1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external threat.
2. Create a secret prison system where torture takes place that is outside the rule of law.
3. Create a paramilitary force.
4. Create a surveillance apparatus aimed at ordinary citizens.
5. Target key individuals for punishment as a result of this surveillance.
6. Arbitrarily detain and release citizens.
7. Restrict the press.
8. Re-cast criticism as treason.
9. Subvert the rule of law.
The same is true of Italy (pre-Mussolini), Russia (pre-Stalin), Czechlovakia (pre-Ceausescu), Chile (pre-Pinochet).
may I also add Great Britain (1997-present) to the list. In particular, points 1,4,5,6,8 are very obvious, while 7 is not just limited to the press but to any free speech. 9 is more of a case of creating new generic, blanket-coverage laws that can be interpreted in any which way to suit current political climate.
It's not just the US that's slowly crumbling under neo-fascism, but all US satellite nations too.
"We must respect the law, not let it blind us away from the basic principles of fairness, justice and freedom"
™ Version 4.2
