I have a question I never imagined I’d have to ask in the United States.

Not, “Are you worried about where the country is heading?” We’re past that. It’s a question I keep asking myself — and now I’m asking you:

What has to happen before you actively push back at a government transforming into authoritarian state before our eyes?

Will you show up? Will you raise your voice? Will you find a place in the growing resistance movement?

Because here’s what haunts me: law, decency, and truth are all buckling — and far too many people are still waiting until they’re personally threatened before they act. They’re waiting, as if democracy collapses suddenly, instead of the way it usually unravels: quietly, gradually — one normalized outrage at a time.

So the question is: How will you know when the United States has crossed the line?

I keep hearing the same inadequate answers: “I don’t know.” “I’m not political.” “I just want to live my life.”

But authoritarianism doesn’t ask permission. It doesn’t say, “Excuse me, we’re about to end your rights. Is this a good time?” It sells itself as “order,” “security,” “patriotism.” And once it settles in, it sells something else: fear.

So, beginning with myself, I ask again — more........

© CounterPunch