Some of this information is repeated from a previous post on fascism, but this post contains more information and specifically links about the January 20th Walk Out Protest. What’s in italics is an AI overview. I read it, of course, and it’s exactly correct, otherwise I wouldn’t post it. I promise, dear Readers, I’m not going to resort to this instead of painstaking research on complex issues, but this almost covers fascism to a T (as in Trump). Nevertheless, I think at least two characteristics are missing, which I have added at the end, not in italics. If you have others that both AI and I have missed, please include them in a Comment.
This country is sliding rapidly into becoming a fascist state. That is not just my opinion, it is a fact recognized by many. Once one understands what fascism is, one can see it at work in the United States. If, after reading the characteristics of fascism included here, you don’t think we’re becoming a fascist state, please add a comment so we can discuss it.
There is only one way to stop it: Each one of us, who chooses not to live under fascist rule, must stand up and be counted in a peaceful, nonviolent way. I recently met four women ages from about 25 to 35. Each one said in a different way that they weren’t political, they didn’t want to bring that toxicity into their lives. I have news for them: It’s already in their lives and it’s going to have a very negative impact on them, their families, and their futures. We, each one of us, needs to stop fascism now in whatever why we can. Call your Senators and Representative about one or more issues that matter to you. Do you want pedophiles brought to justice? Only about 1% of the Epstein files have been released in defiance of the law! Do you want your partner or children to be sent to another Endless War? Do you want to be discriminated against when you go to the bank to get a business loan because you’re a person of color and a woman besides? As a woman do you want to continue to be paid less than a man with the same job? Do you want parts of our National Parks to be sold to private business for extraction of natural resources? One could ask a lot more questions such as these. Consider what matters to you; then take a little time to do something.
You could start by going to a Walk Out Protest on Tuesday January 20.
FIND YOUR LOCAL WALK OUT!
https://www.mobilize.us/events/rally/
Me at the Protest in Salida, CO against the murder of Renee Good, January 11, 2026
“Fascism is a far-right political ideology and movement characterized by strong centralized power, authoritarianism, ultranationalism, and suppression of opposition. It prioritizes the nation above the individual, often involving a charismatic leader and a belief in a natural social hierarchy. Fascism also tends to be militaristic and can be associated with extreme nationalism, sometimes with a focus on racial purity or religious homogeneity.”
Key Characteristics of Fascism: Mentally check each box that applies to the current situation under the Trump Administration. If you have trouble thinking of examples, let me know in a Comment, and I’ll provide them. I haven’t done that as, to me, they seem clear with examples proliferating every day in the news. You may have a different take on one or more.
- Authoritarianism and Centralized Power:
Fascism concentrates power in the hands of a single leader or a small ruling elite, often with minimal checks and balances.
- Ultranationalism:
Fascism emphasizes a strong sense of national identity and pride, often to the exclusion of other cultures or nations.
- Suppression of Opposition:
Fascist regimes typically suppress dissent and political opposition through force, intimidation, and propaganda.
- Militarism:
Fascism often glorifies the military and emphasizes military strength and preparedness.
- Charismatic Leadership:
Fascist movements frequently rely on a charismatic leader who cultivates a cult of personality and uses propaganda to gain popular support.
- Social Hierarchies:
Fascism often asserts a belief in a natural social hierarchy, with some groups deemed superior to others.
- Use of Violence and Propaganda:
Fascism frequently employs violence to achieve its goals and uses propaganda to control public opinion.
- Cult of the Leader:
Fascist movements often have a leader who is seen as infallible and whose will is considered to be the will of the nation.”
My additions:
- Creation of an ‘Other’
Fascism creates an Other’ to be hated, feared, and blamed for any problems. For the Nazis, it was the Jews, among others; for the Trump regime, it’s immigrants and LGTBQ+. This is necessary so fear can be built up in the population and they start to think they must rely on a ‘strongman’ with previously unrecognized and unused, but now requisite power, to save them.
- Anti-Intellectualism, Anti-Science, and Anti-Factual Reality
Fascism often disregards education, science, and medical science, denigrates intellectuals, and creates alternate ‘realities,’ e.g., the untruthful claim about the loss of the 2020 election, and the dismissal of factual news stories in the U.S. Fascism often creates pseudo-science to sow distrust about the Other. Developing negative stereotypes is one aspect of this. The fear of vaccines and the claim that climate change is a hoax are others.
For more on this subject, check out Madeleine Albright’s book “Fascism: A Warning,” published in 2018; Anne Applebaum’s “Autocracy, Inc.”, 2024; Rachel Maddow’s “Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism”, 2023. As well, watch Rachel Maddow’s show on MS Now, listen to and subscribe to Heather Cox Richardson’s podcasts and Substack posts, as she frequently talks about the move towards fascism and an oligarchy; and Anne Applebaum’s Substack posts and writing for The Atlantic.
“...history tells us that for freedom to survive, it must be defended, and that if lies are to stop, they must be exposed.” Madeleine Albright, “Fascism: A Warning.”
This is a heavy post, and as someone who spends my days teaching the rise and fall of empires—and my nights still spinning The Clash and Social Distortion—it hits home. It feels like we’re living through the very history books I use in my classes. The “New Normal” is a Lie.
First off, I appreciate the transparency. As a History teacher, I’m usually the first to tell my students that “AI is a tool, not a source,” but you’re right—when you look at the classic hallmarks of fascism (the cult of personality, the scapegoating of “the other,” the erosion of the press), it doesn’t take a supercomputer to see the pattern.
As an old punk who saw the “No Future” ethos of the 70s and 80s turn into the gritty reality of today, I have a few thoughts:
The Myth of “Apolitical” Life: To those 25-to-35-year-olds you mentioned: I get the burnout. I really do. But as we say in my classroom, history is not something that happens to other people. If you aren’t at the table, you’re on the menu. Choosing to be “non-political” is a luxury that disappears the moment the state decides your body, your bank account, or your neighbor’s existence is a “national security” issue.
The Epstein Files & The Rule of Law: It’s telling that the Department of Justice is sitting on 99% of those files despite the Epstein Files Transparency Act. When a government ignores its own laws to protect “powerful interests,” that isn’t just corruption—it’s the hallmark of an unaccountable autocracy.
This is an amazing comment, and I would encourage all who read my post to read this comment also!. Thank you, Pete!!