Authoritarian shift is nothing short of stunning but what's even more stunning is absolute lack of reaction from the society. Reminds me of a deer in the headlight situation where population is paralyzed. A bunch of people plainly choose to rationalize and dismiss. Those of us who saw all this happening in other countries feel absolutely surreal, at least I do.
Discussion
It's a playbook as old as time: scare and coerce people into choosing between fully embracing an ideology or being labelled the enemy. No room for nuance. That’s why "Libertarian MAGA" types on Nostr are openly defending bureaucracy and state violence; about as predictable as the French Revolution being followed by the Reign of Terror (and countless similar events in history).
When the economy starts falling apart, distract people with left vs right rhetoric, ensure they turn against each other, and most will quickly "forget" that there are many other dimensions in this equation. In practice, most people are numb. When push comes to shove, they'll gladly give up personal freedom for convenience, safety and a sense of belonging. Marxists and anarcho-capitalists alike.
Dude, it's been like this for at least 20 years.
This reason alone is why I've never set foot in the USA, UK and Australia.
I think it has been like this since the rise (and, most importantly, the fall) of the first major empire. However, I do agree that since 9/11, the symptoms have been felt more acutely and, in my opinion, in an increasingly accelerated fashion. But then again, I think this is how it always felt like. For example, my parents lived through a military dictatorship and, as a generation, lost their freedom for over 20 years while waiting for a nuke to drop. Maybe every generation feels this way?
I thought like this for long as well. But just the last days, it seems there is coming real resistance from the people. But it is important to formulate specific needs, on what and how to defend and to unite. Unity is the only thing that can hold against tyranny.
But as it seems people from congress are still paralyzed or just very passive. This needs to change. In both political parties, supporters of a democratic system need to speak up. No matter their personal consequences.
Courage is what is needed most now, to keep a libertarian democratic society.
It gives me joy to see Bernie on Nostr! Just like seeing Hayek and Friedman on the Fediverse, although I have to say that now Fedi is large enough that, while against the established ethos and still subject to pushback, it isn't as surprising to see something break the social mold around there. Onwards to build free social media! 🫡🫡