Authoritarianism isn’t down the street or around the corner — it is here right now. We are at the most perilous moment for our democracy since the Civil War.
We now have all three ingredients of a strongman state in the United States:
- a rubber-stamp Congress doing the President’s bidding
- a Supreme Court finding “invisible ink” in the Constitution to enhance the President’s powers; and
- a power-hungry president behaving like a king, breaking the law and violating the checks and balances of our Constitution.
People think of democracies dying at the hands of men with guns. But, in the modern era, they more often die at the hands of elected officials who erode the separation of powers to solidify a strongman state.
That will require robust citizen action and an unmistakable rejection of authoritarianism at the next election. Both are essential to restore and revitalize our democracy.
Our mission is clear: Let’s save our “We, The People” republic!
All my best,
Senator Jeffrey A. Merkley
Download “Ring the Alarm Bells: The Ten Rules of Trump’s Authoritarian Playbook”
The Ten Rules of Trump’s
Authoritarian Playbook
RULE ONE: Fire the Referees
RULE TWO: Pack the Government with Loyalists
RULE THREE: Demonize the Enemy Within
RULE FOUR: Disregard Due Process
RULE FIVE: Silence Free Speech
RULE SIX: Steal Congress’ Power of the Purse
RULE SEVEN: Abuse Government Authorities
RULE EIGHT: Weaponize the Justice System
RULE NINE: Use the Military to Suppress Dissent
RULE TEN: Rig the Next Election
Your Power as a Citizen
1: Join an organized, nonviolent protest or
demonstration.
2: Write and call your elected officials – and share
personal stories!
3: Join an organized, nonviolent general strike or
boycott.
4: Host a monthly friends meeting to discuss policy and
political issues.
5: Help someone running for office.
6: Run for office!
7: Join an affinity group that organizes around issues.
8: Train as an observer of ICE operations.
9: Help turn out the vote.
10: Show support for vulnerable communities.
