This is how Hitler did it ... slowly over time

" Obama: "I Have An Obligation As President To Do What I Can Without" Congress

But when Congress refuses to act, and as a result, hurts our economy and puts our people at risk, then I have an obligation as President to do what I can without them. (Applause.) I’ve got an obligation to act on behalf of the American people. And I’m not going to stand by while a minority in the Senate puts party ideology ahead of the people that we were elected to serve. (Applause.) Not with so much at stake, not at this make-or-break moment for middle-class Americans. We’re not going to let that happen. (Applause.) "

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/01/05/obama_i_have_an_obligation_as_president_to_do_what_i_can_without_congress.html