Authoritarians want you to betray each other but they also encourage you to betray yourself through an inner moral collapse- you give up your agency and let the leader "fix it," and you disregard your moral compass.
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Fighting neo-fascism is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance, persistence, and adaptability. Strengthening democratic values and fostering inclusive societies are long-term investments in preventing the resurgence of fascist ideologies.
@ruthbenghiat.bsky.social I’ll be honest, as a Christian I’m struggling watching what the GOP and Christian Nationalists have done to Christianity. I know religion != morality, but darn it sure seems like they’re winning that collapse game.
The insight you have is so vital to much more than just a general understanding of authoritarian strategies and tactics… Thank you @ruthbenghiat.bsky.social, now also here on @bsky.app
I can see this through the people who become compliant to protect themselves from the harm he could wreak on them.
But what about the ambitious? People like Gaetz seem to have no moral compass at all. Seems to me someone like this is what may begin to make Trump Paranoid.
The opposite of a moral collapse:
• maintaining a firm sense of who you are and of your sense of right and wrong, of justice
• continuing to advocate liberal democracy, i.e. government
of the people, by the people, and for the people
counter to any attempts to take us toward a totalitarian regime.
Totally agree with you! I actually think it won’t be long before we see ads running with an 800 number to call and report suspected “illegal aliens.” I will never abandon my morals to/for anyone but we just saw millions do this when they voted for Trump!
As a Catholic, I have often admired the Saints who exhibited heroic virtue, predicated on grace, and the belief in a cause greater than ourselves. These dark times will produce heroic virtue and extraordinary actions from "ordinary people." Our cause is righteous, and we will not give up.
I'm not a Christian, but it my understanding of Catholicism that the majority of people who were canonised as saints were ordinary people who did extraordinary things.
I am about trusting God in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. God wants us to partner with God in defying evil as is being shown us. It helps to practice critical thinking skills too.
You can see it happening now with on media personalities softening and backing away from criticizing the appallingly corrupt and traitorous picks for Trumps team.
It’s not over until the fat orange clown sing sings on 1/20/2025. Fight strategically, fight smart. Trump’s mask is off-disaffected Magalites abound. Help them on their disillusionment, bring them into the Pro-Democracy coalition.Make it a super majority to drown out the tyrannical minority. 🌊💙LFG!
And the best part is that you no longer have to do any of your own thinking: you literally gaze adoringly at the Dear Leader and let him tell you what you think, what you see, what you hear--you are just his plaything! You don't have to be human at all, just a toy!
What's worse, authoritarians hiding behind the Liberal vs. Conservative divide, herding the People across these lines for the negation of democracy and the codification of their hidden fascism--THIS is the danger in America today. So, what side of the delusion are you on: Liberal or Conservative?
Authoritarians don’t just want your obedience—they want your soul on autopilot. First, they break your trust in others. Then, they rewrite your own moral code. By the end, you’re not a follower; you’re a shadow. Wake up before you vanish entirely.
That, and throw $$ at the problem, buy military loyalty when push comes a shove, dangle $$ at struggling, sick, hungry Americans in exchange for fealty. Not unlike Musk's Pennsylvania venture last month.
I've already noticed people becoming much quieter, much more "muted" in their conversations (and how often they converse), their choice of subject matter, and their overall demeanor. They know that soon you will have precious little idea who you can -- and can't -- trust.
Interesting you say that, bc I’ve been thinking of how to react to Trump’s government. I don’t plan on breaking rules, and I will comply beyond my comfort zone, but I will not become a cruel person. I want to remain a kind person who keeps his head down low and plods on through toxicity.
From what I’ve seen of the “America First” crowd over the years, they abandoned their moral compasses years ago. Easier to hate and whine than actually think about and work to solve problems big or small
Ordered your book can't wait to read it. As a 2x whistleblower this is similar to the tactics they use. They try to wear you & your moral compass down over and over, even when the investigation has been substantiated. They even offer to "forgive you" if you'll stand down and come back into the fold
The most impactful thing we can do is to never lose our moral compass and to build community. We must never stop speaking up for or protecting the weak, vulnerable & scared. It is our responsibility to not cede power & control to an authoritarian.
Still processing your words from the Five 8 live event. Into next steps of building community. Meeting with local organizers tomorrow on the way forward. 👊💙
That's what the Church has done for a thousand years. Don't get me wrong, Jesus was the DUDE. HE was not a "christian". It creates people who don't trust their inner compass and wait for skydaddy to fix it. and when he doesn't, they prop up their golden calf and say he'll fix it.
I’m afraid we are already seeing this in the Democratic leadership itself — giving up agency and disregarding/being urged to disregard their (stated) moral compass.
Trump's first convention speech:
I alone can fix America's problems.
What we got.
Gross mismanagement of Covid-19 pandemic.
2017 tax cuts for wealthy and corporate America which created $7.8 trillion deficit.
No infrastructure and
plenty of personal grifting from foreign governments.
My feeling is that they want us demoralized and disorganized since we would be easier to manipulate and control.
I refuse to give up one ounce of my core beliefs. I'm angry.
It's time we get our shit together and work on the midterms if we want to take our country back
Calling my senators &reps again about voting against these disqualified deplorable nominees.About releasing MG's porn /ethics report To the public. Expedite & Appoint the federal judges asap, all agency appointees.Please call your senators their phones need to be ringing off the hook.Every Damn day.
Very true. It is a process. Betraying inner moral compasses now gives authoritarians power to force betrayals of each other later. The first hole in the levee is what breaks the levee.
Small wonder that authoritarians traditionally do less well with those of us who have learned, through hard, cold experience, what daddy's idea of "fixing it" entails.
I think Republicans have a much weaker moral compass compared to Democrats. It’s why there are so many Christo-fascists. They don’t have a strong inner morality, and require a Christian pastor to teach them “right from wrong”, which doesn’t seem to be working.
@ruthbenghiat.bsky.social I think the answer to the question I’m going to ask is “no”. One of the hot takes is that anger drove this last election. Is there any value in letting those angry voters see what they voted for? Vets voted 60-40 Trump. When their benefits are removed does it make a diff.
The more u know.. the elite uses us all no matter color, race, or gender.. we’re stronger together. Civil war wen we fight each other but it’s a revolution wen we go against the elite🦾🦾🦾🦾
You are an amazing expert on authoritarians.
In regard to your post above: is there any advice you can offer in regard to people standing up in positive ways ?
Comments
Fighting neo-fascism is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance, persistence, and adaptability. Strengthening democratic values and fostering inclusive societies are long-term investments in preventing the resurgence of fascist ideologies.
https://go.bsky.app/RoDMuHj
But what about the ambitious? People like Gaetz seem to have no moral compass at all. Seems to me someone like this is what may begin to make Trump Paranoid.
• maintaining a firm sense of who you are and of your sense of right and wrong, of justice
• continuing to advocate liberal democracy, i.e. government
of the people, by the people, and for the people
counter to any attempts to take us toward a totalitarian regime.
To Be Yourself
That means that you're always on charge, and your moral compass works.
thx 4 all u do
It’s hard work. Get plenty of rest if you can. Work out. It’s going to take strength to stay true to yourself.
Thank you for educating us all. Keep up the great work.
I alone can fix America's problems.
What we got.
Gross mismanagement of Covid-19 pandemic.
2017 tax cuts for wealthy and corporate America which created $7.8 trillion deficit.
No infrastructure and
plenty of personal grifting from foreign governments.
I refuse to give up one ounce of my core beliefs. I'm angry.
It's time we get our shit together and work on the midterms if we want to take our country back
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/walz-s-covid-hotline-could-become-point-of-attack-for-trump/ar-AA1oprrT
trump will fix it!
Love Big Trumper.
They can stay away from me with that bullshyt!
In regard to your post above: is there any advice you can offer in regard to people standing up in positive ways ?