Impeachment Acquittal How Democracy Dies — Vox

That the demographics of the US are shifting in ways that favor the Democratic party over the Repubes is such a foregone conclusion as to qualify to be a cliche of punditic political analysis. As such, we needn’t dwell on explaining it here or exploring the reasons for its existence any further. It is accepted as a truism of American politics.

What is not accepted as a truism of American politics is the Repube response to the situation. Most people, pundits included, looked at the ramifications of the changing US demographics and expected the Repubes to respond along the lines of trying to slow the demographic trends — thus the anti-immigration rhetoric and policies — and appeal to the rising demographic groups — appeals to conservative Asian-Americans, Latinx, and African Americans as well as greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ so-called Log Cabin Repubes.

Rotting Fish, A fish rots from the head down, corruption, political corruption, Trump, Republicans,
The GOP Subverts our Democracy

Instead, they responded by going full authoritarian: gerrymandering, voter suppression, packing the courts with radically unqualified partisan judges, violating the norms and traditions of our democratic institutions, ignoring the checks-and-balances of our Constitution, and making everything a partisan political choice.

If there were any situation that made this painfully clear, it is the vote in Wisconsin:

  • They have bought the Supreme Court. Whatever you thought about Chief Justice John Roberts, the Wisconsin decision makes it clear that the Roberts Court has been bought and paid for. The federal judiciary is as partisan as the Legislative and Executive branches are now.
  • The Repubes are willing to let people suffer and die to suppress the vote and retain office. The Wisconsin election proves that. They do not care a fig for democracy or the populace.
Compromise, the Heart of Democracy

The heart of democracy is compromise between the majority and minority. It’s true strength comes from allowing the minority a voice in governing decisions. The ACA is one of the best examples of how this approach to governance through compromise works and how the Repubes have turned their backs on democracy. The Repubes had many of their requirements for insuring the vast majority of the public met, whether they liked it or not.

The Repubes as led by McConnell — make no mistake, they kowtow to the Ol’ Pussy Grabber because he brings the rank and vile flying monkey brigade, but McConnell sets the policy and voting records — intend never to loose another election. They will use any and every means at their disposal to prevent a free and fair election that they fear they will lose.

This is what we’re up against. Our very democracy is at stake. We must organize against the efforts to destroy our democracy by using what is left of our democracy — the vote — to defend it. It has never been clearer than COVID19 has made it.

Image Attribution

This image was found using a Creative Commons search. It was found on a Wikipedia page. It was sourced to the American Civil Liberties Union, Connecticut. It is licensed as Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported.