In 2007, Naomi Wolf published The End of America: A Letter to a Young Patriot. That book describes ten steps leaders of democratic societies take when they attempt to close those societies down and turn them into authoritarian regimes.
Ms. Wolf has condensed her book into a short article, published in the UK Guardian: "Fascist America, in 10 Easy Steps."
The Guardian writes: "From Hitler to Pinochet and beyond, history shows there are certain steps that any would-be dictator must take to destroy constitutional freedoms. And, argues Naomi Wolf, George Bush and his administration seem to be taking them all."
The ten steps Wolf outlines include:
1. Invoking a terrifying internal and external enemy
2. Creating a gulag
3. Developing a thug caste
4. Setting up an internal surveillance system
5. Harassing citizens' groups
6. Engaging in arbitrary detention and release
7. Targeting key individuals
8. Controlling the press
9. Equating dissent with treason, and finally,
10. Suspending the rule of law
These steps are explained in some detail in her article, and in far greater detail in her book. You can read the
article in "The Guardian" and get more information on the book: The
End of America.
More reference links will follow shortly. In the meantime, please visit the following websites for more general information:
(1) The American Freedom Campaign, a group of primarily progressives and liberals organizing to restore Constitutional governance and the rule of law in America. The American Freedom Campaign website also has a very good reading list.
(2) The American Freedom Agenda, a group of conservatives organizing for the same principles.
(3) The United States Constitution.
Last updated: Sept 19, 2008