The Erosion of Democracy
Democratic backsliding—a transition toward autocracy occurs when political power becomes restrictive and repressive. The following attributes identify democratic erosion:
- Freedom of speech and the press decline, impairing the ability to challenge the government, hold it accountable and propose alternatives to the current regime.
- Judicial restraints are weakened, particularly when the independence of the judiciary is threatened.
- Civil service protections are weakened or eliminated.
- Bureaucratic restraints on the government are weakened, such as when law firms are bullied into surrendering their independence from governmental power.
- Violations of individual rights
- An overemphasis on national security as a response to perceived threats.
- Readiness to curtail the civil liberties of opponents, including the media.
- The manipulation of libel laws to target or discredit political opponents.
- Cultivating groups that are hostile to democracy.
- When oppositional leaders do nothing.
- When public inaction allows evil to flourish.
- When virtuous men in the circle of power refuse to oppose an autocratic leader.
- When the quest for power, prestige, and possessions breeds moral cowards.
- A spineless response to eroding morals.
The gradual progression toward autocracy fosters inaction until a specific moment when it becomes evident that autocracy has supplanted democracy—then, it is too late to resist. There are several ways an ordinary citizen can win the fight for freedom while we still have time:
- Frequently writing congressional leaders.
- Meeting with congressional leaders.
- Attending political rallies.
- Participating in town hall meetings.
- Writing letters to editors.
- Organizing and participating in local protest movements
- Being unafraid to express opinions.
- Raging against wrongs.
- Cultivating moral courage.
