Elija Lovejoy and the Mob

Our fate was sealed long before November 8 (and not because the election's rigged):

"To Lovejoy, the greatest threat was not death, but the abdication of one's principles – the selfishness of self-preservation in an era of mob rule. That is the clarity of conscience that bides your time to the grave."

I think this is the first time I've heard about Elijah Lovejoy. The article uses him to make larger points, among them:

The press has no true power if it is afraid to document attacks on the most vulnerable citizens, and to challenge those who abet such attacks... fear of the mob, a fear openly expressed by writers who are targeted by Trump fans.

Now consider Trump posse browbeats Hill Republicans.

"It’s little wonder that Capitol Hill Republicans have papered over their not-insignificant policy differences with Trump, shying away from any statement about the president-elect that might possibly be construed as critical. They’re terrified of arousing the ire of their tempestuous new leader — or being labeled a turncoat by his army of followers."

"Nobody wants to go first," said Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), who received nasty phone calls, letters and tweets after he penned an August op-ed in The New York Times, calling on Trump to release his tax returns. "People are naturally reticent to be the first out of the block for fear of Sean Hannity, for fear of Breitbart, for fear of local folks."

WTH. He was bullied because he wanted Trump to release his tax returns, a simple request that would help the electorate make an informed decision? Quoting out of sequence:

"In early December, Rep. Bill Flores made what seemed like an obvious observation to a roomful of conservatives at a conference in Washington. Some of Donald Trump’s proposals, the Texas Republican cautioned, “are not going to line up very well with our conservative policies," though he quickly added that there was plenty the incoming president and GOP Congress could accomplish together."

"The TruthFeed post linked to Flores' Twitter handle and Facebook page and listed his office phone number. Soon people were threatening his physical safety and warning that his political career was on the line."

WTH again. He was threatened with violence because he pointed out that conservatives might not agree uncritically with every one of Trump's proposals. Trump is a fascist. He and his followers are using time-tested fascist tactics. What do we do about this?