The transition from elected government to populist dictatorship had not been an easy one.
Trying to convince people that they were moving from the dark ages of democracy to the enlightenment of an autocratic supreme ruler was a hard sell. The fact that the elected government he was replacing had been so ineffectual and weak had helped.
And he was making progress.
It made it easier that he could point to the rest of the world and confidently proclaim they were only following the other civilised countries of the west. Funny how impinging on the freedoms of people had become a populist rallying call.
The more powerful dissenting voices – railing about voter’s rights, women’s rights, gay rights, immigrant rights, equality rights, blah, blah, blah – had quietened down after he had had some of them imprisoned and shot. Announcing their wealth and assets had been seized and would be shared among the people had made it more palatable for the plebs to accept – they still believed that sort of lie.
Pretty soon he would have crushed any resistance and could embark on a world tour. A photocall on the White House lawn would be welcomed, with his old pal Donald, and he could take in New York while visiting the UN headquarters.
Yep, Nigel thought as he put his feet on the desk and leaned back in his chair in 10 Downing Street, looking through the cloistered window, life in Great Britain was certainly on the up.

This is a response to the #writephoto Prompt – Transition curated over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.
My first novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
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In spit eof how well told it was, I had trouble ‘liking’ this one…
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It doesn’t bear thinking about, but it doesn’t seem that far away…
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Sadly it seems all too possible…
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We are just winding up an election here 🙂 I could relate well to the scenario. The weakness of previous incumbents helps to cover up holes in the tents of those who win.
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An analogy that applies here very much too.
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Noooo
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It’s not far from happening…
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Feels too real–can’t like it but I like it!
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Way too close to being real. Thanks Tina
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It seems to be happening everywhere… hopeful a trend that will soon reverse itself without a World War.
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It would be nice if some moderates could come into power somewhere…
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Yes, I agree.
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Spooky…
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And scary.
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And too close for comfort!
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Yeah, I “liked” but don’t like.
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Thanks Janet. Not sure if you will have heard of Nigel Farage over there, but if you haven’t, count yourself lucky!
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From one extreme to the other, Iain. Is there no middle road?
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You think there would be but we don’t seem to be able to find it, do we?
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Scary because it sounds all too possible and familiar these days.
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Unfortunately so Lyn. Thanks for reading.
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Way to go! People are too stupid to have things like democracies.
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There is an argument that you could be right there!
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Why is life like this ….
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I have been asking myself that a lot recently!
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And I assume like me you have not come up with any answers!
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Afraid not.
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What a mess!
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His old pal, Donald. UGH. Oh this story is too real, Iain. I’m feeling queasy.
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The fact that it is even a possibility is bad enough. Too real indeed.
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I hate these prescient posts…. well told in a ‘you’ll frighten the children’ way!
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Well Theresa’s gone at last – he’s one step closer…
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Knock down the Donimoes
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This is really good, Iain. And so believable.
You have a gift at drawing the reader in with your style of writing!
Hope you are doing well––glad I came to visit. Catching up on posts, as I’ve left a job and am expanding my coaching practice! It’s been quite an adventure. 🙂
Blessings,
Debbie
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Thank you Debbie. Good luck with your latest venture, wishing you all the best 🙂
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Thank you, Iain! 🙂
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