Here is an article laying out how to sabotage a democracy and establish a fascist dictatorship. Anything seem familiar?

1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy (terrorists)
2. Create a gulag (Guantanamo Bay)
3. Develop a thug caste (Blackwater)
4. Set up an internal surveillance system (domestic wiretapping)
5. Harass citizens' groups (CIFA)
6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release (No-fly list)
7. Target key individuals (The eight fired US Attorneys)
8. Control the press (FOX News to name just one)
9. Dissent equals treason (Vilification of Moveon.org calling Democrats "cut and runners")
10. Suspend the rule of law (The John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007)

I don't think that leaves much doubt as to how dire our situation in this country has become, does it?