Political Memes

This executive order makes sweeping changes to Civil Rights. This is the document that the EO is referencing 28 C.F.R. 42.104

Things that the regime hopes to do:

1. Centralize Power by Eliminating Checks and Balances

   • Meritocracy as a Smokescreen:
     • By framing the order as "restoring meritocracy," the regime could dismantle diversity initiatives that promote independent oversight (e.g., civil rights offices, diversity committees).
     • This weakens institutional resistance to authoritarianism by removing advocates for accountability.
   • Loyalty Over Competence:
     • In practice, "merit" could be redefined to prioritize political loyalty rather than objective qualifications.
     • Federal agencies could be purged of dissenting voices and replaced with loyalists, as seen in historical fascist regimes (e.g., Nazi Germany’s Gleichschaltung—coordination of institutions under party control).

2. Suppress Opposition and Marginalized Groups

   • Roll Back Protections for Minorities:
     • By eliminating race or gender-conscious policies, the regime could systematically exclude minority groups from federal employment and contracting.
     • This aligns with fascist tactics of scapegoating certain demographics (e.g., Jews in Nazi Germany, immigrants in other regimes).
   • Legalizing Discrimination:
     • The changes to 28 CFR § 42.104 could make it harder to challenge discriminatory practices in court, as "affirmative action" remedies are restricted.
     • This creates a legal veneer for exclusionary policies.

3. Control the Bureaucracy and Economy

   • Patronage Networks:
     • A fascist regime thrives on patronage—rewarding loyalists with jobs and contracts.
     • By removing diversity requirements, the government could funnel contracts to politically connected allies (e.g., corporate supporters of the regime).
   • Weaken Labor Protections:
     • Merit-based hiring could be used to break unions or activist groups by labeling them as "non-merit" influences.
     • This mirrors historical fascist suppression of labor movements (e.g., Mussolini’s corporatist state).

4. Propaganda and Ideological Control

   • Manufacture a "Pure" National Identity:
     • Fascist regimes often promote myths of national purity (e.g., Nazi "Aryan supremacy").
     • The executive order could be spun as "ending divisive identity politics" and promoting a homogenized national workforce.
   • Scapegoating "Elites" and "Diversity Advocates":
     • The regime might frame diversity initiatives as corrupt or anti-American, rallying supporters against perceived enemies.
     • This is a classic fascist tactic (e.g., Hitler’s attacks on "cultural Marxists").

5. Legal and Institutional Erosion

   • Undermine the Rule of Law:
     • The changes to 28 CFR § 42.104 weaken legal tools to fight discrimination, making it harder to prove systemic bias in court.
     • By altering regulations like 28 CFR § 42.104, the regime could normalize executive overreach—gradually eroding legal protections.
     • This paves the way for more extreme measures (e.g., suspending elections, militarizing law enforcement).
   • Preventing Future Resistance:
     • A workforce stripped of diversity and dissent is easier to control.
     • This aligns with historical fascist strategies of eliminating opposition within institutions (e.g., Nazi purges of "disloyal" civil servants).

Comparison to Historical Fascist Regimes

• Nazi Germany (1930s):
  • Hitler’s Civil Service Law (1933) banned Jews and political opponents from government jobs, framing it as "restoring professionalism."
  • The Enabling Act (1933) allowed Hitler to bypass the legislature—similar to how executive orders can bypass Congress.
• Mussolini’s Italy (1920s-30s):
  • The fascist syndicates replaced independent unions, ensuring loyalty to the state.
  • The Acerbo Law (1923) rigged elections to guarantee fascist dominance.