The Toll of Right-Wing Authoritarianism: Targeting Opponents and Consolidating Power

Right-wing authoritarian regimes are not a distant hypothetical but a real and dangerous threat that exists in the present. If such a regime were to come to power in the United States, we can predict the types of individuals and classes targeted for arrest and persecution. This article explores the likely outcomes and the current trends that could forewarn such drastic measures.

Identifying Immediate Targets for Arrest

Right-wing authoritarians' first targets would likely be individuals and groups that enrage them on social issues. Sexual deviants, particularly pedophiles, would be among the first to be rounded up. This is a proactive measure that has already been implemented to a certain extent through existing laws and policies. For instance, in Texas, the governor has ordered that medical workers performing gender affirmation surgeries and hormone disruption on children and their parents who allow it should be prosecuted for child abuse. This policy reflects the mainstream position among conservatives and even some liberals, as evidenced by its popularity in red states.

Other Potential Targets

Those involved in the reproductive rights debate would also be targeted. Abortionists and women seeking abortions would face arrest, further restricting reproductive freedoms. This policy has already been partially implemented in Texas and other red states, where laws like the Texas Heartbeat Act have been enacted. Additionally, rioters and looters would face immediate danger if a right-wing dictator were in power. They would likely be shot on sight without a trial.

Furthermore, violent and career criminals could be targeted next, as demonstrated in the Philippines where President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the summary execution of drug traffickers. While this policy has drawn criticism, it has also garnered popular support among Filipinos. Similar policies could be proposed in the U.S., and, interestingly, a politician who advocated for the death penalty for gangsters with ties to organized crime could likely gain significant support among right-wing voters.

Cracking Down on Economic and Social Threats

After dealing with immediate physical and social threats, right-wing authoritarians would turn their attention to fostering an environment that maintains their power and economic dominance. They would use policies like ag gag laws to silence whistleblowers about animal abuse on farms. Such laws might also be expanded to prevent the filming of unsafe industrial practices and police brutality.

Another avenue for consolidating power would be through restrictive business practices. Some states already have laws that criminalize the recording of another person's words without consent. These laws, intended to protect privacy, are often used to weaponize accountability against the poor and middle class. Efforts to legalize marijuana could also be perverted, favoring business cartels owned by the wealthy and shutting out small farmers.

Targeting Marginalized Communities

In the realm of xenophobia, right-wing authoritarians would target immigrants, particularly those from non-English speaking and non-Christian backgrounds. This trend is already evident in the reaction to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, where many Americans already view all Eastern Europeans as Russians. These policies would not only affect immigrants but may also extend to political opponents and anyone seen as a threat to the regime's stability.

Conclusion: The Current Climate as a Preview

Given the existing climate, we can anticipate that a future right-wing authoritarian regime in the U.S. would follow a similar path to those observed today. The targeting of specific demographics and the implementation of restrictive policies are not new phenomena but are being carried out in a more subtle and often legal manner. The underlying theme is the centralization of power and wealth, preserving the interests of the elites while stripping away the rights and freedoms of the majority of Americans.

As we continue to witness these trends, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged. The next step towards a right-wing authoritarian regime may already be afoot, and we must be vigilant in defending the principles of justice and equality that are fundamental to our democracy.