Following are some of the characteristics of a totalitarian system. Let's see how they fit with Trump's stated intentions and actions going into the future.
Such a government considers itself as the supreme power and that the Congress and judicial branch must submit to and function in line with its dictates. Trump and those around him have already indicated that the judicial branch do not have the authority to interfere with the executive orders of the presidency or to question his authority. They are, in effect, saying that they consider the U.S. Constitution to be largely irrelevant.
Those in power rule by the use of fear and intimidation; many undocumented Hispanics are now living in a state of fear based on Trump's clear intentions regarding deportation. Muslims in this country who have heard him talking about creating a Muslim registry must have a deep sense of dread knowing that he is entirely capable of doing just that and even more.
In this system criticism of the government is not tolerated. Not long ago Steve Bannon, Trump's special adviser labeled the media "the opposition party" and strongly suggested that it should "keep its mouth shut." Then in a news conference, as a reporter from a Jewish news group questioned Trump about why he wasn't speaking out against the recent rise of anti-Semitism, we saw additional examples of this suppression. Trump immediately told this reporter to, "Sit down" and then when the reporter tried to make a further point he said, "Quiet, quiet, quiet!" So, once again we heard someone being told to shut his mouth.What are we going to see next; increased suppression of the press and media, censorship of news organizations, the curtailing of free speech, using the media as this administration's mouthpiece to spread government propaganda? Broadcasting this propaganda over and over again, pounding it into the people as a form of mind conditioning?
Another example of suppression is the Trump administration's attitude relative toward science; in particular their complete dismissal of climate change/global warming and calling this threat to this planet and its people no more than a hoax. This is all about taking care of Trump's associates on Wall Street and those in the fossil fuel industry whose profits could be adversely affected by putting restrictions on the use of petroleum.
This administration has plans to do away with rules and regulations that safeguard the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. Trump chose the attorney general of Oklahoma, Scott Pruitt, to head the EPA. It's no secret that Pruitt has no use for many of these regulations. It's been said that he might well call for the complete dismantling of this critically important department.
As to a developing police state, Trump has indicated that he might deal with crime in Chicago and other cities with high levels of inner-city crime by mobilizing up to 100,000 national guardsmen. That's never been done before; and if huge riots break out in many cities because of this intimidation, as well as the aggressive rounding up illegal immigrants for deportation, he just might bring in the U.S. military.
Americans, whether they realize it or not, are under close surveillance with cameras that record their movements all across this country. It wasn't long ago that we found out that the NSA, the National Security agency, was reading our emails and monitoring our phone calls. Congress took action to force it to reduce this practice but does anyone really believe that the NSA is not going to continue this practice in some way?
Republicans have perfected the art of voter suppression. GOP governors and state legislatures pass legislation and use various tactics to prevent members of certain voting blocs, primarily African and Hispanic Americans, from voting in local and national elections. That is as undemocratic as it can be and a national disgrace.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
2
1
1
