Fascism is X and Not-X

and all other possible choices in between and beyond both options

All things are the predetermined thing. All answers are the one answer.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, NYU professor and expert on authoritarianism, in a tweet I’ve already mentioned, but trust me on this one and keep going:

Ruth Ben-Ghiat @ruthbenghiat

The essence of authoritarianism is getting away with crime. That's why this indictment is so important

So the essence of authoritarianism is getting away with crime, and therefore not being trapped in the identity and consequences of a criminal identity. If you don’t get away with it, you’re not an authoritarian, because getting away with it is the essence of authoritarianism.

Also:

Ruth Ben-Ghiat @ruthbenghiat

Being seen as a criminal is the ultimate asset if you are running as an authoritarian. Lawlessness is the method, the ideology and the brand.

Hugo Lowell @hugolowell

New: With a grim fixation on having a mug shot taken, Trump has asked whether his team could print it on T-shirts that could serve as a rallying motif for his supporters as he moves to capitalize politically on his indictment in New York. @Guardian https://t.co/7n53MiLFBW

Three days apart. The essence of authoritarianism is being seen as the thing you’re not seen as, because you got away with it, which is the essence of authoritarianism. She must get headaches.

But this is the whole cultural complex: Trump is an authoritarian, so the thing Trump is doing today is the essence of authoritarianism. Did he take a walk on Monday? Taking a walk is the essence of authoritarianism. Did he choose to not take a walk on Tuesday? Choosing to not take a walk is the essence of authoritarianism. Is he undecided about taking a walk on Wednesday? Indecision about walking is the essence of authoritarianism. It’s been at least five years since he was a person.

There are dice that roll this way, but the Gaming Commission bans you from the casinos if you get caught with them.