Hear no evil; see no evil; speak no evil

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

Typically this adage refers to how one should conduct oneself in relation to others. This administration has applied it in a completely different manner.

[I shall] Hear no evil: Those speaking disparagingly of our president, his decisions, or administration are quickly shut down and discredited. 

[I shall] See no evil: Despite physical evidence to the contrary, this president (and his cronies) refuse to admit to anything that contradicts their "alt-facts".

[I shall] Speak no evil: No contradictory communication shall issue from our government under this administration. Trump takes Bush's you're either with us or against us to a whole new level. You're either with us or I will contain you.

Much like a spoiled 17th century monarch, nothing that challenges anything other than idyllic or 100% support will be acknowledged. Anything short of that will be stifled.

Given that attitude, executive orders (an end run around Congress) and executive proclamations become a dangerous tool.

My fellow Americans, the time is now to be diligent and watchful.

Words Mean Things

Let's be clear in our language here. An education advocate is not the same as an education expert.

Illinois' governor, Bruce Rauner has endorsed Ms. DeVos as he has personal knowledge of her passionate education advocacy. As he, personally, is a believer in the voucher system, he would.

However, an advocate is not an expert. An advocate is merely someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. An EXPERT, is an individual who has comprehensive and authoritative knowledge.

Can I put this in simple terms? An arm-chair quarterback husband is not as qualified as, say....Peyton Manning, to effectively lead an offensive drive. What on earth makes Betsy DeVos qualified to be in charge of our educational system?

Be honest, how many apply to the new Trump Administration?

The 14 points of Fascism. This is why I believe there is reason for concern. When will we decide to regain control of our country? Will it be too late?

1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism

Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights

Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.

3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause

The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

4. Supremacy of the Military

Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

5. Rampant Sexism

The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.

6. Controlled Mass Media

Sometimes the media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.

7. Obsession with National Security

Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined

Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.

9. Corporate Power is Protected

The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.

10. Labor Power is Suppressed

Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed.

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts

Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment

Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption

Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.

14. Fraudulent Elections

Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/20/1452457/-Time-to-pull-out-again-The-14-Points-of-Fascism