Book Review - Tyranny For You: Spot the Warning Signs, Decode the Lies, Stop Authoritarians Before It's Too Late

 "Democracy is fragile. It can die in a day."

Steven Lvitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

     These are disquieting times. Rightwing populism in its various guises is on the ascendancy throughout the world and, as has been the trend throughout history, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries, people are easily beguiled by its seductive simplicity, its promise of earthly heaven under the benign guidance of one enlightened leader. 

Buyer's remorse comes later! 

     Poor Richard, that erstwhile enlightened thinker, has emerged to produce this truly excellent book, alerting us to the signs, trends, dangers and consequences of authoritarianism. For those who might not be familiar with Poor Richard, he was a character created by Benjamin Franklin, used to great advantage to reach the popular audience of the day.  No less a goal is the raison d'être of this book. In the interests of full disclosure let me state up front that I know the author of this work, a dedicated social democrat and a fierce defender of democracy and a free, pluralistic society.

     In North America, we have particular reason to pay close attention to the potential ascendancy of tyranny, for it is present on our doorstep. Fascism has a foothold in the United States and we have no reason for complacency in Canada. All the hallmarks of autocracy are as clear as the words you are reading on this page. Rewriting history to eliminate what doesn't align with your message is always a good start.

     There is no shortage of role models for the would-be dictator. History is replete with charismatic figures professing the salvation of their country and its people, morphing into ruthless tyrants bent on their own aggrandizement, and megalomaniacal control of every aspect of life. Think only of Stalin, Hitler, Franco, Mussolini, Saddam Hussein, Idi Amin Dada - add your own names to the list.

     The tyrant always has a scapegoat for everything that goes wrong. No blame for anything bad is ever acknowledged and there is never a shortage of groups to be targeted; if none are right at hand, create one.

     Of course, Jews and people of colour never go away, and can be blamed for anything and everything ad infinitum.

     Institutions that do not tow the line are to be savaged and dismantled if necessary.

     A free press, political satirists and comedians are especially reviled and should be dealt with harshly.

     Is this all starting to sound familiar?

     The means of repression are chilling and numerous. Your neighbours disappear in the night; Argentine wives and mothers are still seeking information on the desaparecidos of the brutal régime that terrorized that country. Barbarism becomes the norm.

     Expertise is not required for appointment to the highest levels of government. Slavish, sycophantic loyalty is the only requirement.

      Is it sounding even more familiar?

      Democracy is messy and disorganized by its very nature - but it works. Political opponents are not enemies and compromise is not a dirty word. Honest, open dialogue gets things done, not always quickly or cleanly, but always to the benefit of society and not for personal gain. A free press is recognized as a cornerstone of an open society, to be cherished, supported and vigorously defended, even if you don't like what they print sometimes.

      The lure of autocracy never goes away and a gullible public always seems ready to embrace the idea of one charismatic figure able to solve their problems. But it always turns sour and societal gain is erased for years to come.

      This book is written with the voter in mind. It is clear, concise and to the point. There is great merit to lengthy tomes, polemics and academic dissertations, but few are going to read them. Here, set out for you, is the blueprint for tyranny, the ways to spot the warning signs, the means to exit before the lights are flashing red and the sirens blaring. In the computer age, with artificial intelligence looming large on our knowledge base, with conspiracy theories at every turn, an authoritative, fact-based work is especially critical.

     It is very modestly priced (around $15.00) and I brook no accusation of hyperbole when I contend that every citizen should read this work thoroughly and critically before casting a vote in the next election. 

     The future is up to you.

Tyranny For You: Spot the Warning Signs, Decode the Lies, Stop Authoritarians Before It's Too Late 

Poor Richard

Independently published - ISBN: 979-8268357929

178 pages - 6 x 9 inches (15 x 22.5 cm)

Publishing date: 04 October, 2025