By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent op-ed, Senator Bernie Sanders urged his Democratic colleagues to stand firm against President Trump during the ongoing government shutdown, warning that capitulating would only embolden Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. Sanders characterized Trump as a “schoolyard bully” who would exploit any concessions to further undermine democratic institutions. The senator criticized the administration’s actions, including withholding essential funding and disregarding court rulings. Sanders argued that Democrats must resist Trump’s demands to protect vulnerable populations and uphold democratic principles, framing the situation as a critical moment for the nation’s future.
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Sanders Warns Trump Will ‘Accelerate Movement Toward Authoritarianism’ If Dems Cave on Shutdown
The core concern at play here is pretty clear: if the Democrats buckle during this government shutdown, it’s going to be a giant leap towards authoritarianism. The idea is that Trump, seeing weakness, will only be emboldened. It’s a matter of standing firm, of not giving an inch. The implication is that any compromise now will only fuel his desire for absolute power.
There’s a strong sentiment that Trump is already maneuvering in an authoritarian direction. The fear is that a Democratic surrender would be seen as a green light, an invitation to further erode democratic norms. This shutdown is viewed as a test of wills, a pivotal moment where the Democrats need to demonstrate strength and resolve. The stakes are presented as incredibly high, the potential consequences dire. Caving, it seems, is not an option.
The analysis of the situation suggests that Democrats have the high ground, at least for now. Most people seem to understand the Republicans’ control of the government and are thus, placing the blame where it belongs. This is reinforced by the public’s understanding of what the Democrats are fighting for, particularly concerning healthcare, with the looming specter of increased premiums and the loss of subsidies hanging over everyone.
The suggestion is that if Democrats cave without concessions, the repercussions will be disastrous. Some feel that without any movement on the Democrats’ core goals, the only response should be severe. The belief is that Trump views any concession as weakness, and that this shutdown is a battle that the Democrats must win.
There’s a parallel drawn between the current situation and the rise of authoritarian regimes in other countries, implying that the US could be heading in the same direction. The idea is that Trump is already pushing boundaries and that any further erosion of democratic principles must be resisted. The concern is that the shutdown itself is a catalyst, a perfect setup for Trump to seize power, potentially using a weakened government as justification.
The shutdown is being used as a bargaining chip, specifically regarding programs like SNAP benefits, which is seen as unconscionable. The responsibility for the shutdown rests squarely with Trump. There is a general feeling that his actions, and those of his sycophants, are accelerating the slide toward authoritarianism.
Some people feel that caving would be a strategic blunder. Given the current political climate, and the potential negative consequences for Americans, particularly regarding healthcare. The argument is that Democrats should stand their ground and not concede. It is also believed that he is antagonizing the poor, which some consider to be a clear sign of Trump’s agenda.
The need for Democrats to appear on all outlets, including conservative ones, to push the truth as hard as possible, and to encourage Republicans to turn against the shutdown is suggested. The fact that Trump is already losing the fight, the Hatch Act, and the misuse of government resources for propaganda, are also mentioned.
The importance of the election is stated. Trump needs to be imprisoned. With his actions causing damage, it is hard to have hope. The fear is that the American public and the Democratic party have never and will never see a crime committed by a GOP president that they can’t forgive.