Beware the seven steps toward tyranny

For those who follow political news, you may have heard: “This is the most important Presidential election in American history,” or “Dictatorship versus democracy, that is the choice,” as warnings about the upcoming presidential election. These are not hyperbolic statements. Former President Trump has already confirmed that these statements are factual.

Experts say that modern authoritarians employ seven basic tactics in the pursuit of power:

1. Politicizing Independent Institutions—Mr. Trump has said that he will dismantle the FBI and DOJ to suit his will if he is elected;

1. Spreading disinformation— “I won!”;

1. Aggrandizing political power—Mr. Trump claims “total unlimited immunity could order the military to kill political opponents”;

1. Squashing dissent—He will jail or execute those who disagree with him;

1. Marginalizing vulnerable communities—LGBTQ+, Blacks Democrats, abolition seekers, liberal Jews;

1. Corrupting elections— Undermining the elections system by claiming election fraud when none existed; and

1. Stoking violence—The January 6 insurrection.

A Palm Beach Post editorial: America's search for its lost conservative values | Editorial

In Florida, the governor is not up for reelection, but there is much that we can do to reverse the damage done by our governor and legislature.

Vote to pass Amendment 4 to enshrine reproductive rights in our Constitution. Vote for representatives who will reverse the draconian restrictions faced by the Transgender and LGBTQ+ people. Turn down the state referendum that would require make public schoolboard elections partisan.

Florida has the most banned books in the country. Most of the banned books have African American and/or gay themes and characters. DeSantis & Company want to erase these two segments of our community.

A Palm Beach Post editorial: Not a US citizen? Florida law would restrict home sales, jobs, based on race and origin.

In the United States we can still VOTE! Research the candidates. Do they represent your values? Many do not. They are supposed to represent their entire district, not just members of their party.

Let’s remind them, in November, that we all have a voice.

Randy Kammer is a representative of Floridians for Democracy, in Jacksonville.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Step by step, Candidate Trump takes America toward tyranny