Slouching Toward Dictatorship

Declaring a "national emergency" is a tried and true method of consolidating power:

President Donald Trump said Frday he is considering declaring a national emergency to help pay for his long-desired border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The president, when asked by ABC News' senior national correspondent Terry Moran during a press conference, acknowledged that he would consider declaring a national emergency to help get funds to build the wall "for the security of our country."

Trump did not elaborate on the details of such a process.

That's because he doesn't know the details.

Fortunately, the Democrats are finally showing some evidence of having developed a spine:

"If President Trump tries to use such thin legal authority to build his wall, Democrats will challenge him in court," said Evan Hollander, a spokesman for House Appropriations chairwoman Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. "The president's authority in this area is intended for wars and genuine national emergencies. Asserting this authority to build a wasteful wall is legally dubious and would likely invite a court challenge."

Does anyone think that the "national emergency" will end with a wall (which, by the way, in this scenario would cover less than 5% of the border)? I'm waiting for someone to burn down the Reichstag -- um, I mean "Capitol".

If you think I'm overstating the case, get this:

In a recent Arizona Republican Party newsletter, Chairman Jonathan Lines issued marching orders for elected Republican officials in clear, concise, mildly threatening terms:

Lines declared that office holders must "stand with” President Donald Trump. And that it is "non-negotiable."

This is the part that gets hysterical. Unplug your irony meter:

“One of the things I’ve always loved about our party is that we are a big tent. We have room for everyone. That’s why, as your Chairman, I’ve done my best to welcome as many different viewpoints and coalitions as possible into our party… However, while we are accepting of different viewpoints, it is essential that we stay true to our conservative values. And it is non-negotiable that we stand with our President.”

It appears that dissent is not a conservative value.

Both via Joe.My.God.

Addendum: This is truly the right-wing vision for America:

LOESCH on proposal to arm teachers: "Perimeter fences should be locked. Doors should be locked & monitored. You should have video security. If every layer fails, as a last line of defense, a teacher who is trained & capable of acting when needed to defend themselves & students." pic.twitter.com/3qcgbAZhIb

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 4, 2019