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Recalling Naomi Wolf’s 10 Step Program…

For no particular reason, I found myself reminded of Naomi Wolf’s article Fascist America, in 10 easy steps. The 10 steps?

  1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy.
  2. Create a gulag.
  3. Develop a thug caste.
  4. Set up an internal surveillance system.
  5. Harass citizens’ groups.
  6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release.
  7. Target key individuals.
  8. Control the press.
  9. Dissent equals treason.
  10. Suspend the rule of law.

While she was speaking specifically of the Bush administration, she did make clear:

History shows that any leader, of any party, will be tempted to maintain emergency powers after the crisis has passed. With the gutting of traditional checks and balances, we are no less endangered by a President Hillary than by a President Giuliani - because any executive will be tempted to enforce his or her will through edict rather than the arduous, uncertain process of democratic negotiation and compromise.

She names Hillary and Giuliani because the article predates the rise of Obama, but I can’t help but wonder if she still sees these steps taking place under the Obama administration. After all, many of the worries she expressed still exist under Obama, and are not under immediate (or any) consideration of being changed or revoked, e.g. Gitmo, FISA, The USA Patriot Act, etc.

I can, if I squint just right, fill in Obama events under most, if not all, of the ten steps. It’s a thought exercise, though, because while she may be correct in saying that every tyrant in history has taken these steps, it does not follow that taking these steps leads to tyranny. For evidence, consider the actions of FDR before and during World War II.

I also believe the United States is stronger than she gives it credit for. As proof, I present retired President Bush…and the 42 that preceded him.

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