Know how a ratchet works? It's like a gear that can only move in one direction, with a catch that locks into place whenever it moves forward and keeps it from moving backward. If I were a proper animator, that ratchet would be my visual representation of the advance of creeping fascism...an inexorable progression you can almost hear clicking away if you pay attention. Click. Democrats no longer have the right to question Congressional spending. Click. Bush can designate anyone as a "terrorist" and throw away the Bill of Rights as regards that unlucky soul. Click. New York is considering legislation to label environmental and animal rights activists as terrorists. Click. No one knows if Guantanamo Bay prisoners are being tortured because the Red Cross and media are not allowed to view the premises. Click. Click.
Orcinus obviously agrees.