The actions of a dictator(ship)

– Legislators and politicians from the opposition being arrested, handcuffed, removed from office, killed

– Martial law being enacted 

– The military sent in against civilians to quench protests

– “Uncomfortable” books been banned and censored

– “Threatening” theories and historical viewpoints (e.g. Critical Theory) being banned from schools

– Academics being fired for voicing their political/social opinions

These are not simply the “steps towards an authoritarian regime”: these are already, here & now, the actions of a dictator, the visible and concrete signs of a dictatorship. 

How can Americans be deluding themselves to thinking that we’re still in a democracy?

See, e.g.: 

– https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-united-states-its-meaning-its-history-and-why-president-cant

– https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/06/10/governor-newsom-files-emergency-motion-to-block-trumps-unlawful-militarization-of-los-angeles/

– https://www.axios.com/2025/06/17/lander-democrats-arrested-charged-immigration-trump