From the schoolyard to the Oval Office, the bully’s most effective way to dominate is to instill fear. As many a recess victim has discovered, the best way to end the bullying is to stand up to the perpetrator. Handing over lunch money or not fighting back reinforces the bully’s motivation. A similar dynamic arises in an adult political setting: if the intended target cowers, relinquishes his or her rights to protection and voluntarily complies with an authoritarian’s demands in advance, that obedience confirms the bully’s expectations, encouraging further demands.

So Step 1 in countering police state tactics is defiance. Refuse to capitulate. Do not show fear. Insist on your rights to fundamental protections and social benefits. That defiance can come in many forms. In national and local elections, vote for the candidate most likely to deliver what you, your family and your community need rather than for the authoritarian leader’s ordained candidate. Never waver in speaking out in favor of the common good and against injustice and special interests. Be persistent in telling your elected representatives the policies and projects you wish them to pursue, especially when they are contrary to the authoritarian leader’s positions. Use your personal economic power as a consumer to reward policies, goods and projects that represent your interests, and boycott those that don’t.