Tag: Constitutional government

Opinion

Will Democracy trump authoritarian tendencies?

Ukrainians are battling Russian forces sent by a person who has seized control of the government and divided a lot of the money between his friends. America barely missed joining the club of nations run by authoritarians and their oligarchs on January 6th; but we are still awaiting what will happen to the would-be dictator (no charges for an attempted coup or other issues yet). Russians are lied to by state media and live in fear of being thrown in jail for saying the word “war”. Americans are lied to regularly by Republicans and radicalized media that place politics over truth. The battle between democracy and authoritarianism is more obvious after the invasion of Ukraine by Putin, but the result is far from clear. Some Russians dream of a great empire led by their country. They want to feel special and high on the hierarchy of cultures, just like some Americans who dream of an openly racist society that elevates their status. Lazy people with dreams of grandeur are fine with lies and violence to prop up their pathetic egos. Cain slew Able because he felt his brother had something that he lacked and was too weak to work on. Research and act to support truth, freedom, dignity for all, and democracy, Victimizing others will not create stronger people, societies, or futures.

Opinion

Are Republicans the fascist party?

Questions are being asked about whether one of the two major political parties is dedicated to America’s democratic experiment. Here are some of the reasons that Republicans are considered to be an anti-democratic force right now: 1) Republicans have adopted the big lie sold by Donald Trump that the 2020 election was fixed, or hacked, or stolen; with no evidence. 2) Republicans have not rebuked Donald Trump for his assault on the 2020 election or his encouragement of the January 6th insurrection. 3) Republicans do not want to investigate what took place at the US Capitol on January 6th or the events leading up to the assault. 4) Republicans are implicated in spreading the Big Lie before the assault on the Capitol and have politicized it to make voting more difficult for US citizens. 5) Republicans are gerrymandering voting districts to create imbalance in legislative bodies at the state and federal levels; removing representation from US citizens. 6) Republicans will not identify policies that they are in favor of as a party for the second time after the 2020 elections when they also had no party platform. The idea seems to be selling whatever fear works for the weeks during elections without a direction or theme. There are more reasons that today’s Republican Party represents a threat to democracy. Research and act to protect your rights as a citizen. Authoritarians and oligarchs reward those who sell themselves for status and power, but they have no interest in the common good. Voting against the current Republicans until they rebuild themselves as responsible leaders with new principled candidates committed to government that represents the American people.

Opinion

Time to focus

The great NFL wide receiver Michael Irvin is quoted as saying “Pressure makes the good fold, and the great focus.” Americans who believe in democracy and the rule of law need to focus right now to maintain and improve what we have as a country. What we must defend is our constitutional republic. Freedom loving people cannot turn away from the hot mess that is America. Donald Trump and Republicans want to create a country where they have overwhelming power and no accountability. The reality of Republican overreach does not mean that Democrats can do no wrong, but it does mean that we must factor in the threat posed by Republicans and their media echo chamber when voting or participating in civic life. Right now Republican lying and coverup for crimes and attempted coups are the major threat to the American way of life. Research and act to protect the future of decency and democracy.

Opinion

Trump’s America

In the world of Trump no one is responsible for anything. If you tell people to show up and threaten to get what you want; is it your fault? Trump did it on January 6, 2021 and he is not being charged with anything; are the smash and grab crime spree organizers different? I think that both should be held accountable, but in today’s America we are waiting almost a year later in Trump’s case. Leadership matters, but in modern America a wink and a nod agreement sends the message that others are to be targeted for behavior that has no impact for the right kinds of people. From mass murderers being taken for hamburgers by South Carolina police, to Trump leading a decades long crime spree with no consequences, we are witnessing an America lost and in danger. Millions of Americans claim they do not trust medical doctors or science, while others claim elections are rigged but provide no evidence. America’s enemies see a nation that is more likely to devolve into civil war than to fight to save democracy, or a liberal world order. America is weak and short-sighted enemies may pursue selfish goals rather than work together to save human civilization from climat crisis. The 2016 election may have been the final nail in the coffin; we shall see.

Opinion

Increase the pressure

Democrats in the congress and executive branch need to increase the urgency of getting the facts behind the attempted overthrow of the 2020 election. Criminals who openly defy congress (some after receiving pardons from Trump) should not be allowed to continue plotting with, and inspiring others to overthrow our republic. People like Steve Bannon should be compelled to tell the truth and accept accountability for their attack on the will of American citizens. When we vote for our leaders we convey the authority and power of our nation on them; not to convicts, conmen, and thugs who think they can impose their will through threats. Research, act, and vote to protect democracy and decency. Vote and act against Republicans until they support democracy.

Opinion

Take January 6 seriously

The American Republic is under an assault that began with the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Numerous books detail the malevolence of the Trump administration with the assistance of Republicans in congress. Too many people who should recognize the threat to democracy seem to be focused on tribe rather than country or decency. If we go over the cliff of the Trump Republican’s reconstruction of the country by allowing their control of government; the carnage will likely lead existential levels of destruction. Corrupt authoritarian government will focus on lies and cruelty to secure domination inside the country while likely starting a war to maximize confusion. The dominoes will fall in both expected and unexpected ways that will diminish hope and the odds for a return to democracy. Research and act to save our republic and defend the hope for a better future.

Opinion

Help wanted

Democracy around the world needs help, but the USA is the cornerstone country in trouble. If the American republic goes down, it may be a fatal blow for democracy. Republicans are pressuring for minority rule by minimizing minority voters and controlling the counting process. A suspicious vote leads to the decline of societal trust and the rise of oligarchs, autocrats, and ultimately dictators. Research the history of governmental systems and act to preserve the wisdom of the crowd known as a republic.