If anyone doubts Republicans want a dictatorship, all you have to do is look at their actions. They’re using 10 keys to fascism in the hope, conscious or not, of unlocking a future where they and they alone are in power.
It’s not just Trump’s big lie about the stolen election or the Jan. 6 insurrection. Those are just two of at least 10 elements in a strategy to dismantle American democracy and replace it with its antithesis. This is the Republican objective.
– Stephen H. Provost
Author Stephen H. Provost has an online list of ten “Keys to Fascism” that he says are being deliberately used by Republicans to replace American democracy with a dictatorship. Since his list was published in 2021, the Republicans, their right-wing media outlets, their paid online “influencers,” and the (Trump loyalist) Federal government itself, have all dramatically increased their use of these 10 “keys.”
Here is a summary of Provost’s Ten Keys to Fascism:
1. Fear. Fear is a great motivator. Republicans have used it for decades to turn out voters. The cause of the fear doesn’t really matter as long as voters are afraid of something or someone. Since Trump has chosen to ignore and enable Russian aggression, the Republicans have instead brought the focus of fear home. “Better red than dead” is now “I’d rather be Russian than a Democrat.” Communism is no longer their scary bogeyman, Democrats are.
2. Nationalism. This is a convenient old fascist trick. By “wrapping oneself in the flag” you create the impression that your ideas are patriotic and those with different ideas are traitors. “My country, right or wrong” labels those on the outside as inferior and ignores any flaws or misdeeds done by your side.
3. Corruption. Under Trump, loyalty has completely replaced principles (democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedom of expression). Favor is not earned, it is purchased with money and obsequious flattery. Nearly the entire Republican Party has bent the knee to King Trump. Trading principles for power is a direct path to fascism.
4. Obstructionism. Deliberate partisan Congressional gridlock, the Republican’s steadfast refusal to “work across the aisle,” began in earnest under House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1995. Since 2007, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has perfected the technique. In our Congress now, compromise is seen as a dirty word, and “bipartisan” refers to getting every vote from one party and perhaps one or two votes from the other party.
5. Division. Republicans have long focused on hot-button, no-compromise, all or nothing, issues. Their complete refusal to compromise, or even to negotiate, means that nothing can be accomplished unless one side is able to impose its will on the other side. This zero-sum game can only result in either fascism or continued gridlock.
6. Absolutism. Absolutists use confidence as a substitute for truth. This is why they oppose science. Under the scientific method, one must change one’s views as new facts come to light. Absolutists interpert this to mean that science cannot be trusted. They prefer to trust an authority figure who claims to have all the answers. This frees them from actually having to think.
7. Isolationism. American isolationists in the 1930s were sympathetic to Hitler’s Germany. Demagogues tend to support dictators. The goal of “America First” isolationism is to deflect attention from overseas threats and focus the wrath of true believers on people who think differently here in America.
8. Suppression. Distrust of the other side provides the motive to take away their power. This is done in various ways – including gerrymandering, voter suppression, threats and intimidation, and the suppression of free thought.
9. Propaganda. A majority of Republicans still believe Trump’s “big lie” that the 2020 election was “stolen.” This comes directly from Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels’ playbook. “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” He further said, “It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the greatest enemy of the state.” Propaganda, therefore is an essential tool of suppression.
10. Violence. People don’t like being suppressed. So the minority seeking power will often encourage violence by their supporters in order to create a climate of fear. Of course, if the majority responds in kind they are accused of being bullies or trying to suppress freedom. Often, just the threat of violence can silence an opponent.
These ten keys all work together. These fascist techniques use lies, fear, and anger to manipulate people.
The American Republican Party has completely given up any principles or standards it may once have had in exchange for its ongoing blind pursuit of power and gain. We are all paying the price for their selfish greed.
Source:
Stephen H. Provost, “10 keys to Fascism, and how Republicans are using them,” Stephenhprovost.com, May 23, 2021.
As an LDS I remain amazed at the extraordinary tolerance of Trump by our leaders.
Thanks for this review.