Things To Keep In Mind As The New Year Approaches - 1 of 20

--> Yale historian and Holocaust expert Timothy Snyder wrote: "Americans are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience. Now is a good time to do so." 
Snyder's a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (which includes former Secretaries of State), and consults on political situations around the globe. He says: 

Here are twenty lessons from the twentieth century, adapted to the circumstances of today.

1. Do not obey in advance. 

Much of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. 

In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then start to do it without being asked. 

You've already done this, haven't you? 

Stop. 

Anticipatory obedience teaches authorities what is possible and accelerates unfreedom.


(to be continued...)