# "The 15 warnings signs of tyranny" **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 12, 2017, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928 "2017-01-12T02:18:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/1 "2017-01-12T02:18:51Z")
From [Robert Reich,](http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-robert-b-reich-the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny-20170110-story.html) a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley Has DJT missed any? > [@](#): > > As tyrants take control of democracies, they typically: > > 1. Exaggerate their mandate to govern – claiming, for example, that they won an election by a landslide even after losing the popular vote. > > **[…]** > > These warning signs should be of concern to everyone, regardless of political party. In fact, historically, conservatives have been especially vigilant against potential threats to our constitutional rights. > > All Americans must join together to protect American democracy against tyranny. > > Consider yourself warned. Take notes now, because in a decade or so, there will be theses, dissertations, and books to be written on this steady progression of events. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/2 "2017-01-12T02:47:03Z")
If he wrote that last year I’d give him some credit but it seems to me to be nothing but an exaggerated caricature of Trump designed for the weak minded left wing who will continue to whine about the election they lost instead of providing any solutions to the problems of society that caused this situation in the first place. And yes, in the future when we have lost all hope of progress they will write about how the supposed progressive leadership could never accept responsibility for their failures. ---
**Author:** ![HeweyLogan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heweylogan/32/547_2.png) [@HeweyLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeweyLogan)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/3 "2017-01-12T02:51:48Z")
What the poster above said. ---
**Author:** ![Gukumatz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/74df32/32.png) [@Gukumatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gukumatz)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/4 "2017-01-12T03:22:34Z")
Even as a left-wing person, this seems like a post-fact adaptation of whatever the “original” warning signs were in order to fit Trump better. Eh. Órban is a far better case study and point of comparison for Trump. That guy doesn’t even blush or deny it when you call him a fascist. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/5 "2017-01-12T03:26:56Z")
My fear is point 8. Trump does not like checks and balances. Independent judiciary, independent media, independent congress, etc. If there are acts of terror, I could see him trying to consolidate power in the executive branch. However hopefully congress does not let him. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/6 "2017-01-12T03:32:08Z")
It appears to be an adaptation of this piece, which is a heck of a lot older than a year. [http://www.rense.com/general37/char.htm](http://www.rense.com/general37/char.htm) ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/7 "2017-01-12T03:34:10Z")
Why didn’t he just boil it down to one sign: 1. Trump. and make it easier fro everyone. _Exaggerate their mandate to govern – claiming, for example, that they won an election by a landslide even after losing the popular vote._ Didn’t Caesar claim that, when he won in the electoral college? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/8 "2017-01-12T03:34:18Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > If he wrote that last year I’d give him some credit but it seems to me to be nothing but an exaggerated caricature of Trump designed for the weak minded left wing who will continue to whine about the election they lost instead of providing any solutions to the problems of society that caused this situation in the first place. > > And yes, in the future when we have lost all hope of progress they will write about how the supposed progressive leadership could never accept responsibility for their failures. So let me understand: you’re wholly dismissing the content of these points and saying they have no validity today because Reich didn’t write them a year ago? 'Kay… ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/9 "2017-01-12T03:35:01Z")
I would dispute this one: > [@](#): > > 1. Put generals into top civilian posts. Historically, tyrants who don’t themselves have a military background don’t appoint generals to positions of power. They know that generals often have military support and they makes them possible rivals. You’re more likely to see a non-military dictator appointing politicians to military commands rather than generals to political positions. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/10 "2017-01-12T03:36:52Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > So let me understand: you’re wholly dismissing the content of these points and saying they have no validity today because Reich didn’t write them a year ago? 'Kay… No, what I think he’s saying (and I agree) is that Reich wrote a list of items that describe things Trump has done and then claimed they’re an objective list of warning signs. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/11 "2017-01-12T03:38:29Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > My fear is point 8. Trump does not like checks and balances. Independent judiciary, independent media, independent congress, etc. > > If there are acts of terror, I could see him trying to consolidate power in the executive branch. However hopefully congress does not let him. Like this? > **[Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_Procedures_Reform_Bill_of_1937)** > > The Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937, frequently called the "court-packing plan", was a legislative initiative proposed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt to add more justices to the U.S. Supreme Court in order to obtain favorable rulings regarding New Deal legislation that the Court had ruled unconstitutional. The central provision of the bill would have granted the president power to appoint an additional justice to the U.S. Supreme Court, up to a maximum of six, for every In t... > **[Fireside chats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireside_chats)** > > The fireside chats were a series of evening radio addresses given by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, between 1933 and 1944. Roosevelt spoke with familiarity to millions of Americans about recovery from the Great Depression, the promulgation of the Emergency Banking Act in response to the banking crisis, the 1937 recession, New Deal initiatives, and the course of World War II. On radio, he quelled rumors, countered conservative-dominated newspapers, and explained ... Trump isnt alone in wanting to control the courts and his message. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/12 "2017-01-12T03:44:27Z")
So far, Trump hasn’t engaged in point 12, having a private security force. The Secret Service is handling his security. If he ever appoints his own “SA” then we can give him 15 out of 15. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/13 "2017-01-12T03:48:46Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Like this? > > [Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937 - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_Procedures_Reform_Bill_of_1937) > > [Fireside chats - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireside_chats) > > Trump isnt alone in wanting to control the courts and his message. Damn that Roosevelt and his New Deal – historically described as “relief for the unemployed and poor, recovery of the economy to normal levels, and reform of the financial system to prevent a repeat depression”. The man should have been impeached – he was like America’s own Hitler! :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/14 "2017-01-12T03:51:13Z")
I don’t think tyranny is the greatest concern. I’m more worried about the massive potential downside due to economic mismanagement, societal disruption by social conservative wingnuts, the possibility of war, and stacking the Supreme Court with reactionary idiots whose policies will plague the nation for generations. Trump is less interested in tyrannical power than in personal enrichment, and I go along with the theory is that this is why he’s throwing all those extremist-policy bones to a delighted Congress of carnivorous Republican ideologues even though he’s no Republican himself – he just wants to be left alone to play the system for personal gain like no president has ever played it before. Those poor rubes who voted for him because they were tired of “Washington politics” are in for one hell of a shock. Virtually all Trump’s appointments are professional plutocrats with as little regard for the welfare of the common man as they have for the environment or the rights of women or minorities. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Ace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6bbea6/32.png) [@Johnny\_Ace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ace)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/15 "2017-01-12T03:51:36Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > If he wrote that last year I’d give him some credit but it seems to me to be nothing but an exaggerated caricature of Trump designed for the weak minded left wing who will continue to whine about the election they lost instead of providing any solutions to the problems of society that caused this situation in the first place. > > And yes, in the future when we have lost all hope of progress they will write about how the supposed progressive leadership could never accept responsibility for their failures. Interesting…the ‘weak minded’ left wing that believes in facts rather than feelings. Solutions…solutions…like, say, repealing ACA without any kind of alternative? And, while we’re here, how about the problems created by your boy Dubya that had to be cleaned up by…who? Oh, right, those weak-minded liberals. Please, don’t be afraid to let your bias show. Let’s all go back to life in the '50’s. ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/16 "2017-01-12T03:53:00Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > If he wrote that last year I’d give him some credit but it seems to me to be nothing but an exaggerated caricature of Trump designed for the weak minded left wing who will continue to whine about the election they lost instead of providing any solutions to the problems of society that caused this situation in the first place. > > And yes, in the future when we have lost all hope of progress they will write about how the supposed progressive leadership could never accept responsibility for their failures. Right on schedule, after obstructing for 8 years the blame is on the left. Conservatives aren’t even capable of cognitive dissonance. That list is an almost perfect description of the Republican party. The list did leave out “likes to get peed on my hookers.” ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Ace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6bbea6/32.png) [@Johnny\_Ace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ace)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/17 "2017-01-12T03:54:28Z")
> [@levdrakon](#): > > …Conservatives aren’t even capable of cognitive dissonance… That requires a sense of reality, something in very short supply on that side of the aisle. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/18 "2017-01-12T03:56:37Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > So far, Trump hasn’t engaged in point 12, having a private security force. The Secret Service is handling his security. If he ever appoints his own “SA” then we can give him 15 out of 15. This may or may not still be applicable: [Donald Trump’s private security team will follow him to the White House](http://www.salon.com/2016/12/19/donald-trumps-private-security-team-will-follow-him-to-the-white-house/) ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/19 "2017-01-12T03:58:01Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I don’t think tyranny is the greatest concern. I’m more worried about the massive potential downside due to economic mismanagement, societal disruption by social conservative wingnuts, the possibility of war, and stacking the Supreme Court with reactionary idiots whose policies will plague the nation for generations. More or less agree. Our system is robust enough to prevent someone like Trump from becoming a tyrant. Exaggerated nonsense like that is not useful going forward. The president can only do so much, domestically. But he’s got almost carte blanche when it comes to international affairs. War is my biggest concern, and I only hope the American People are too war weary to allow that to happen. It’s a hope, not a prediction though. ---
**Author:** ![Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omg_a_Black_Conservative)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928/20 "2017-01-12T04:19:39Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I don’t think tyranny is the greatest concern. I’m more worried about the massive potential downside due to economic mismanagement, societal disruption by social conservative wingnuts, the possibility of war, and stacking the Supreme Court with reactionary idiots whose policies will plague the nation for generations. Where were your concerns when Obama decided to start two new wars (you could argue he started three by leading us into a new Cold War), decided to throw two ideologues onto the court who make up rulings to fit their agendas, kicked millions of Americans off their preexisting health plans and onto plans that were more costly yet provided less coverage (indeed, even more Americans will lose their coverage next year as more Obamacare exchanges fail and insurers leave the market) and watched as a record number of Americans decided to drop out of the labor force (thus masking the real unemployment rate)? > [@](#): > > Trump is less interested in tyrannical power than in personal enrichment, and I go along with the theory is that this is why he’s throwing all those extremist-policy bones to a delighted Congress of carnivorous Republican ideologues even though he’s no Republican himself – he just wants to be left alone to play the system for personal gain like no president has ever played it before. Those poor rubes who voted for him because they were tired of “Washington politics” are in for one hell of a shock. Virtually all Trump’s appointments are professional plutocrats with as little regard for the welfare of the common man as they have for the environment or the rights of women or minorities. Thankfully, Hillary lost. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928.md?page=2)