frankly, what I think we're doing here, is documenting the last gasps of democracy. Updated

[Oneironaut]

48. Considering both sides seem to be begging for a dictatorship, I'm worried.

This isn't a "Send the Fascist goons out and kill all resistance" dictatorship. It's something completely new. This is the type of dictatorship where people won't even know there is a dictator. The government will stay the way it is, with puppeteers pulling the strings of their dancing puppets in the background.

Everything in this dictatorship would be hidden from public view. Everything would seem like normal, with people taking part in elections, electing new candidates, and running for office. The sham comes from the fact, though, that the dictator ensures that only his puppets can be elected. That way, the game of chess continues, and someone always wins, giving the appearance of Democracy. You can never lose a game of chess if you own both players.

Another cruel irony of this dictatorship is the usage of astroturfing. You would see grass roots movements popping up and calling for change, when in reality, this is another evil trick by the dictator. It lets people believe that they are fighting for something, when in reality, the movements would be shams. A legitimate threat to the ruling elite would be quietly stamped out and hijacked. Any grassroots candidate elected would give the appearance of enacting change, but maintain the status quo in the background.

The problem with "fighting" this dictatorship is that there is no definitive enemy. The "dictator" himself is not real - the system itself is the "dictator." There would be no man slamming the table and giving fiery speeches. There would be no armies goosestepping in the street. Normalcy would be maintained as the system is infected. You never let a chicken see the blade before you cut it down.