Speaking only for myself, the fear of creeping authoritarianism is not about some grand conspiracy by "the elites" but rather about our collective tolerance of such a "new normal." I just responded to another commenter here who was lamenting the fact that the mask mandates are not permanent. That person's vote counts just as much as mine. I don't think it's ever unreasonable to think that any policy that restricts one's freedom has the potential to either a) become permanent or b) lead to additional restrictions.