Constant Vigilance Is Needed For A Democracy

"The struggle for freedom is ultimately not resistance to autocrats or oligarchs but resistance to the despotism of public opinion." ~ Ludwig von Mises

"The history of liberty is a history of resistance." ~ Woodrow Wilson

"It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." ~ Robert Kennedy

Constant vigilance is needed for democracy, especially in times of crisis and panic. Whenever political leaders exploit emergencies to expand power, it is generally up to the public to oppose them, necessarily imperfectly but relentlessly. Experience shows that unlimited power does not tend to reverse without collective public resistance.

Use encrypted messaging apps such as Signal and ProtonMail and online awareness to protect against state surveillance. Utilize digital rights activism as a form of communication to share and mobilize active democratic solidarity.

Be aware and give resources, protection, and defense funds to the innocent marginalized groups, who are the primary targets. Document abuse in traditional media, social media, public records, testimony to preserve evidence and human narratives. And push for community safety to reduce dependence on abusive state power.