Your Letters for Nov. 28, 2025
Road to dictatorship
A recent writer to excoriated the newly elected mayor of New York City, claiming that his campaign tactics mimic those used to gain power by Lenin, Stalin, Mao and Pol-Pot.
He couldn't be more mistaken. These dictators came to power the way ruthless men have always done it, including Hitler and Castro. And, the general progression to dictatorship goes something like this:
After winning a war or an election the prospective totalitarian immediately purges the government, eliminating everyone who disagrees with him and replaces them with sycophants who know how to take orders and do objectional things willingly.
Legislators must be brought in line with subtle career ending threats for those who don't cooperate. Furthermore new judges are appointed, with approval by legislators, whose decisions will support the new government.
Uncontrolled schools and educators are a thorn in the side of dictators. They must be brought into the leader's fold. They are denounced as dangerous and threatened by funding cuts.
Dictators need enemies to hate and blame for the country's problems. A minority group is selected and the blame game begins.
A free press threatens leaders who want to cover up their actions. The media is threatened and discredited at every opportunity. Media that supports the party like is applauded and nurtured religiously.
A totalitarian leader needs a police force to threaten, arrest and detain those hated enemies. The military is often converted into a state police force to stamp out local descent.
Once accomplished, subjugation of the people is complete.
Keith Evans
St. Joseph
