't defend.

 

[soonerinlOUisiana]

They apparently want a democracy where only liberal voters' votes get counted.

Or double and triple counted.

 

[SalAunese]

I’m a certified social studies teacher. I

The OP is full of left gravy. I play a teacher but I actually teach farm management.

I didn’t pay for this ad.

I’ve been an agronomist, farmer, sales rep, claims rep, bank officer and USDA loan officer. What’s your point?

 

[SI_NYC]

I’m a certified social studies teacher. I

The OP is full of left gravy. I play a teacher but I actually teach farm management.

I didn’t pay for this ad.

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.

 

[Odinorske]

The Devil is a Democrat.

 

[Joes Place]

Corporatism in America began back in the 1800's, ffs.

It's like prostitution; been around forever.

After all, isn't that what government actually is?

No.

 

[Hammerhead02]

Corporatism in America began back in the 1800's, ffs.

It's like prostitution; been around forever.

After all, isn't that what government actually is?