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ICE and Minnesota Have Pushed the U.S. Closer to Autocracy
(www.nytimes.com)
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this post was submitted on 06 Feb 2026
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politics
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It's dumb to pretend there's no continuum of autocratic control. Russia and China don't have legislative disputes over funding shit. They don't fail to indict their enemies. They don't fail to convict anyone. They don't have stories published in the media that are critical of Dear Leader.
Total autocracies have complete control over the executive, legislature, courts, police, military, and media. The US is quickly moving in the wrong direction along that path, but it's bananas to say they're "already there."
I agree. The US is now highly authoritarian but not yet autocratic. Although many formerly independent institutions are more or less autocratic. The executive branch, many media outlets, and most of congress are now virtually puppets of the president. However, the courts, other media outlets, citizens, educational institutions, most state and local governments, and the minority faction in congress remain at least somewhat independent.
Exactly. Everything this administration does is also a meme to appear strong. I don't think we should accept the story they're selling or declare victories for them they haven't won.
I think even their legislative control is far weaker than many realize. Yes, the Republicans are cowardly, traitorous fucks who've abdicated their responsibilities. But they're also not really passing legislation. The majority of their policies have come through ephemeral executive orders because they couldn't pass them. They haven't really tried because it would expose that weakness and their most important priority is appearing strong. They would if they could. Repealing law is difficult, reversing executive orders is just a signature.