You couldn't describe Skinner's creation any better:
01. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy
DU was created because of the Bush boogieman. Over time various villains have come and gone and today the internal enemy is Bernie and the external enemy is Trump. There can be no logical discussion of said enemies other that they are just bad people.
02. Create a gulag
That would describe Skinner's fluid ban list.
03. Develop a thug caste
Both his moderators and the various fringe groups fill this role, arbitrarily deciding who's a good democrat and who's a bad one.
04. Set up an internal surveillance system
His whole alert system is set up to ensure posters monitor other posters' comments for ideological purity.
05. Harass citizens' groups
Step off the plantation and get alert stalked until you fall in line or get banned.
06. Engage in arbitrary detention and release
Some posters are allowed to be outrageous assholes, while others get slapped for the most minor indiscretion. Favoritism is the standard on the Island.
07. Target key individuals
Any poster who dissents with the group-think will be stalked and alerted on for any "non-echo chamber approved" thought.
08. Control the press
If your not regurgitating what is considered proper political thinking, you will be attacked until you correct your thinking.
09. Dissent equals treason
Disagreement with any Democrat is exactly the same as being a Trump-loving Republican.
10. Suspend the rule of law
As has happened more than once on DU, when any group gets a little too uppity do a mass-purge to get rid of the problem children.
Every time the DUmmies talk about the rise of fascists or totalitarians they describe the conditions that they willingly embrace. They really don't seem to understand the concept of freedom and independence.