This MAGA fascism train has been heading towards us, steadily picking up steam, since 2016. It’s astonishing to me that there are still folks who claim it’s all a mirage.

As someone who semi-casually-but-anxiously followed reporting about the rise of militia and neo-Klan stuff in the '90s, it was weird to hear people 20 years later claiming this had barely even been a thing. I've been appreciating the further historical background you've posted.

Well, the NYT writes about these people as if they choosing Pepsi over Coke, vs racism over democracy.

No one seems to remember the teaparty which was a Koch bros idea brought to life after the election of President Obama. Media insisted on calling it a “grassroots” movement when it was no such thing. Magas roots are in that racist fascist nonsense. Fully embraced and endorsed by the GOP.

It keeps happening because conservatives keep inviting the fascists into their party.