Retired Tech Exec Warns of Erosion of Democracy

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In a column, retired technology executive Tommy Turner warns that democracies rarely collapse all at once, but instead erode gradually as power begins to change how it operates, speaks, and what limits it accepts. He highlights four key patterns that can signal democratic backsliding: law enforcement becoming politicized, dehumanizing language entering official discourse, independent institutions being pressured or bent, and politics being reframed as war. Turner argues that while the U.S. still has strong democratic institutions, citizens must remain vigilant and recognize when power begins to operate without self-restraint, as erosion can become irreversible if not addressed.

Why it matters

Turner's warning is particularly relevant for Hampton Roads, which is home to major military and law enforcement institutions where the difference between lawful power and arbitrary power is not just theoretical. Recognizing the patterns he describes can help citizens in the region and beyond identify potential threats to democratic norms before they become entrenched.

The details

Turner outlines four key patterns that can signal the erosion of democracy: 1) Law enforcement becoming politicized and selectively enforcing the law based on loyalty or alignment rather than equal application; 2) Dehumanizing language about political opponents or vulnerable groups entering official discourse, lowering moral barriers; 3) Independent institutions like universities, media, and corporations facing pressure to demonstrate political loyalty rather than operate based on neutral standards; and 4) Politics being reframed as a 'war' where compromise is seen as betrayal and opponents are viewed as illegitimate.

• The column was published on March 17, 2026.

What they’re saying