Creeping autocracy is a global problem. As you point out, "Ceaușescu is far more well regarded now than he was in power." I find limited comfort in your pronouncements about the strength of our democratic institutions and the demand from modern conservatives to maintain them. Aside from Mitt Romney at a couple of moments, GOP politicians have yet to stand up to the POTUS. Almost all appear willing to eschew democratic principles like the right to vote and be represented (see voter suppression, gerrymandering, and attempts to frighten immigrants from completing the Census) in order to rule as a numerical minority.