I guess my point is that from the perspective of the oppressed the distinction between “democracy” and “fascism” is functionally meaningless.

I feel your point is that in the abstract “law and order” isn’t inherently fascistic, but in practice what difference does it make? One group enacts centralized violence against another, fully in line with the laws that they themselves have set. To the in-group, this is legitimate law and order. To those targeted, it’s fascistic oppression.

So then are the people fascist, or does the system create fascistic outcomes even when people think they’re just supporting “law and order”?