Are We Seeing The Birth of A Dictatorship In US?

It seems like an impossibility in the USA, but three weeks into the presidency of Donald J. Trump questions of a potential move toward a dictatorship are being openly discussed. I initially hesitated about even putting this in writing but then I watched Stephen Miller, a top advisor to the President speak in a series of interviews last weekend. The reality began to hit home. "The powers of the President will not be questioned." (partial quote). Unlimited power in opposition to the Constitution of the US is what we all should have heard. And things went down hill from there.

It is important to understand history and how dictators come to power. As we look historically, we see  the violent overthrow of governments as well as elections relative to dictators taking power. We also see actions and policies that should have provided warnings to the rise of authoritarian regimes. Things like demonizing the media as well as any open opposition. Turning all opposition into enemies of the people and the government. Squashing dissent. Creating and provoking violence and protests that can then be put down with police authority. Not only criticizing but ignoring or overruling other branches of government. Providing police and military authorities with budgetary and policy support including more power to surveil and harass dissenters.

It looks like we are there. Checks and balances that have been seen as a critical part of our Constitution are now under attack by Trump and his administration. Judges are "so-called" and an interference in governing. Congress is ineffectual and cumbersome. The worst came recently in continued attacks on the media where it was identified as the enemy of the people.

The enemy of the people always is dictatorship, tyranny and fascism. We are beginning to see our enemy.