At 85 years old, Keith Alber has seen decades of political change, cultural shifts, and the steady erosion of trust in America's institutions. When he first studied political science in 1954, Alber encountered a chilling outline—nine simple steps that, if followed, could dismantle a democracy. Written as a theoretical nightmare back then, it’s hard to believe how eerily close we are to living this reality today.
Alber's letter, though brief, carries weight. He draws attention to a disturbing pattern that has emerged, one that reflects a step-by-step guide toward national disintegration. Let's examine these nine steps, and how, almost 70 years later, they seem to be playing out in real-time.
Step 1: Divide the Nation Philosophically
America today is not just divided; it's polarized. From our political affiliations to our fundamental beliefs about freedom, equality, and justice, we no longer share a common understanding of what it means to be American. Whether it’s debates over gun control, climate change, or gender identity, each issue is weaponized, creating deeper divides that make unity seem impossible. This philosophical division weakens the foundation of democracy itself, making civil discourse nearly extinct.
Step 2: Foment Racial Strife
Racial tensions in America are higher than they've been in decades, and not by accident. The media, political figures, and activists have stoked the flames of racial division, often for personal or political gain. The conversation has shifted from seeking unity and understanding to amplifying grievances and deepening divides. In doing so, we have lost sight of a shared goal of equality, instead promoting identity politics that fuel resentment and fear.
Step 3: Cause Distrust of Police Authority
The phrase “defund the police” became a rallying cry in recent years, but the real result has been widespread distrust in law enforcement. What began as a legitimate call to reform policing has spiraled into a broader narrative that paints all officers as corrupt or dangerous. The impact? A breakdown in law and order, with communities losing faith in those sworn to protect them. As distrust grows, crime increases, and the very fabric of society begins to fray.
Swarm the Nation's Borders Indiscriminately and Unconstitutionally
Immigration policy in the United States is no longer about finding a balance between compassion and security; it has become a free-for-all. Borders that once defined the sovereignty of a nation now seem porous and undefended. With an ever-growing influx of illegal immigration, the strain on resources, security, and social systems is immense. Legal immigration, the backbone of America’s diverse success, is overshadowed by chaos at the borders, making it impossible to maintain a stable and lawful system.
Step 5: Engender Military Strength to Weaken It
The United States has long been recognized for its strong military, but even that strength is not immune to erosion. There’s an increasing push to politicize the military, emphasizing social issues over readiness and national security. The focus seems to have shifted from building a capable defense force to transforming the military into a tool for ideological battles. This weakening from within not only makes America vulnerable to external threats but also undermines the morale and mission of those who serve.
Step 6: Overburden Citizens with Unfair Taxation
The American middle class is shrinking under the weight of ever-increasing taxes. Whether it’s federal, state, or local taxes, ordinary citizens are shouldering more of the burden while seeing little in return. What’s worse, the tax code itself is a labyrinth of loopholes and complexities that favor the wealthy and well-connected. Overburdened by taxes, the average American struggles to keep pace with rising costs and stagnant wages, leading to a sense of hopelessness and frustration.
Encourage Civil Rioting, Discourage Accountability for All Crime
Riots and unrest are no longer rare occurrences; they’ve become a common response to any perceived injustice. What’s more alarming is the lack of accountability that follows. Crimes committed in the name of protest are often excused, ignored, or even celebrated, while ordinary citizens watch their neighborhoods burn. This selective enforcement of the law undermines the very concept of justice, creating a society where chaos reigns, and no one feels safe.
Step 8: Control All Balloting
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any democracy, but even that is now in question. From accusations of voter fraud to widespread distrust in the integrity of our electoral systems, many Americans no longer believe their vote counts. When the process itself is corrupted—whether through manipulation, misinformation, or outright interference—the legitimacy of those in power is called into question. Without trust in the election process, democracy itself is at risk.
Step 9: Control All Media
The role of the media in shaping public opinion has never been more powerful, or more dangerous. Once considered the “Fourth Estate” that held those in power accountable, today’s media is often seen as an extension of political parties and corporate interests. Instead of informing the public, it divides them, choosing sides and narratives that serve their own agendas. With the rise of misinformation, biased reporting, and echo chambers, the truth has become an elusive concept, manipulated to fit whatever message those in control want to send.
A Diabolic Nightmare Becoming Reality
What Keith Alber described in 1954 as a potential threat to democracy is no longer hypothetical—it is our present reality. Every one of these steps is unfolding before our eyes, leading to a fractured nation where trust in institutions, systems, and even each other is in short supply.
Alber’s hope, as he states, is that Americans will “unite enough to pen a good finish.” But to do so, we must recognize the dangerous trajectory we’re on and reverse course before it’s too late. Democracy, once lost, is hard to reclaim. The steps outlined here are not just a warning—they are a call to action. It’s time to reject the forces that seek to divide, weaken, and control, and instead embrace the unity and principles that once made this nation strong.
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