When Authoritarianism Creeps In: Lessons from History, Warnings for Today

One Man’s Quiet Rebellion, One Nation’s Warning, plus new This Week in Outrage episode

In the Outrage Overload episode, How Authoritarianism Creeps In: Lessons from Postcards to Hitler, author Bruce Neuburger shares the extraordinary story of his grandfather, a Jewish man living under Nazi rule who risked his life by anonymously sending anti-Hitler postcards in 1930s Germany. It was a small, brave act of resistance during a time when political repression and fear gripped the country.

This episode isn’t just a look back at history—it’s a mirror reflecting today’s political moment. And it begs an urgent question: What do we do when democratic norms begin to erode—not through a single coup or law, but by a thousand smaller cuts?

Neuburger’s historical lens helps us see that authoritarianism rarely arrives in jackboots overnight. More often, it creeps in slowly, normalizing abuses, consolidating power, and exploiting division. And in our current climate, some of those warning signs are already flashing red—often in places where we least expect them.

When Public Goods Become Private Profit

In democratic societies, public lands and national parks represent more than scenery—they are shared inheritance. They reflect a belief that certain treasures belong to all of us, not just the wealthy or well-connected. But when those lands are opened to private interests—through deregulation, land swaps, or mining leases—the public loses something profound and irreversible.

These are not niche concerns. Conservationists, hunters, veterans, Indigenous communities, and constitutional conservatives alike have raised the alarm. The exploitation of public lands isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a democratic one. In authoritarian regimes, public wealth often becomes private property. Corruption thrives in the shadows. And once public trust is lost, it's hard to win back.

The Death of Truth and the Suppression of Science

Neuburger’s reflections on Nazi propaganda echo chillingly in today's battles over truth. In modern authoritarian movements, truth becomes relative, science becomes “political,” and public access to information is quietly dismantled.

When governments suppress scientific findings, delete climate data, or silence public health officials, it's not just bad policy—it’s a strike at the heart of accountability. Without facts, citizens can’t make informed decisions. And without information, democracy can’t function.

The weaponization of disinformation isn’t confined to history books. It’s unfolding in real time.

Who Really Owns Our Institutions?

Authoritarianism thrives when institutions become tools of loyalty instead of service. In Bruce Neuburger’s era, Nazi Germany corrupted its civil services, courts, and educational systems to serve the party—not the people.

Today, when public institutions like the EPA, CDC, or National Park Service face political purges or loyalty tests, neutral governance is undermined. When Inspectors General are fired for investigating misconduct, when whistleblowers are punished, and when watchdogs are defunded, it signals a broader intent: to eliminate independent oversight.

It’s not just a left or right issue. Traditional conservatives, rule-of-law advocates, and progressives should all agree: a democracy that loses its independent institutions becomes something else entirely.

Respect for Indigenous Sovereignty: A Shared Moral Compass

Neuburger's story includes acts of defiance against the erasure of identity and heritage. Today, many Indigenous communities face a similar struggle—not against an overt fascist regime, but against the steady encroachment of extractive industries and governmental neglect.

Here too, alliances can form across ideological lines. From faith-based communities protecting sacred sites, to veterans honoring Indigenous service and sovereignty, to climate activists defending ancestral lands, this is an issue where diverse voices can find common ground in resisting authoritarian disregard for cultural and historical rights.

Defiance, Then and Now

Neuburger’s grandfather risked his life to speak the truth when doing so was a crime. His postcards weren’t meant to change the system overnight—they were acts of conscience, resistance, and moral clarity.

In a time when many fear speaking up, or feel powerless against rising political extremism, his story is a reminder: even small acts of truth-telling matter. So does protecting our public institutions, preserving science, defending civil servants, and respecting Indigenous rights.

These issues aren't just political—they're structural. And the health of our democracy depends on people across the spectrum recognizing that when authoritarianism creeps in, it often wears a familiar face and speaks in soothing tones.

Let history be our warning, and courage be our guide.

---

New This Week in Outrage Episode!

It’s everything the Outrage Overload podcast is not. It’s not edited. It’s not scripted. It’s lightly researched. It’s David and Lisa talking about this week in outrage, what was in the news, in the memes, and maybe finding some backstory with a humorous (at least to us) twist.