Retirees For Democracy: Resources

Retirees For Democracy: Resources

Resources:

About Fascism, by People Who Have Studied Authoritarianism or Law

Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, Timothy Snyder
198 Methods of Nonviolent Action, Gene Sharp
Autocracy Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, Ann Applebaum
Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present, Ruth Ben-Ghiat
The Path to American Authoritarianism, Steven Levitsky & Lucan A. Way
Ring the Alarm Bells: The Ten Rules of Trump’s Authoritarian Playbook, Senator Merkley
The Self-Evident Truths of Freedom—and of Tyranny, Judge J. Michael Luttig annotates the Declaration of Independence

Below are a selection of essays written by Hayward Zwerling about the erosion of our democracy and the rise of fascism. Most of the essays contain links to external sources of information.

The Rise of Fascism in America

How to Defeat Fascism in America: The essay argues that fascism has already arrived in the U.S., and to preserve democracy, Americans must urgently learn from historical resistance movements—drawing on the work of Timothy Snyder and Gene Sharp—to take strategic, nonviolent action against authoritarianism.
Defend Democracy Today or Be Silenced Tomorrow: America is on the brink of authoritarian rule under Trump, and only immediate, coordinated, and unapologetic pro-democracy action can prevent the collapse of our institutions and freedoms.
When Democracies Die: It’s Time to Act: As authoritarianism intensifies under Trump, Americans must urgently engage in broad, strategic, nonviolent resistance to preserve democracy before it is irreversibly lost. This includes links to pro-democracy organizations.
Defend Democracy and the U.S. Constitution! Stand-up for Patriotism and the American Flag!: With America nearing full authoritarian control under Trump, citizens must urgently unite around defending democracy, the Constitution, and true patriotism—before it’s too late to act
The Demise of America’s Democracy and the Rise of Putin-esque Fascism: America is sliding into Putin-style fascism, and only unified resistance can stop it.
Political Thinkers Who are Concerned That Fascism is Coming to America: Quotes from leading thinkers warning that fascism threatens American democracy.
Fascism is Coming to the U.S.A.: The tactics, rhetoric, and policies of MAGA politicians mirror classical fascism, posing a real and escalating threat to American democracy.
It’s No Longer Your Father’s Republican Party (or There Are No Honorable Republican Senators): The modern Republican Party has abandoned compromise and bipartisanship, making it delusional for Democrats to believe they can govern through cross-party cooperation.
Democracy in America was Fantastic!!: America’s democracy is collapsing under authoritarian tactics and digital manipulation, and unless Democrats adapt to the new political reality, they risk irrelevance or national division.

Some Potential Solutions to Fascism in America

A New American Patriotism and The American Flag: To counter rising authoritarianism, Americans across the political spectrum must reclaim the flag and Constitution as symbols of inclusive patriotism and democratic unity.
How to End Gerrymandering, Big Money and Americans’ Distrust of Federal Institutions: Expanding the House of Representatives to 8,300 members—one per 40,000 constituents—would eliminate gerrymandering, reduce big money’s influence, and rebuild trust in federal government.
United We Fall, Divided We (One of Us) Stand: With America locked in ideological gridlock, the author argues it may be time to consider a peaceful separation into two nations—Red and Blue—each free to pursue its own vision of governance.

ACLU: Know Your Rights (Link or ACLU Know Your Rights PDF)

You have the right to remain silent.
You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but they may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.
You do not have to open your door or let them into your house unless they can show you a warrant signed by a judicial officer (do not open the door until you read the warrant) that lists your address as a place to be searched or that has your name on it as the subject of an arrest warrant.
You should not answer questions or speak to the officers while they are in your house conducting their search. Stand silently and observe what they do, where they go, and what they take. Write down everything you observed as soon as you can.
You have the right to a government appointed lawyer.
You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a US citizen or how you enter the country.

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