Senator Ron Johnson recently made a shocking statement when it refers to the former President Barack Obama to Guantanamo prison. This statement is not only a noble saying or innocuous joke. It reflects a worrying trend, where extremist ideas are gradually putting into the public mind, as a way to prepare for stronger actions in the future. This is not the first time these types of statements have appeared from influential political figures. They are the first bricks to build a story to justify acts of violating freedom and democracy.

Such calls are often covered under the shell of “national protection” or “against internal enemies”. However, if we look deeper, we see them with the shadow of a dangerous thought: fascism disguised. The suggestion of arresting a former president without a clear legal evidence, or the idea of performing trials, is not only an insult to democratic values but also an effort to familiarize the public with the idea of political oppression. These moves do not take place overnight. They were gradually built, through shocking statements, vague but excited calls, and a communication strategy to paralyze the protest of society.

The scary thing is that these ideas do not stop at words. They are a stepping stone for more concrete actions, such as expanding the power of law enforcement agencies, limiting freedom of speech, or even setting up stricter forms of social control. History has proven that dictatorships often start with seemingly harmless words, but gradually being normalized in the eyes of the public. When people no longer react to statements like Senator Johnson, it was the time when the door led to the dictatorship was opened.

We cannot overlook these signs. Democracy is not immutable; It is vulnerable and requires continuous protection from the people. Calling the correct names of these actions – fascism – is the first step to fight them. The public needs to be aware clearly that such words are not a joke, but a part of the long plan to erode the democratic foundation. Be wary, speak up, and do not let the silence become a complicity before the existing threat.