John, I’ve been talking a lot about the 10 Steps to Autocracy lately.

Why? Because when we understand the authoritarian playbook, we can build our own playbook to resist it.

So let’s talk about the first step: Step 1 is the trigger. It’s the election that puts the autocrat in power. And it’s the moment they claim a “mandate” by voters to excuse every abuse of power that follows.

Here’s the danger: We start to normalize it. We shrug and say “well, the voters spoke” – as if winning an election is a blank check for cruelty, corruption, or lawlessness. That complacency is how authoritarianism takes root.

Step 1 is our first test. Will we be passive observers, or will we resist? Because when we confuse winning an election with having unlimited power, it opens the door for every step that follows. And by the time people wake up, it may be too late.

That’s why I launched the 10 Steps Campaign: to shine a light on how we got here, and to plot a path forward with 10 steps to freedom and power.

But resistance takes all of us. Every voice. Every act of courage. Every small contribution to keep the fight alive. At Speak Up PAC, we are electing leaders and backing organizations that are defending democracy right now. That’s work we can only do with grassroots support. If you are able, please consider chipping in today to support Speak Up PAC’s effort to fight for our democracy >>

Together,
Stacey