Landmarks on the road to autocracy

 Here are some landmarks on the road to autocracy.  See whether the US is starting to exhibit some of this in the executive branch:

Reward compliance

Suppress dissent

Weaken or ignore the separation of powers in the Constitution (judicial, legislative, executive), granting more and more powers to the Executive

fire those seen as opposing the president, hire sychophants rather than more qualified people  in their place

discredit and weaken OR control the press

Cause chaos instead of stability

lie to the public

spend more time maintaining power rather than the important issues of the time

attempt to circumvent the law

Declare the need for Emergency Powers even when there is no such situation

attempt to sideline rivals to power – use government resources to attack those against or perceived against the presidency

Scapegoat vulnerable communities

Use violence or threats against opponents

manipulate voting procedures