NanaDana
I have to agree with those who are seriously concerned about the increasingly chaotic state of our society, as in virtually every area we are seeing a gradual breakdown of much that we perhaps took for granted in the past. If this decline continues unchecked, conditions may become ripe for the emergence of an Autocratic leader, who will step forward, probably scapegoating certain groups who will be blamed for our demise, and offering an escape from the current chaos via an ordered, strictly disciplined regime, in which we will be expected to passively exchange certain freedoms for economic and material gains. That's exactly what happened in Germany in the 30's, when Hitler offered a desperate population "order to replace disorder", a formula which they were vulnerable enough to readily accept. Worrying times.
If this decline continues unchecked, conditions may become ripe for the emergence of an Autocratic leader, who will step forward, probably scapegoating certain groups who will be blamed for our demise, and offering an escape from the current chaos via an ordered, strictly disciplined regime, in which we will be expected to passively exchange certain freedoms for economic and material gains.
Very perceptive.
It's already happening isn't it?
As Aesop allegedly said, "united we stand, divided we fall".
The trick for a would-be autocratic government is to unite the public in its favour, but first they have to divide it to highlight the scapegoat... the trick for the public is to recognise that that is what it is doing - and unite against it.
But it's already too late. We have our scapegoats. Immigrants, 'lefties' and Remainers - the last two often being lumped together though factually incorrect.
I think we are well on the way towards autocracy unless the younger generation can see the wood against the trees and put a stop to the process.