History shows us that societies tend to flourish until their size and variety create  problems that are, or at least seem, insoluble. Because no one can agree on what should be done, leaders begin "kicking the can down the road," talking a lot and solving nothing. Citizens don't like it, and many begin to look for a leader who promises solutions. A person comes along who says, "I can fix it!" or even "ONLY I can fix it." The solutions promised might be poorly designed; they might be dumb; they might even be inhumane, but a majority of voters think, "Well, he'll do something, and SOMEthing has to be done!"

That's how an authoritarian comes to power. Once there, such leaders are difficult to displace. They hold the reins of government, so they can squelch or even punish those who speak against them. They insist that no matter what the people think, their way is best. And it is--for them.

So what happens next?

Well, if the citizens of the United States of America were ever in a situation where a tyrant took control, they would be cooperative at first. Some would cry "Tyranny!" but every society has critics. Some would argue logically, trying to get their fellow citizens to recognize the danger. A growing number would demand change, through their representatives, through the courts, through protests. 

But if the tyrant didn't listen, then what?

My hope lies in the innate sense of self that US Americans possess. For bad or for good, our citizens believe they should be heard. When they're wronged, they believe it should be addressed. When what was promised isn't delivered, they insist on compensation. One look at the number of ads on TV from law firms will tell you that true. They all play to the idea that you should  "Get what you deserve!"

We're kind of a nation of Big Mouths, and we say what we think. Even if many have ignored the voices saying, "But the Emperor has no clothes" for too long, lots of someones will repeat it until the veil drops and his nakedness is obvious to all.

What we in the US have long been known for--being loud-mouthed and determined to believe we're every bit as good as the guy in the head office--might be what saves the nation.