Autocracy as a form of national government is surging across the globe. A powerful Republican president, backed by a legislature and Supreme Court dominated by like-minded members, could well remake this nation. What might a Republican-led autocracy look like in the United States?

One answer may be found in longstanding Republican values which emphasize small government, local control, minimal national regulation, privatization of government functions, caps on social programs and entitlements, centrality of capitalism, individual property rights and wide latitude for the expression of religious beliefs. I can imagine strong national directives in each of these areas.

Other answers may be found in the recent actions of Republican-led state legislatures. Might a Republican-led autocracy work to silence minority dissent? Limit voting to favor specific persons or viewpoints? Equate abortion with first-degree murder and prosecute as such? Promote certain truths and alternative facts? Dismantle diversity and inclusion programs? File lawsuits to punish corporations that fail to toe the line? Label certain subgroups of our population as unacceptable and so unworthy of government support or protection?

Past behavior usually predicts future behavior. I expect that we would see all of this and more. Those who pay homage to such nationalized values and priorities would likely do well in such a system. What about those who do not fit this mold? I shudder to think of an answer.

Tom Meuser
Portland

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