The Dominoes Towards Authoritarianism are Falling Fast

Or, How to Spot a Dictator in the Media (9 minute read)

I’ve been doing a bit of studying how fascist movements start and why so many seemingly good people abandon their values to follow power-hungry leaders. The parallels between 1930s Germany, Stalin and Putin’s Russia, and modern-day America are eerily similar.

Here are a “dozen dominoes” that are slightly terrifying along a request for the days ahead.

1. Institutions Can’t Speak for Themselves, So Speak for Them

Do you love your college? Your local library? Your local public radio station? Good. Now defend it. Institutions don’t speak for themselves. Please don’t assume  that “the system” will fix itself. All of that assuming is how we ended up here. Don’t accept that because an administration was legally elected in a free and fair election that those same people will not destroy the very thing that put them in power.

2. “America First” is a Myth

Let’s be real: the golden age continually referenced in recent months was only golden if you were white, male, and rich. Racism, poor education, economic depression, and minimal healthcare abounded. Let’s stop polishing that turd and calling it what it is…myth.

3. When the Nazis Think You’re Too Harsh

Fact: The Nazis sent people to the U.S. to study Jim Crow laws for inspiration. Fact: Some of our racial policies were too cruel for the Nazis. Take that in. Wrap it in the flag if you want—but it’s still horror wrapped in red, white, and blue. For centuries we’ve demonstrated that we can be cruel and ruthless killers, filled with hatred and rage just because of a person’s skin color.

4. “We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us” said Pogo.

We are at a point in history where America needs to be defended…against Americans. This article may someday be flagged as disinformation just because it’s true. Last week the former chiefs of the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have the DOJ investigating them for simply stating the truth? Who knew that Pogo was a prophet.

5. Repeat After Me: Resist, Rest, Repeat

Beware of slogans like “The President is always right.” “I’ll always have the President’s back” “He’s almost like God.” or “Just do as your told.” That’s not leadership. That’s a cult. Dictators thrive on ignorance, media manipulation, and controlling the narrative. If your entire worldview is shaped by Fox, Rogan, and Musk, it might be time to widen the lens.

6. Meet Your New Law Enforcement: Proud Boys, Inc.

ICE raids and illegal arrests and deportations are in full motion and in full view for all to see. Local police forces and masked Homeland Security Agents are helping. What is next? Deputizing extremist groups like the Oath Keepers to enforce law and order? Don’t be surprised. The privatized prison pipeline is big business, and nothing says capitalism like profiting off human suffering. Privately owned prisons are happy to engage in this lawless work because they get paid handsomely to house as many people for as long as they can. And, it’s happening in direct opposition to the Supreme Court orders.

7. World to U.S.: What Happened?

I’ve talked to friends from Canada to Palestine. They’re baffled, heartbroken, and increasingly cautious because the United State of America used to be the world’s moral compass. That day is long gone. We are no longer trusted as a worthy ally. We’re just… pathetic.

8. Have a Plan. Seriously.

Keep your passport current. Know your rights. Hope for the best, but prep for the worst. We’ll need strong patriots in the military, the courts, and law enforcement to hold the line if things go sideways—which might happen.

9. Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid. Or the Bleach.

If your “truth” comes only from headlines, social media and memes, you’re in trouble. Truth is quiet. Lies scream from podiums, social media and hashtags. Here are ten quotes many Americans think are the “gospel.”

• “The 2020 election was stolen.”
• “I had the largest inauguration crowd.”
• “We built the wall.”
• “Biggest tax cut in history.”
• “COVID will disappear.”
• “Most pro-military president ever.”
• “No president has done more for Black Americans.”
• “Windmills cause cancer.”
• “Greatest economy in world history.”
• “I never said that” (while video plays in the background playing that exact thing).

These are not misunderstandings. They are lies. Dangerous, repeated lies.

10. Propaganda 101: Blame the Other Guy

Whenever a difficult question comes up, watch for the “deflect”: Sleepy Joe. Crooked Hillary. Barack Hussein. Camela Harris. It’s a predictable magic trick—distract, deflect, destroy. Don’t fall for it. “Falsehood flies, and the Truth comes limping after it; so that when Men come to be undeceiv’d, it is too late; the Jest is over, and the Tale has had its Effect.” Jonathan Swift.

11. Images Matter. So Do Words.

The Nazis painted Jews as greedy pigs. The propaganda moved the public’s thinking from racism, to hatred, to stealing and beating…to the murder of millions of God’s people. When leaders mock disabled people, make fun of the poor, label immigrants as vermin, call journalists enemies, or say entire countries are “shitholes,” they’re not joking. They’re intentionally pushing the limits as far they can. Last week POTUS said, regarding tariffs, that other world leaders were lining up to “kiss my ass.”

12. Who’s Really Pulling the Strings?

Let’s be honest: Trump’s not writing policy. He can barely put together a tweet without numerous typos. Plus he has recruited a “team” of people who neither have the skill or spine to tell him the truth. But billionaires like Charles Koch and Peter Coors, and ultra-conservatives like Kevin Roberts (Heritage Foundation), Russell Vought (Center for Renewing America), and Paul Dans (Project 2025) are the marionettes pulling the strings. (think Project 2025 architects). Trump is just the puppet. The ventriloquists are ruthless, smart, and well-funded.

So… What Do We Do?

1. Tell the Truth. Over and over again. The truth with humor and honesty are kryptonite to fascism. And this will be a long journey, so remember Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
2. Read Real News. The Atlantic. NYT. WaPo. ProPublica. Not your cousin’s Facebook post. Long form writing helps your critical thinking skills. Social media dulls it.
3. Get Involved. Volunteer and donate to real causes. Vote. Call your reps. Support institutions that matter. Think food banks, legal aid clinics, schools, libraries—not just your favorite Netflix series.
4. Unplug and Reconnect. Real life happens in 3D. Share meals, play pickleball, laugh loudly. Go outside. Talk to an old person or a toddler. Compare their worldview to Twitter’s…no contest.
5. Stop Sharing Garbage. If you post a meme that’s false—no matter how spicy—you’re part of the problem. And if your friend is sharing lies, call them on it.
6. Be a Rosa Parks. Stand up. Share truth. Share hope. Share joy. What do you think made Rosa stand up on December 1, 1955? She had had enough. And what if she hadn’t? Would all blacks still be riding in the back of the bus? Thank God for Rosa Parks! After France fell to Hitler in 1940, Hitler greatly underestimated Churchill’s resolve and Great Brittain’s military. I pray the current administration has underestimated you.

Some, perhaps many of us, will have to do very uncomfortable, maybe even highly risky things involving our reputations, finances and safety. And if we don’t take the risk…well, history lessons abound around the world where people didn’t act soon enough. Be as courageous as you can be.

Democracy isn’t dead—but it’s on life support. Let’s resuscitate it. With truth, courage, compassion, and maybe a good joke along the way. Because the dominoes are falling. But we don’t have to let them all fall.

First They Came by Pastor Martin Niemöller

First they came for the Communists and I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me,,,and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Silence in the face of oppression is the friend of tyranny.

Special thanks to Professor Timothy Snyder for his research and publications on tyranny.

This blog shares perspectives on how you can create new story endings that are filled with meaning, power and hope. Brian Becker facilitates leadership and culture changing processes that help organizations achieve greater impact. He also provides leadership coaching to help executives and aspiring leaders become the fullest expression of who they’re intended to be. If you’re looking for coaching or consulting services, contact Brian here – briancarlbecker@tenderlions

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