That’s not how fascists work, though. What they do is they hurt, imprison or kill some people who speak out, and they do it loudly. Then others are AFRAID to speak out.
This.
It is probably not happening tomorrow or after tomorrow in the States but in the medium term it is not excluded.
I think we are learning that code. With talk of shadow bans and the like I see many things like people stating they will not mention certain words due to this. We seem to be on our way already.
Of course, it could be worse than being shut down:
So, they’ll threaten violence, and of course, use it judiciously, until people are too scared/tired to speak up. Because, well, most people don’t have private security, and may not be able to get a police response, and furthermore, may expect that any police response would be… unsupportive at best.
And of course, this is what happens to their putative allies, at least ideologically, what’ll happen to the rest of us…
They will weed out opposition till nothing is left. People will turn to inner emigration away from political activism since it becomes dangerous for oneself and the family. So life goes on but it will be different. Not so much trust any more in colleagues and neighbours. Life in fascism is possible as long as you don’t stick your head out and keep quiet.