How are fascists able to take control so easily and for so long? Possible reasons are economic inequality, populist movements against "elites", ideological value driven "culture wars", and misguided nationalism in response to a perceived weakening of culture due to an influx of immigrants as well as changing social norms.
Another factor is the public loss of faith in a seemingly weak democratic government due to bureaucratic stalling or political gridlock. Suddenly, a political strongman looks like a good leader. Someone who can straighten out the government, "drain the swamp", or like the founder of fascism, Italy's Benito Mussolini, make the trains run on time. The thing is that the trains didn't run on time.
Fascist governments are a mess, teetering on the verge of collapse but when the media is controlled by the authoritarian regime, they tell you everything is great, that it's the best government, and that they're the best leader. They will say that their country is the best in the world.
In my lifetime, there have been numerous fascist governments. The fascist regime in Spain was led by dictator Francisco Franco from 1939 to 1975. Neighboring Portugal was ruled by the authoritarian dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar from 1932 until his death in 1968, and his regime continued to rule until 1974.
Chile was ruled by military dictator Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990. Though some do not consider Pinochet a fascist, his National Advance party was ultranationalist, committed various human rights violations, and violently suppressed political dissent.
In the Americas, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, fascist and authoritarian dictators have maintained a strong foothold. All around the world democracy is endangered.
Regardless of your political or religious beliefs, we can all agree that the best government is one where the people are free. One where we have a voice and speak freely about the things that concern us, we find ways to bridge the gaps between conflicting viewpoints, and we take care of each other regardless of our differences because it's the right thing to do.
Don't throw away your freedom for the false promise of authoritarianism. Stand up for equality and support democracy by enforcing the constitution of the United States that the founders fought for. They were far from perfect, and they knew it. They built the framework for our country in hopes that we the people would work to form the more perfect union they dreamt of.
Our government is a work in progress in a continuous state of process improvement. We all must do the work. It's worth it.
The alternative is a sham.
