Is anyone out there?

I seem to be repeating myself to no avail, but this is worth repeating because everyone is so intent in forgetting.

Steps of a closing society

Step 1: Invoke an external and internal threat

Step 2: Secret prison where torture can take place

Step 3: Develop a paramilitary force

Step 4: Surveil ordinary citizens

Step 5: Infiltrate citizens groups

Step 6: Detain and release ordinary citizens

Step 8: Restrict the press

Step 9: Recast criticism as espionage and dissent as treason

Step 10 Subvert the rule of law.

We can safely conclude that this society has gone through all these steps, so what makes this country a democracy??