Terms
"I don’t use those words lightly, I am specifying tactics which they use to legitimize their positions by defining them and themselves in such a way that any dissent or criticism is unpatriotic."
This entire thread is about an immensely powerful government using that power to suppress dissent and criticism against a specific Party.
I would probably label that "fascist" a lot sooner than a little old lady in a park with a "Taxed Enough Already" sign or some redneck with a snake flag.