I agree with this opinion piece. I think that Americans should be alarmed by the cavalier attitude of the current administration toward the Constitution, the willingness of Trump to go around it to meet his selfish needs, and the complacency with which he is met by those on the right.
The one saving grace about Trump is his ineptitude. Long may that last, especially with and despite of John Kelly as Chief Enabler. Still, no matter how this episode in our history plays out, Trump has drawn up a blueprint for how someone with even modest political powers could, under the right circumstances bring our democracy tumbling down.
The one saving grace about Trump is his ineptitude. Long may that last, especially with and despite of John Kelly as Chief Enabler. Still, no matter how this episode in our history plays out, Trump has drawn up a blueprint for how someone with even modest political powers could, under the right circumstances bring our democracy tumbling down.
3
The premise of this otherwise excellent article is that the Republicans really want to stop the slide into fascism but are waiting foolishly for what will seem to them to be the right moment, but by then it will be too late. I think that this is not correct. I think that, with perhaps some exceptions, they are on board with Trump's goals even if they do not like him. They know he has the dictator's charm for the public (part of it, anyway) that they do not have. So he is their only path to the oligarchic, white supremacist society that most of them really do want. He is their ticket to "make America white again," and for that, it's now nor never - and indeed, they were lucky to get this fluke of a shot at it. They have had more than enough provocation to stand up to him but have not done it. Collins and Murkowski did it but only because of severe impact on their constituents. They overrode him on Russia but they know he is as guilty as Putin - more so, since Putin, is after all, our adversary, while he is our (ugh) President. The telltale sign is this: not one single Congressional Republican has denounced "massive voter fraud" as itself fraud. Not one. Even this alarmed and pessimistic article is too soft on the Congressional Republicans.
19
Another dumb article. The president cannot destroy democracy. This is a foolish premise. Although Obama did a really good job trying to destroy democracy with all of his executive orders. It should be noted that he had a record number of executive orders. That's what tyrants do.
4
There's no evidence presented here that Trump has violated the constitution! Don't like Trump's personality? Join David Brooks' support group. But let's not pretend there's anything going on here other than one more academic taking his turn at joining (and nurturing) the left's hysteria!
And for what, a warm and fuzzy with that crowd?
Waste of cyber ink.
And for what, a warm and fuzzy with that crowd?
Waste of cyber ink.
6
The Republican Congress is equally responsible for the destruction of the Democratic values of this country. They make excuses and condone the egregious behaviors of Trump and those in his inner circle like Steve Bannon. What is also disheartening is having 40% of the American people supporting a president with dictatorial tendencies.
9
Trump has merely pulled back the curtain on how big money rules DC. Both parties have become corrupted by it and our economy hinges on Wall St and the military. We the people barely factor into it.
The most demoralizing thing is the GOP not bothering with even a fig leaf, with few exceptions, of pretense that "the common good" matters. Clean air, water---no, corporate profits are what's paramount. And their donors' will.
Why hasn't Trump voters' anger dissipated with his win?
If people in power don't address as responsible adults the anger and despair of citizens--and model how to cooperate and compromise when appropriate--we are doomed.
The most demoralizing thing is the GOP not bothering with even a fig leaf, with few exceptions, of pretense that "the common good" matters. Clean air, water---no, corporate profits are what's paramount. And their donors' will.
Why hasn't Trump voters' anger dissipated with his win?
If people in power don't address as responsible adults the anger and despair of citizens--and model how to cooperate and compromise when appropriate--we are doomed.
7
Whatever the threat Donald Trump himself presents, let's at least not pretend that our institutions alone can and will fight off every threat to them. "Institutions are fortresses. They must be well-designed AND manned." -- Karl Popper. If we man them with people who wish to destroy them, or who teach their followers to hate institutional structures and worship their own personalistic leadership, or man them with utter fools, then they will not long endure. Trump's verbal assaults on his own restraints are dangerous.
There is rarely a moment, as Mounk notes, where everyone knows this is the end. Institutions are slowly eroded. Each small step is excused. The most important thing said in this piece is that when authoritarianism is being built, when institutions are being torn down, it is not always clear to everyone what is going on. That we have now reached a point where someone like Hillary Clinton is seen by most moderate Republicans as a bigger worry than an unstable, authoritarian demagogue, we can safely say our politics are broken and that partisanship is now an existential threat. ... Considering his behavior to date, if people cannot by now see that President Trump is a danger to the health of American democracy, maybe they never will.
There is rarely a moment, as Mounk notes, where everyone knows this is the end. Institutions are slowly eroded. Each small step is excused. The most important thing said in this piece is that when authoritarianism is being built, when institutions are being torn down, it is not always clear to everyone what is going on. That we have now reached a point where someone like Hillary Clinton is seen by most moderate Republicans as a bigger worry than an unstable, authoritarian demagogue, we can safely say our politics are broken and that partisanship is now an existential threat. ... Considering his behavior to date, if people cannot by now see that President Trump is a danger to the health of American democracy, maybe they never will.
10
Trump is a lunatic, we all know that now.
But what of the outwardly sane Republican Congressmen and Women who enable his madness. They are no better, and possibly worse, than the madman himself because they know what they are doing is harmful to the nation that they profess to love and serve.
Ryan, McConnell, Grassley, Hatch et al, traitors all.
But what of the outwardly sane Republican Congressmen and Women who enable his madness. They are no better, and possibly worse, than the madman himself because they know what they are doing is harmful to the nation that they profess to love and serve.
Ryan, McConnell, Grassley, Hatch et al, traitors all.
9
This is so stupid it is beyond belief, and the NY Times should be ashamed for publishing such drivel. Not one thing that has actually happened that this guy has pointed to is any threat to our democracy. If our country can't survive our President saying bad things, it is weak indeed.
As for all the horrible actions we should supposedly fear, they are either wild speculations in the mind of the author or totally Constitutional. The President has the right to fire his AG any time he wants -- how the idea he might fire him is a threat to our democracy is beyond me. Likewise, he has the right to fire Mueller any time he wants. The democracy will well survive a President acting in accordance with his powers.
There is no indication that Trump is going to shut down any newspapers, or do any other of the horrors this dude is conjuring up.
Trump is being lambasted from all sides, with no one showing any fear of repercussion. That is hardly the signs of a country in danger of being conquered by a despot.
As for all the horrible actions we should supposedly fear, they are either wild speculations in the mind of the author or totally Constitutional. The President has the right to fire his AG any time he wants -- how the idea he might fire him is a threat to our democracy is beyond me. Likewise, he has the right to fire Mueller any time he wants. The democracy will well survive a President acting in accordance with his powers.
There is no indication that Trump is going to shut down any newspapers, or do any other of the horrors this dude is conjuring up.
Trump is being lambasted from all sides, with no one showing any fear of repercussion. That is hardly the signs of a country in danger of being conquered by a despot.
7
As dozens of countries have proven before, becoming a Banana Republic doesn't have to be done WELL, it simply has to be done at all.
It's irrelevant that Trump is "weak".
It's irrelevant that his Cabinet is full of has-beens and half-wits.
It's irrelevant that Gorsuch loves Gitmo and torture.
It's irrelevant that the R's in both the House and the Senate are confused as to whether that "R" stands for "Republican" or "Russia".
None of that matters if the game plan is to serve the 1%.
You see, the 1% is very forgiving of their minions.
They are replaceable.
They are a dime a dozen.
Six months after the coup, those minions are all gone. Ever notice that?
Trump will go, the Official Gatekeeper of destruction.
His kids, in six months, will be gone.
Pence will be gone six months after that and then he can go home and have dinner with his wife and all will be well for they were good minions.
I fear I can't be very sympathetic.
This nation had a choice between what millions of us saw coming with this bunch.... or the most experienced and competent candidate ever offered.
None of this had to happen.
But it has.
And please, don't put such faith in the Constitution.
I did that once.
And then Ronnie Reagan and the "Moral" majority said that the true majority of this nation - the women - were not to have Constitutional inclusion.
It's now taken 35-40 years, but that one exclusion has now caught up with the rest of you.
Equality does matter.
Just ask any Banana Republic.
It's irrelevant that Trump is "weak".
It's irrelevant that his Cabinet is full of has-beens and half-wits.
It's irrelevant that Gorsuch loves Gitmo and torture.
It's irrelevant that the R's in both the House and the Senate are confused as to whether that "R" stands for "Republican" or "Russia".
None of that matters if the game plan is to serve the 1%.
You see, the 1% is very forgiving of their minions.
They are replaceable.
They are a dime a dozen.
Six months after the coup, those minions are all gone. Ever notice that?
Trump will go, the Official Gatekeeper of destruction.
His kids, in six months, will be gone.
Pence will be gone six months after that and then he can go home and have dinner with his wife and all will be well for they were good minions.
I fear I can't be very sympathetic.
This nation had a choice between what millions of us saw coming with this bunch.... or the most experienced and competent candidate ever offered.
None of this had to happen.
But it has.
And please, don't put such faith in the Constitution.
I did that once.
And then Ronnie Reagan and the "Moral" majority said that the true majority of this nation - the women - were not to have Constitutional inclusion.
It's now taken 35-40 years, but that one exclusion has now caught up with the rest of you.
Equality does matter.
Just ask any Banana Republic.
67
The surest way to show this caricature of a president the door is by the ballot box ,,,,if we all show up.
27
A common fallacy. Because of the Electoral College, tens of millions fewer voters, or tens of millions more voters, could have shown up at the ballot box without making the slightest difference in the results (of the race for president).
24
The Russian collusion story is old tired and done. If there was any it would have been leaked out/found out way before now. Now to mention the I.R.S. finding problems. All a ton of democrat nonsense for a scandal and something to do. Americans are tired of it and want tax reform, healthcare and other accomplishments.
10
It had gotten out, in a vast pattern of meetings and financial dealings that can be explained by nothing else. It helps to see that each contact, meeting, and agreement is vigorously denied until the moment it is validated -- often by the President or his family -- and we move on to the next stage.
31
what's stopping tax reform and health care? your guys are in charge and can't get it done. don't blame the Russia investigation. the incompetence starts at the top.
3
Add in the new reports that Trump's political appointees at the Justice Dept. want to actively sue universities for their affirmative action programs. As well as direct resources from the civil rights division to investigate college admissions. It sounds like a witch hunt.
It reminds us Donald Trump questioned the legitimacy of President Obama for his entire 8 year presidency, demanding birth certificate, and claiming he fraudulently got into Harvard and Columbia. Literally stalking him.
And reminding us Jeff Sessions has a problematic history with matters of race, once calling a black attorney "boy," and telling him he'd better learn how to talk to white people. And other issues related to his role as AG in Alabama ensuring all white judges were in the state judiciary.
And no doubt Trump's cabinet is filled with white men. No doubt he ran on a platform of white nationalism, also promoted by co-president, Steve Bannon, who prior to entering the white house as senior adviser, ran the website he admitted provided a forum and safe haven for white supremacists. It was not unusual to see confederate flags at Trump's rallies.
And any casual observer from the past two years knows that much of Trump's Twitter contained tweets and links from sites run by these groups.
So we're starting a new week in Trump and his cohorts using our institutions to further destroy democracy. And we are headed in dangerous terrain:
All of a sudden college admissions are a big problem in America?
It reminds us Donald Trump questioned the legitimacy of President Obama for his entire 8 year presidency, demanding birth certificate, and claiming he fraudulently got into Harvard and Columbia. Literally stalking him.
And reminding us Jeff Sessions has a problematic history with matters of race, once calling a black attorney "boy," and telling him he'd better learn how to talk to white people. And other issues related to his role as AG in Alabama ensuring all white judges were in the state judiciary.
And no doubt Trump's cabinet is filled with white men. No doubt he ran on a platform of white nationalism, also promoted by co-president, Steve Bannon, who prior to entering the white house as senior adviser, ran the website he admitted provided a forum and safe haven for white supremacists. It was not unusual to see confederate flags at Trump's rallies.
And any casual observer from the past two years knows that much of Trump's Twitter contained tweets and links from sites run by these groups.
So we're starting a new week in Trump and his cohorts using our institutions to further destroy democracy. And we are headed in dangerous terrain:
All of a sudden college admissions are a big problem in America?
39
Some people are liberal. Some are conservative. The simple fact that each of these parties is totally unable to recognize the other is worse than the craziness brought upon us by Trump. Each one of us needs a long hard look in a mirror.
9
We did not get to this place overnight. The Republicans have been on this course long before Trump. It is wishful thinking to suppose that they will depose Trump for any transgression. The only legal solution is for the Democrats to win in 2018.
34
Just when will his supporters finally concluded that the country is more important than the gang of scoundrels?
17
The garbage that leaked out of the DNC during the last election did nothing to help the Democracy of the United States, but how quickly one forgets!
10
Who cares? They're not in power. Trump is, and he's attacking the rule of law. Unless you want the US to turn into Turkey, you'd find this worrisome and would try to stop it.
47
Look to Venezuela to see how democracies are destroyed not to capitalists. If Venezuela was a capitalist nation then they would be thriving. They have wonderful resources that if managed responsibility would give the average Venezuelan a good life. Too many examples to list here.
6
The key words that you said about Venezuela are "if managed responsibility" (sic). Venezuela was a capitalist country before Chavez, but to great extent it was also a true banana republic, and things were not good for the average Venezuelan. The few things that worked to make things better could easily be labeled "socialist" by many right wingers. Fixing this type of place requires some correction of the tremendous imbalance of money in that country, but a corrupt dictatorship is not the answer, whether it comes from the left or the right.
Again, you mention the concept "managed responsibly". For the benefit of whom?
Again, you mention the concept "managed responsibly". For the benefit of whom?
15
The difference in views between Trump supporters and everyone else are so extreme that it makes me think of the U.S. before the Civil War. Where is the room for compromise when the so-called GOP "base" really doesn't believe in the rule of law and representative democracy as we have known it, when they have a bundle of single-issue agendas that they want to impose on everyone, when they are willing to turn the country over to the most rich and greedy?
34
Justice is now redirecting the civil rights division to go after colleges that promote affirmative action looking for white racism.
Any understanding of AA shows the statistical basis for AA. You look at diversity in the recruiting area and compare it with diversity utilized in the admissions process. if there is a significant disparity, you look for a problem.
Racism against white people is not a thing. But our Justice Department is directing resources there.
and who said Sessions was a white supremacist?
Any understanding of AA shows the statistical basis for AA. You look at diversity in the recruiting area and compare it with diversity utilized in the admissions process. if there is a significant disparity, you look for a problem.
Racism against white people is not a thing. But our Justice Department is directing resources there.
and who said Sessions was a white supremacist?
20
A young Lt Grant said during President Polk's contrived Mexican-American War, that nations like people reap what it has sewn. And so Americans with willful blindness to a man whose faults of bigotry and malevolence were fully on display voted POTUS to bring full circle hypocrisy of the Declaration of Independence. And so we beat on...
17
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemöller
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemöller
37
Wow. That's "chicken-little-ism" on steroids. Obviously plays well with the choir here though.
9
If nobody recognizes it in time, nobody can take measures to prevent it. Case in point, as noted in the column, the good people of Germany.
24
I would like to believe that one man and his acolyte are just a wee bit short of being able to destroy our democracy. Are they trying to turn the clock back, yes. Will they succeed? So far their accomplishments are pretty lacking and mostly defined by failure. They are ignorant about how government in Washington works and so far it doesn't look like they are getting any smarter. Threating legislators is the not going to be too productive. If Trump pushes too far the Congress can undo anything he does and enact restrictions on his abilities to do much of anything. Of course the question is will the infantile narcissistic child Trump last that long. In his own words, "only time will tell".
5
I usually don't believe in conspiracies; I think people are generally not competent enough to pull them off. So for some time, I have been thinking Trump was dangerous because of his ego, incompetence and very small circle of acolytes, the closest being members of his immediate family. Now, my fear is growing because I sense a grand design with a deep plan to dismantle the safeguards that protect our democracy evidenced by: his willingness to lie about just about anything if it serves him; assaults on the rule of law by actions to remake DOJ to serve his personal agenda; dismantling of the administrative state by appointing department heads whose expressed goals are to shut down their departments; undermining, bypassing and planting distrust of the press; remaking (packing) the Supreme and lower Courts with beholden right wing appointees; placing [his] generals in critical positions to carry out his orders; encouraging his 2nd amendmenters to take matters into their own hands if unhappy with how he is treated; tweeting his consistent messages of admiration for dictators and strongmen and being wronged by the elites and those opposing "the people". And all the while he distracts us with the reality show chaos of his administration. In spite of all this, 80% of Republicans support him! Will the Joint Chiefs ultimately see him as a threat to democracy and act? Will we?
32
It seems to me that generals, who know best the cost of war, are the last to want war. I'm hoping that General Kelly, being in close proximity, can keep the crazy train on the tracks and keep us safe from Trump's worst impulses.
6
You are right on point. Read, "Democracy in Chains" by Nancy MacLean and, "No is not Enough" by Naomi Klein. Then put on a sweater because you'll have chills. Simply by rolling back Obama era regulations and NOT staffing crucial government, positions he has turned back the clock. Those he HAS appointed will turn it back even further - back to before the New Deal. Frightening!
14
What foolishness. I may not like the President but I have the choice of not voting for him. I may not like his style but he may not like mine. I may not agree with his policies but he won and he has 4 years to make them work or not. He is being investigated but reading articles as this are projections of events not yet in play. And, if , per chance, he has breached the standard, we will have an orderly transition to the Vice President, who, the last I looked, shares many of the same political views....and is far more socially conservative......" the more things change......
7
True enough. But it is not his policies, such as they are, that warrant such repugnance. It is his relentless attacks on our democratic process, such as politicizing everything he touches, and his childish, impatient, malign and intemperent character.
1
Not just the Democracy, the dollar is down over 10% since the beginning of the year. Every time Trump fires someone or is caught in a major lie, the dollar takes another hit. Why? Because the world does not see us pulling through this attack on our democracy and this attack on the nice solid and predictable Obama economy which I suspect is not going to survive Trump either. He is inept at every level of governance...
I would give him a blanket pardon for all crimes right now if he would just resign. Would you?
I would give him a blanket pardon for all crimes right now if he would just resign. Would you?
11
I am not worried that Trump will threaten our democracy. Congress and the Supreme Court will not bend to DT and, in fact, congress is just avoiding him and doing the peoples' work, for better and worse.
What threatens our democracy is that the country is run by plutocrats. If you're not the top 10%, you are a nobody.
What threatens our democracy is that the country is run by plutocrats. If you're not the top 10%, you are a nobody.
11
This long time Democrat is a strong Trump supporter.
Jobs: I came to US from India 30 years ago, went to college and worked my way up the Corporate ladder, only to lose my job to a H1-B who I had to train. HRC was going to expand that program, atleast Trump is doing something about the abuse of this program and bringing manufacturing jobs back.
Health-Care: The biggest benefits went to the dirt poor, all healthcare paid by taxpayers with Medicaid expansion. Middle class buyers have high deductible and get little out of this program except having to pay for others. That is not insurance when you pay premiums for yourself and your taxes pay for others.
College: As Asians, our kids have an extremely difficult time getting into a good college when compared to unrepresented minorities. It is time this practice stopped, Trump has started to address it.
Taxes: I like lower taxes.
Conclusion: We have to vote for what is in our best interest, and not for policy wonks who are more concerned about LGBT rights than jobs for Americans.
America First, it is what it is.
Jobs: I came to US from India 30 years ago, went to college and worked my way up the Corporate ladder, only to lose my job to a H1-B who I had to train. HRC was going to expand that program, atleast Trump is doing something about the abuse of this program and bringing manufacturing jobs back.
Health-Care: The biggest benefits went to the dirt poor, all healthcare paid by taxpayers with Medicaid expansion. Middle class buyers have high deductible and get little out of this program except having to pay for others. That is not insurance when you pay premiums for yourself and your taxes pay for others.
College: As Asians, our kids have an extremely difficult time getting into a good college when compared to unrepresented minorities. It is time this practice stopped, Trump has started to address it.
Taxes: I like lower taxes.
Conclusion: We have to vote for what is in our best interest, and not for policy wonks who are more concerned about LGBT rights than jobs for Americans.
America First, it is what it is.
10
Who will you run to for help when the manufactured hatred against minorities begins to expand beyond dark skinned neighbors, to include Asians? What then?
6
I am quite capable of taking care of myself. I vote as a citizen for the benefit of the country as a whole.
8
If you're satisfied to include corporate welfare not to mention the very wealthy who get enormous tax breaks into the mix , than you're probably in this group and it's in your best interest , maybe in India where the poor are poor and stay there is a better fit ; however this is America where we believe in helping our neighbor and in making it possible for others to advance . It is capitalism which you seem to like , and agreed it is difficult and expensive to send your kids to college but that is part of capitalism too , colleges have become houses of learning for those who can afford them , a lot of foreign students are commonplace in our universities , but back to your point, which is simply, begrudging help to the less fortunate . That my friend is not America first , but me and mine first , fie.
15
Very interesting article. Potus rogue white house staff has said the same thing, that we cannot wait for the right moment, and they published letters from the white house staff to the president, pretty scathing too. ( I have no idea how legitimate this twitter account is) I would rather be safe than sorry. There are many comments mentioning how inept Trump is and I will venture that he is also stupid. And it dawned on me that with all his business failures his corporate life has been kept alive by money laundering for the Russians all these years. Now that they got sanctioned, who will be keeping Trump afloat? Did the Republican party fight with the Russians over Trump, hence the sanctions? My mouth is still hanging open at the brazen, and blatant Republican death care bills. I so wish to know if many Trump supporters had any idea of what was planned for them. Yes, stand up NOW and fight for Democracy. All it take is one act of war or a flimsy excuse of martial law to be declared and we lose everything. Who knows how deep the far right is in with the military? Trump is just the pawn. His prowess as a dictator is no more than a tantrum addicted toddler. Pence is the snake in the grass.
14
Why wait for another assault on your democracy or another Presidential outrage? Men and women of fair intent and with a good conscience should be organising and resisting now. The rest of the free world is watching and wanting to help but ultimately it is up to you Americans to exercise your democratic and constitutional rights.
21
stay tuned. I am sure we ain't seen nothin' yet. Trump has not yet gone into his full whackadoodle mode. It will come sooner rather than later. we will get to see him lash out at the cabinet appointees who quit rather than wait for him to demean them (further) and the " so disloyal" Republicans in Congress who will speak out against his threatening them. his cabinet will consist only of Dr. Ben Carson (who is still sleeping and dreaming about the pyramids) and Rick Perry ( who is still trying to find his office). He will as Scaramucci to come back to the White House as a "Senior Advisor" or whatever other position he desires. After all, Scaramucci is "loyal" and loves the President.
11
DO AMERICANS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? What about a Republican congress that chooses its party over its Nation? We can only do so much. this is a nation of laws and unfortunately this election has been rigged to favor of the dumb. unless we do an all-out Revolution, does the curity of the nation is in the hands of the Cowardly.
8
One page in the playbook of popularly elected leaders who aspire to dictatorship is to rewrite the country's constitution - see the recent examples of Turkey and Venezuela.
If anyone wants one more reason to fear Trump's rise, they should consider the movement among conservatives in the states to convene a constitutional convention (see https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/23/us/inside-the-conservative-push-for-s... ).
If I understand correctly, such a convention could write literally anything into the new document. Anything. A lifetime presidential term followed by hereditary succession, for example.
I can easily imagine Trump pursuing such a course were he to win a second term. And I can also easily imagine a lot of his voters going along with it. If the military and police who he flatters so often were to go along as well, then what?
If anyone wants one more reason to fear Trump's rise, they should consider the movement among conservatives in the states to convene a constitutional convention (see https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/23/us/inside-the-conservative-push-for-s... ).
If I understand correctly, such a convention could write literally anything into the new document. Anything. A lifetime presidential term followed by hereditary succession, for example.
I can easily imagine Trump pursuing such a course were he to win a second term. And I can also easily imagine a lot of his voters going along with it. If the military and police who he flatters so often were to go along as well, then what?
4
What happens if the unthinkable happens?
Mueller stays and completes his investigation and concludes that team Trump DID NOT COLLUDE with the Russians, and Hillary lost, all on her own?
How will Snowflake Nation deal with that calamity?
Remember. President Trump was also an unthinkable concept last November.
Mueller stays and completes his investigation and concludes that team Trump DID NOT COLLUDE with the Russians, and Hillary lost, all on her own?
How will Snowflake Nation deal with that calamity?
Remember. President Trump was also an unthinkable concept last November.
7
A conclusion that collusion did not occur does not lead to the conclusion that Russia's meddling in the election had no effect.
Obviously.
How would snowflake you deal with that if that is the conclusion?
Obviously.
How would snowflake you deal with that if that is the conclusion?
8
The unthinkable are unthinking thugs, such as yourself, destroying 250 years of functioning Government.
8
If collusion had no effect then how else did Russia have an effect. Sorry it is not obvious to some who don't wear a tin hat.
1
Look to Venezuela as a crystal ball.
7
It's happening as we speak. Trump has a war going against the free press and Republicans are passing laws to keep people who don't agree with them from voting.
20
Please check your history books. ALL presidents argue with the media. Except for Obama, who was given a free pass by the media, despite jailing nine of them.
1
When I first came to this country in 1950 at 14, my fellow pupils in school had some interest in Nazi Germany that had been defeated only 5 yrs before. I was asked repeatedly: "Can it happen here?" I said "it could happen here". The reason I said so was that for me Nazi Germany did not have the same meaning it had for them: fiendish, cruel, genocidal, hostile to all but the Führer. Too many were indeed all those things. But I knew none of them nor did most of those around me. We were just happy the war was over and we survived. My lack of education then about the causes of the demise of Weimar Democracy were a poor foundation for that judgment I made: "yes, it could happen here." Now, however, I know much more: Germans were then, i.e. in the 20s and early 30's real people like you and I, and they made unwise decisions that can also be and regularly are made here now. Fiends, genocidal decisions, and dictatorship do not and did not then just plunk down from heaven: Real people made real decisions that made those awful things happen. Yes, there is common ground, despite the many economic, social, cultural and historical differences, between Germany then and the USA now. And the common ground are the people. They were not wakeful enough in Germany then. Americans are too sleepy now. We have a precious tradition here that we call "Democracy". Sometimes I feel like shouting to my American neighbors: "America, wake up! There is real and present danger!"
36
Most human monsters are ordinary people , read Hannah Arendt .
2
Well written piece. Trump is a mentally ill sociopath and somehow collectively we have to stand up to him.
The GOP congress basically has the intelligence & integrity of toe fungus, we know they'll never do anything but lick his boots.
And most trump voters seem to have no ability or inclination to search for actual facts, learn about complex issues ... they basically are happy to let an ignorant fool like trump do their thinking for them.
So it is up to us to defend the country, our democracy and our constitution anyway we possibly can. Let's keep trying with resolve to remove this buffoon. It's the only way we'll survive.
The GOP congress basically has the intelligence & integrity of toe fungus, we know they'll never do anything but lick his boots.
And most trump voters seem to have no ability or inclination to search for actual facts, learn about complex issues ... they basically are happy to let an ignorant fool like trump do their thinking for them.
So it is up to us to defend the country, our democracy and our constitution anyway we possibly can. Let's keep trying with resolve to remove this buffoon. It's the only way we'll survive.
28
I don't need Donald Trump to tell me the stock market is up, I can read or view the REAL NEWS.
2
The fact that the stock market is up is entirely irrelevant to both the real economy and to the point of this piece.
11
Seriously shortsighted on your part and only illustrates you don't understand the stock market if you think a 6 month run-up must attest to the current president's policies or even Tweets. Read someone who matters: Warren Buffett
11
Talk about an understatement: "[Trump] is relatively unpopular, mired in scandal and divided by infighting". If Trump fires Mueller, Trump will no longer be handled like a little kid in a candystore, as he's been handled so far by the American people. Americans will not stand for such a characterless, undeserving weasel in the White House.
You are correct in noting that around 40 percent of voters — and some 80 percent of Republicans — approve of Trump's performance. This thus translates into why most Republican senators and congressmen have yet to oppose him publicly. This percentage will go down if Trump fires Mueller - you can bet the house on that.
You are correct in noting that around 40 percent of voters — and some 80 percent of Republicans — approve of Trump's performance. This thus translates into why most Republican senators and congressmen have yet to oppose him publicly. This percentage will go down if Trump fires Mueller - you can bet the house on that.
9
I wish we could be the "House" on that as well as the Senate! Nonetheless, we cannot. Those of us who live in NYC and NJ have always known what he is and those who voted for him had every opportunity to accept this as well via news commentary, news stories old and new, his rallies and finally that horrifying Access Hollywood tape which showed him in his own words to be a sexual predator if not an outright rapist! They elected him anyways either despite these flaws or worse because of them.
As long as Congress remains spineless, we are in real danger. The cowards that put their own selfish wants above the Constitution, and continue to pretend that Trump is not a danger to our country are almost criminal in their neglect.
19
People constantly reply to these articles assessing blame for who put Cheeto Benito in power. Who cares, its done. Now its all about how do we get him out, and how do we never repeat this mistake. it doesnt matter anymore why he got elected. Its time for the country to stand up and look forward and learn from our mistakes.
11
There's a direct contradiction between saying " it doesn't matter anymore why he got elected" on the one hand and "Its time for the country to stand up... and learn from our mistakes" on the other. This is the error Democrats keep making, which is why they keep losing elections, and why they will likely be much less successful in next year's elections than they could be.
1
This plea was brilliantly made by Masha Gessen two days after the "election" last November. (http://www.nybooks.com/daily/2016/11/10/trump-election-autocracy-rules-f... ) But for Republicans to violate Reagan's "11th Commandment"? Oh, please! (Maybe literally now!) Also, even prior to this administration and Republican control of the other branches there have been similar, eloquent and even empirically based publications. Dr. Wolin's and Dr. Altemeyer's works may be especially noted here. Authoritarians through corporate control have been working on this change in things for quite some time. The educated and intelligent community cannot say "Who knew?"
5
As enjoyable or (or ghastly, depending on your point of view) as it is to watch the sorry spectacle of the Trump Circus Train derailing, let's not forget how difficult, costly and time consuming it will be to right our tender democracy when all the dust has settled and the true scale of the wreckage becomes apparent.
15
Trump dictated son’s misleading statement on meeting with Russian lawyer according to Washington Post. Obstruction Pattern apparent. Witness Tampering. The only sure way to save the Republic is to stand up to the President's Obstruction- Impeach today, not next week, or next month, --today.
18
Popular vote is the only logical method of election. Why should it matter what state a person is from? Is a vote from someone from New York worth more than mine?
1 Person = 1 Vote.
1 Person = 1 Vote.
22
Not sure which Portland you're from, but either way the vote of a New Yorker is worth less, as far as presidential elections go.
2
Remember this: ‘I’m the Last Thing Standing Between You and the Apocalypse,’ New York Times Magazine, Oct. 11, 2016.
6
What is clear, and ironic, is that when Republicans have full power, our democracy is in peril.
20
Scaramucci said in his BBC interview "This is a disruptive startup" and nodded his head toward the W.H. He said, "The President is taking us back to our disruptive roots." 'Disruptive startup'? Well, if that's the 'plan', I better know what that means. I wrote a piece explaining how this business model is an easy over-lay onto our election and government systems. You can Google it at
Political Bricologic. (It's just a place I write my ideas - I'm not 'hookup' with anyone.) The business model is complicated enough that it takes an 'article' to explain - but basically you challenge the 'big' by turning their model up side down. I was very surprised at how an existing business model 'fits' what we are observing from the W.H. Scaramucci may have been useful to us after all.
Political Bricologic. (It's just a place I write my ideas - I'm not 'hookup' with anyone.) The business model is complicated enough that it takes an 'article' to explain - but basically you challenge the 'big' by turning their model up side down. I was very surprised at how an existing business model 'fits' what we are observing from the W.H. Scaramucci may have been useful to us after all.
1
You did not get your way (your preferred candidate did not win). You loathe Trump. He makes your skin crawl. I understand. There are a lot of people who have opinions that are different than you. Maybe polar opposite opinions. You think they are stupid. Of course you do. You lecture at an Ivy League school. But to conflate your feelings into a narrative that our Democracy is being destroyed (a ridiculous headline btw) is impossible to take seriously.
7
Why is that? To convince others, you must build an argument. Your statements are conclusory, and us unpersuasive.
6
It is not about getting our own way. Trump is a serial liar that is a clear and present danger to our democracy. I am neither an elite, or an Ivy League lecturer and I can see the dangers of Trump and his authoritarian ilk. Why can't you?
12
We should be wary. He's egged on police brutality, taunted North Korea, connived with Russia, and isn't even peaceful with his own party.
Sitting poised and ready to take away your healthcare, and calling senators sissies for not doing so already.
A dog-eat-dog inner circle. His daughter tweets she's ready to work side by side with the general who's apparently took over the white house.
This president's disastrous entrance onto the world stage. And a national security adviser and national security adviser teaming up to tell the world this horrid statement:
Cohn and McMaster:
"The president embarked on his first foreign trip with a clear-eyed outlook that the world is not a ‘global community’ but an arena where nations, nongovernmental actors and businesses engage and compete for advantage. We bring to this forum unmatched military, political, economic, cultural and moral strength. Rather than deny this elemental nature of international affairs, we embrace it."
You know---that sounds like embracing war mongering.
Sitting poised and ready to take away your healthcare, and calling senators sissies for not doing so already.
A dog-eat-dog inner circle. His daughter tweets she's ready to work side by side with the general who's apparently took over the white house.
This president's disastrous entrance onto the world stage. And a national security adviser and national security adviser teaming up to tell the world this horrid statement:
Cohn and McMaster:
"The president embarked on his first foreign trip with a clear-eyed outlook that the world is not a ‘global community’ but an arena where nations, nongovernmental actors and businesses engage and compete for advantage. We bring to this forum unmatched military, political, economic, cultural and moral strength. Rather than deny this elemental nature of international affairs, we embrace it."
You know---that sounds like embracing war mongering.
15
Sorry, but I don't think Americans even realize what is happening to their country. I will be like a kick in the pants when the entire catastrophe comes to fruition. It will not be the meek shall inherit the Earth. The meek will suffer irreparably. The trump no matter what, has infected the minds of the ignorant and that's that.
19
Mr Trump is the result of subterfuge on the part of Republicans, Russia and global Plutocrats and an indirect assault on our cultural sensibilites by no less than ISIS. Without the cultural terror war that ISIS has engaged in, our fellow Americans identified as Republican voters would never have tolerated a debased character occupying the highest office of the Nation. Cynicism, power mongering and "winning" at all costs has laid bare the morally bankrupted party of Lincoln and Reagan, both of whom would disavow themselves of any association with this party that walks the razors edge of treason.
12
How ironic that Trump turned out to be everything the GOP and their crony news outlets falsely accused Obama of being; "radical", "authoritarian", "corrupt", "king-wannabe", "arrogant", "a threat to democracy", all these is Trump. How feeble they are when confronting the Frankenstein they made.
I hope history will be fair to McConnell, Rubio, Ryan, King, Burgess, Gowdy and remember them for the opportunistic and irresponsible sycophants they have been, putting our democracy in peril because they thought their madman could help them deliver some tax cuts.
I hope history will be fair to McConnell, Rubio, Ryan, King, Burgess, Gowdy and remember them for the opportunistic and irresponsible sycophants they have been, putting our democracy in peril because they thought their madman could help them deliver some tax cuts.
17
The GOP has been on a slow crawl and now march in trench warfare since W. lost the popular vote, but won in the electoral college.
Coming with the realization that they didn't need to steal the entire election, but by winning districts in key states, they win the entire state's electoral college votes. Flipping an entire state into the red column and keep it from going BLUE. That is why 45 loves to talk and look at "the post-election map" and why this country needs to kill the electoral college.
Now within each red state, with the help of Ryan and McConnell, not to mention GOP governors, using the JENGA art of deconstruction of the DEEP STATE, we now have what appears to be democracy with several key pieces missing or no longer "load bearing."
Getting a helping hand from Russian operatives, NRA and voter suppression tactics, gerrymandering, evangelical christians, Faux News and AM talk radio they feel empowered to help 45 take the wrecking ball to what they have not already undermined...!
Kinda like how the Taliban demolished ancient artifacts and institutions that had stood for centuries, but also stood in their way of what they deemed "progress...!"
Coming with the realization that they didn't need to steal the entire election, but by winning districts in key states, they win the entire state's electoral college votes. Flipping an entire state into the red column and keep it from going BLUE. That is why 45 loves to talk and look at "the post-election map" and why this country needs to kill the electoral college.
Now within each red state, with the help of Ryan and McConnell, not to mention GOP governors, using the JENGA art of deconstruction of the DEEP STATE, we now have what appears to be democracy with several key pieces missing or no longer "load bearing."
Getting a helping hand from Russian operatives, NRA and voter suppression tactics, gerrymandering, evangelical christians, Faux News and AM talk radio they feel empowered to help 45 take the wrecking ball to what they have not already undermined...!
Kinda like how the Taliban demolished ancient artifacts and institutions that had stood for centuries, but also stood in their way of what they deemed "progress...!"
12
I disagree with the mood of this story.
Did Americans elect a dangerous clown at the WH that's making an extremely bad figure to them as people in front of the rest of the world ?
Yes, they did. But this was only a mistake. After this and after the lesson that comes from it, all the American people will be wiser next time.
This Trump-et must be seen as the initial phase of a disease, when fever gets high because the immune system hasn't engaged yet.
USA people has the antibodies to treat this disease.
Did Americans elect a dangerous clown at the WH that's making an extremely bad figure to them as people in front of the rest of the world ?
Yes, they did. But this was only a mistake. After this and after the lesson that comes from it, all the American people will be wiser next time.
This Trump-et must be seen as the initial phase of a disease, when fever gets high because the immune system hasn't engaged yet.
USA people has the antibodies to treat this disease.
5
There is an issue and it may soon be a Constitutional crisis. However, articles like this that use comparisons to Russia, Turkey, etc are I think flawed. If you look at the Hofstede cultural metrics, imperfect as things like this can be, and do a comparison to the US you will see key areas where we are culturally opposite. A true demise of democracy in the US would be greatly resisted.
1
We need to see Trump's tax returns. That is the only thing that will bring him down at this time. The Republicans like their power too much to stand up to the President who they know should not be in the office. They care more about staying in power themselves then what is good for our country.
There is a revolutions coming.
There is a revolutions coming.
9
The Republicans in Congress are performing a delicate political calculus to decide if they should remove Trump. Right now they need him as a signing puppet. But they're not stupid; they know that they longer they tolerate his behavior, the more he damages the Republican brand. If they act now, they're admitting as a party that he was a huge mistake, but they at least limit further damage. If they wait until the next election, they're hoping the damage isn't so bad they can't get re-elected.
As of now they wait, as they try to push their agenda. With the ACA repeal stalled, they're moving on to tax reform and other matters. If they don't get a win soon, their mood could change.
As of now they wait, as they try to push their agenda. With the ACA repeal stalled, they're moving on to tax reform and other matters. If they don't get a win soon, their mood could change.
8
Can the editorials wait until Trump actually does one of these things? Sessions is not fired, Trump hasn't pardoned anyone, and the investigation is ongoing. Speculative editorials like this reduce the impact of actual news - encouragung us to react to a speculative (read: fake) reality.
3
I'm starting to believe that the progressive left suffers from paranoid delusions. Nothing Trump has done threatens democracy. We've seen clearly that the balance of power among the judicial, legislative and executive branches remains as sound as ever.
Trump has played by the rules. Obama signed executive orders. Trump signed executive orders. The author's examples of destroying democracy are simply silly. Trump can fire people in the executive branch.
So, if anyone has a serious notion of something Trump has done to destroy democracy please bring it forward.
You can't put forward collusion with Russia as there is no proof of that -- and even if the Trump team colluded -- the vote was not affected and the leaked DNC docs didn't sway votes. They were embarrassing, primarily to the DNC, but we already knew HRC was corrupt.
You can't put forward tax returns as that isn't a legal requirement, it is a tradition.
So, somebody please identify one thing Trump has done that is destroying democracy.
You can't, because there is nothing. Nothing except for hatred of Trump by the left. And it is the left's behavior that is a threat because they are attempting to re-litigate an election that was won legally -- and in the process disenfranchise all those who voted for Trump.
Trump has played by the rules. Obama signed executive orders. Trump signed executive orders. The author's examples of destroying democracy are simply silly. Trump can fire people in the executive branch.
So, if anyone has a serious notion of something Trump has done to destroy democracy please bring it forward.
You can't put forward collusion with Russia as there is no proof of that -- and even if the Trump team colluded -- the vote was not affected and the leaked DNC docs didn't sway votes. They were embarrassing, primarily to the DNC, but we already knew HRC was corrupt.
You can't put forward tax returns as that isn't a legal requirement, it is a tradition.
So, somebody please identify one thing Trump has done that is destroying democracy.
You can't, because there is nothing. Nothing except for hatred of Trump by the left. And it is the left's behavior that is a threat because they are attempting to re-litigate an election that was won legally -- and in the process disenfranchise all those who voted for Trump.
2
This is hilarious.....thanks for your injection of humor. I bet you even wrote it with a straight face.
1
Good Grief, Charlie Brown !!
It's taken people this long to figure out Trump is a despot-wannabe ????
Saw this the minute he went on the campaign trail in 2015 ...
It's taken people this long to figure out Trump is a despot-wannabe ????
Saw this the minute he went on the campaign trail in 2015 ...
10
Let's not forget who the most devoted Trumpists are: neo-Nazis. If Trump continues to get away with already very long list of constitutional violations, and other infractions, and democracy does indeed fall, his neo-Nazi followers will go from merely feeling empowered to actually becoming empowered to do their worst. No person of color, no Jew will be safe in America any longer. And Trump will sit up there, railing against "the other", defending "law and order", intoning, "I alone have fixed it". Wake up, GOP. The Stormfront is coming.
9
As much as we blame Trump's supporters for enabling him, we need to acknowledge liberalism's role in bringing this moron into the White House. In the key battleground states in 2016, Trump performed about the same as (in some cases worse than) Mitt Romney in 2012. What tipped the scales in his favor in those states wasn't Trump's overwhelming support, it was the fact that a lot of democratic/liberal leaning voters no-showed on election day for no other reason than the fact that Hillary Clinton had no charisma. It was a total disappearing act. Until liberals in this country get serious about voting in the same way that Republicans have, our country will continue to be subjected to the moral and intellectual corruption of the extreme right.
11
Hillary was a policy wonk. She planned everything out.
And had the talent to carry it through. No simple slogans like Bernie boy and Donny boy. We are in this position because of stupid so-called progressives. Low information student dorks. They thought they knew more than Obama. I guess they got what they deserved .
And had the talent to carry it through. No simple slogans like Bernie boy and Donny boy. We are in this position because of stupid so-called progressives. Low information student dorks. They thought they knew more than Obama. I guess they got what they deserved .
13
Also alarming was the 1984-esque tone of Trump's Jul. 26 tweet evicting transgendered individuals from the military (opening with "...please be advised" and a chilling "Thank you" at the close). It seems Trump is adding authoritarian rhetoric to his normal demagoguery.
9
Think outside the box. We need an emergency constitutional amendment to put the winner of the popular vote into office while removing trump. This is about country. A Secretary of State a Senator, an educated person who is respected by world leaders and the catalyst for putin's brilliant manioulation of a trump presidency. This has to be as radical a step as the destruction of our democracy to which we are witnesses.
8
The elite liberal tyranny with it's control of the media and academia has already destroyed democracy. We are fed a constant diet of "liberals are good" propaganda and directed how to talk, think and act by politically correct rules. Violation of these rules, even in a minor way, will unleash a tirade of labeling, name calling, ostracizing and banning from the discussion. If one works in the media or academia it means loss of your job. That how the elite liberals maintain control and enforce their tyranny.
5
have you paid no attention to what Trump says and does and how he says and does it? have you not noticed the "highest quality" people he has appointed? Have you not noticed his constant lying, his inability to put together a sentence if more than three words? his regular encouragement of extra-legal activities by law enforcement and his ability to contradict himself in successive utterances? or even within one utterance?
Have you not noticed what is either his compulsion to lie (even when he doesn't need to) or his inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy?
Anybody who has raised a child will recognize most of his behavior as what they saw in their child at age five. only this child has nukes.
why worry? He is doing great! and there is no chaos in his White House not in the world. He's got it all under control.
Nobody has ever dared to create such an off the wall character in fiction or political satire. he is too obviously ridiculous to exist, let alone to be President of Fredonia.
Have you not noticed what is either his compulsion to lie (even when he doesn't need to) or his inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy?
Anybody who has raised a child will recognize most of his behavior as what they saw in their child at age five. only this child has nukes.
why worry? He is doing great! and there is no chaos in his White House not in the world. He's got it all under control.
Nobody has ever dared to create such an off the wall character in fiction or political satire. he is too obviously ridiculous to exist, let alone to be President of Fredonia.
10
Editors,
A growing body of evidence finds Trump team members (and family) have overreached their authority, trampled Constitutional law, and ignored National Security procedures with impunity while Congress, Justice, Intelligence and Security Agencies failed to promptly investigate or act.
Cumulative evidence of Trump team malfeasance is incontrovertible. Using public office for personal or business gain, carrying on shadow government negotiations with foreign powers as private citizens, evading National Security procedures, lying to investigators and Congress, etc., all violate U.S. laws and government regulations.
Any failure to rein in Executive Branch excesses by Congress and Justice is Constitutional malfeasance. The Executive Branch is not above the law except when other branches fail to act responsibly (e.g. by prioritizing investigations of unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud). Federal government officials swear to uphold the Constitution, act in the interest of ALL the American people (not play to a “base” of fervent partisans and super PACs), AND serve as a check on other branches’ excesses.
Justice must be evenly administered. Make Congress stop whistling “Dixie” and dancing to "If I only had a brain" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nauLgZISozs). Citizens, tell Congress to hang their fragmented political agendas where the sun never shines. Their obligations to the American people and the Constitution come first.
A growing body of evidence finds Trump team members (and family) have overreached their authority, trampled Constitutional law, and ignored National Security procedures with impunity while Congress, Justice, Intelligence and Security Agencies failed to promptly investigate or act.
Cumulative evidence of Trump team malfeasance is incontrovertible. Using public office for personal or business gain, carrying on shadow government negotiations with foreign powers as private citizens, evading National Security procedures, lying to investigators and Congress, etc., all violate U.S. laws and government regulations.
Any failure to rein in Executive Branch excesses by Congress and Justice is Constitutional malfeasance. The Executive Branch is not above the law except when other branches fail to act responsibly (e.g. by prioritizing investigations of unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud). Federal government officials swear to uphold the Constitution, act in the interest of ALL the American people (not play to a “base” of fervent partisans and super PACs), AND serve as a check on other branches’ excesses.
Justice must be evenly administered. Make Congress stop whistling “Dixie” and dancing to "If I only had a brain" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nauLgZISozs). Citizens, tell Congress to hang their fragmented political agendas where the sun never shines. Their obligations to the American people and the Constitution come first.
7
No one who has any perspective on history or comparative politics can deny the conclusions of this piece. Trump is definitely eroding our national standards for political behavior--verging on criminality. He appears to be resorting to "presidential immunity" (a questionable proposition) to protect himself, and to his right to issue presidential pardons to protect his friends and family. He lies with impunity every day, claiming that it is not illegal to lie to the press or the public.
Democracy is based on trust. Trump is losing public trust every day.
Sadly his supporters don't care. Their disregard for our Democratic institutions are more disturbing than Trump's actions.
Democracy is based on trust. Trump is losing public trust every day.
Sadly his supporters don't care. Their disregard for our Democratic institutions are more disturbing than Trump's actions.
12
Trump unfortunately elided into office after an overcrowded early primary season - the numerical converse of the Democrats' situation. He never won majority support, so maybe the Repubs should consider appointing some superdelegates! traditional Repubs either distanced themselves (the Bush family) or cynically calculated they could control and exploit Trump (mistaken). Daily predictions insisted Ms. Clinton had sewn up the election. This probably led to poor turnout;Ms. Clinton won the popular but lost electoral votes in states Democrats assumed were safely theirs. Why woo Arizona and neglect Michigan and Pennsylvania? Nobody will make that mistake again! A resurgent Independent movement also contributed to the result. (Curse you, Jill Stein!) Hope springs, though:satirists and journalists diligently keep us aware, and some public servants are willing to place country over party. The environmental movement has had a kick start. Trump has not accomplished anything remotely resembling an agenda. His cabinet, full of sycophants woefully unqualified for their positions, can do damage, but US history suggests that we have the capacity to correct mistakes, even if it means calling in the Marines.Trump and his family, supported by enablers, are subject to the law. Trump will fail (unless he radically changes, an unlikely prospect); Congress will dither and disappoint but will have to fulfill its constitutional responsibility. The country will survive.
2
If this article is not received as a loud wake up call to arms in defense of democracy and rule of law in your country then I don't know what will get enough people's attention. Your country is in perilous times and the greatest threat to the continuation of your democracy and government emanates from the orange buffoon masquerading as the President with 62 million addled supporters who are devoted to him. When he is impeached or removed under the 25th Amendment be prepared for mass civil disruption and unrest.
6
Articles like this opinion editorial renew my faith in America. We have the "muckrakers" of the modern era to clean house in our democracy and shine a spotlight on the fraud and neglect of and in our institutions. These kind of pieces can raise the consciousness of the nation and create the moral outrage of "let's let this play out" Congressmen to the point where they take a stand for our country and protect and uphold our Constitution as they vowed and soon.
2
". . . not with a bang, but a whimper . . . " T.S. Eliot, The Hollow Men
3
By the way..who says the Russians didn't give Jr useful information. Am I to take Don Jr's word?
5
Trump is not destroying anything except the ugly smelly swamp that is Washington. Lock up the leaker's Jeff Sessions, maximum penalty under the law.
Move false stories and then when they appear in the media bust those people and make sure they can never earn a living again. Investigate Democrats now. Its time. Just because Hillary lost does not mean crimes were not committed. Find them Jeff Sessions and lock them up please. I know you will
Move false stories and then when they appear in the media bust those people and make sure they can never earn a living again. Investigate Democrats now. Its time. Just because Hillary lost does not mean crimes were not committed. Find them Jeff Sessions and lock them up please. I know you will
2
There will hope to save the democracy when serious journalists and/or commentators start asking for the impeachment and not to worry whether it will take place or when and how. It is high time to do it for the President has violated a number of fundamental laws, such as the obstruction of justice and conflicts of interest.
To paraphrase Cato: 'Trump destiuendus est'
To paraphrase Cato: 'Trump destiuendus est'
4
Donald Trump is the same lying, arrogant, self-serving cynic he has been for decades. This is obvious for all to see, including many who voted for him. Donald Trump could not possibly destroy democracy by himself-----this requires the collaboration of the Supreme Court (Citizens United) and a Congress who cynically, destructively, selfishly refuse to govern responsibly or honestly. The destruction of democracy is possible only when all three branches of government collude----which is exactly what we are seeing today.
8
This is how far we have sunk. Mounk writes: "he has treated a gathering of Boy Scouts like a campaign rally. " I have been intrigued by these descriptions of what Trump did with the boy scouts, how he got "political" or it was "like a campaign rally." Trump spent 5 minutes describing how if your rich enough you can have yachts and have orgies on those yachts. He addressed this organization of boys in their formative years -- supposedly an organization about honor and service -- and basically treated them to his idea of women as something to be consumed. Objects to be bought by rich people and brought to their yachts for sex. You hardly need to "decode" that particular meandering rant of his. He didn't get political, he projected his misogynistic, disgusting, vulgar self onto those boys.
Boys will be boys, Trump figures, so that's what he talks about to the boy scouts. Boys will be boys, so his son and his son-in-law and any man he wants to "pardon" is off the hook. Because the good news, Boy Scouts, is that it's a man's world.
The Boy Scouts of America apologized for the "politics" but they still owe an apology to every woman who was at that event and had to listen to that "locker room talk." It's not just our democracy he's destroying.
Boys will be boys, Trump figures, so that's what he talks about to the boy scouts. Boys will be boys, so his son and his son-in-law and any man he wants to "pardon" is off the hook. Because the good news, Boy Scouts, is that it's a man's world.
The Boy Scouts of America apologized for the "politics" but they still owe an apology to every woman who was at that event and had to listen to that "locker room talk." It's not just our democracy he's destroying.
9
I'd be able to read these editorials with a much higher level of appreciation if any single one of them would ever start with the opening phrase, "We know that we at the NY Times, as well as virtually every other media outlet in the entire US, are essentially responsible for never having vetted this current monstrosity, legitimizing his illegitimate candidacy and campaign, demonizing and criminalizing a completely legitimate and unparalleled in her qualifications candidate, largely because we lacked courage to call out the incredible misogyny that was being normalized everywhere, ourselves included, but..."
15
But what about her emails? Lol
2
Where are where are the real patriots? It's past time!!!!
6
Will somebody please tell my what the secrets are which have been "leaked"?
5
This president isn't an autocrat he's a narcissist. Autocrats are devious and obsessed with power. Narcissists are devious but obsessed with themselves.
Those afflicted with this mental disorder labeled narcissism have a fragile ego. Thus, like Trump, they are obsessed with winning for the sake of winning (that's why he inappropriately and constantly promotes himself, for example, at a boy scouts gathering and anyplace else there's a group of people.) He and his ego are already trying to ensure success next time around. That's also why he constantly feeds his base (for example keep the trans demographic out of the military etc etc.). To his way of thinking, "failure is not an option."
Narcissism is also the reason he's obsessed with proving he has the largest crowds or that Clinton didn't really win the popular vote etc. etc. Also, lashing out and diminishing anyone who criticizes him is a way he builds himself up by tearing others down.
Hyperbole and lying to create an acceptable reality that's in his corner proving how great he is, is another common trait and symptom of this disorder
Thus, I believe that to better understand Donald Trump requires following his narcissistic tendencies revealed in his ego enhancement maneuvers, which is the basis for most if not all of his activities. And the purpose isn't to undermine our democracy but to elevate his fragile ego thus himself.
Those afflicted with this mental disorder labeled narcissism have a fragile ego. Thus, like Trump, they are obsessed with winning for the sake of winning (that's why he inappropriately and constantly promotes himself, for example, at a boy scouts gathering and anyplace else there's a group of people.) He and his ego are already trying to ensure success next time around. That's also why he constantly feeds his base (for example keep the trans demographic out of the military etc etc.). To his way of thinking, "failure is not an option."
Narcissism is also the reason he's obsessed with proving he has the largest crowds or that Clinton didn't really win the popular vote etc. etc. Also, lashing out and diminishing anyone who criticizes him is a way he builds himself up by tearing others down.
Hyperbole and lying to create an acceptable reality that's in his corner proving how great he is, is another common trait and symptom of this disorder
Thus, I believe that to better understand Donald Trump requires following his narcissistic tendencies revealed in his ego enhancement maneuvers, which is the basis for most if not all of his activities. And the purpose isn't to undermine our democracy but to elevate his fragile ego thus himself.
4
Maybe our democracy is already destroyed and Trump is just the symptom of that.
5
The way I look at it is if Republicans, in light of real evidence showing collusion with Russia, allow the administration to proceed with impunity, then the Trump campaign and admin are not the only traitors at fault. The entire Republican caucus in congress would be traitors to their country as well.
2
If 80% of Republicans really believe that Trump is doing a good job, they must be brain dead, delusional, or malign. In each case we should worried. How can party loyalty - ideological loyalty - blind people so totally? And have we learned nothing from history? Blind, unconditional loyalty never turns out well.
At the very least this suggests that as soon as Trump goes "too far" (whatever that might mean for these benighted people), they will turn on him savagely for trashing their sacred beliefs.
At the very least this suggests that as soon as Trump goes "too far" (whatever that might mean for these benighted people), they will turn on him savagely for trashing their sacred beliefs.
2
The Trump supporters live in an alternate universe. I know because I work with one of them. No matter what Trump does or says she supports him. She is an Evangelical Christian which makes it even more surprising to me. But she only gets her " news" from the likes of Fox, Breitbart and Rush Limbaugh. Any news she doesn't like she just calls " fake". I just ignore her.
7
I can't believe we aren't seeing mass protests in the streets daily in Washington
7
Most citizens don't live in Washington; and are too busy with three jobs. But give it time.
2
Socialists in Venezuela have effectively destroyed that nation. The next to the last nail in the coffin was yesterday's farce. A new Constitution making Maduro a replica of Castro, or Kruschev, will finish Venezuelan democracy off.
The Time's response?
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."
The great New York Times has spoken: Donald Trump. Russia. Authoritarianism. Donald Trump. Russia. Authoritarianism.
Humbug.
The Time's response?
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."
The great New York Times has spoken: Donald Trump. Russia. Authoritarianism. Donald Trump. Russia. Authoritarianism.
Humbug.
2
Author, it is you who is trying to destroy our democracy. He was elected.
3
Not necessarily. Trump has no moral compass, none. If he could steal the election, "who wouldn't make that deal". The Trump business model; bribe, steal, sue.
6
I disagree, it is Mr. Trump who trying to destroy our democracy, He was marginally elected, and not by popular vote.
3
Yet another essay which illustrates that Trump is an awful man and a poor President, but fails to prove that he is the authoritarian its author believes him to be. We see articles like these all the time. The writer does not show a single instance of Trump violating the Constitution; he just doesn't like the man or his politics. Robert Mueller is not a Supreme Court Justice or Member of Congress, and therefore he can be fired at any time by the President legally. The Constitution created a very powerful office in the Presidency. But as we've seen in the first few months of the administration, Congress and the Judiciary have been doing their job, too, and making sure the President doesn't overstep his constitutional boundaries. When they fail to do that, then, and only then, we will democracy be threatened.
3
Charlie, much of what you have written is simply not correct. With his violation of the emoluments clause, Mr. Trump violates the Constitution every day. Trump may not fire Mr. Mueller; only the attorney general may do so. Congress which is under the control of the Republicans has only done one thing to stop this president--the sanctions law. Otherwise they have not fulfilled their Constitutionally required duty to serve as a check to the executive branch. Finally, the article does indeed show Trump is behaving as an undemocratic autocrat: He encouraged our apolitical military to pick sides. He treated the Boy Scouts like a fascist youth organization. He wants the department of justice to conduct political investigations and vendettas on his behalf.
Charlie Reidy wrote:
"Yet another essay which illustrates that Trump is an awful man and a poor President, but fails to prove that he is the authoritarian its author believes him to be. We see articles like these all the time. The writer does not show a single instance of Trump violating the Constitution; he just doesn't like the man or his politics. Robert Mueller is not a Supreme Court Justice or Member of Congress, and therefore he can be fired at any time by the President legally. The Constitution created a very powerful office in the Presidency. But as we've seen ..., Congress and the Judiciary have been doing their job, too, and making sure the President doesn't overstep his constitutional boundaries. ..."
Charlie Reidy wrote:
"Yet another essay which illustrates that Trump is an awful man and a poor President, but fails to prove that he is the authoritarian its author believes him to be. We see articles like these all the time. The writer does not show a single instance of Trump violating the Constitution; he just doesn't like the man or his politics. Robert Mueller is not a Supreme Court Justice or Member of Congress, and therefore he can be fired at any time by the President legally. The Constitution created a very powerful office in the Presidency. But as we've seen ..., Congress and the Judiciary have been doing their job, too, and making sure the President doesn't overstep his constitutional boundaries. ..."
3
To find the epicenter of the demise our democracy, first, zero in on Sara Huckabee Sanders, the mother of three pre-school-age children, then follow the ripples spreading outwards from around her with every lie she tells to curry his favor. Investing all her pity and concern for her poor, sad and mistreated boss, she internalizes the corruption of his soul into her own, then pays it forward, outward into the body politic. When he turns his wrath on her, as he most surely will, who among us will have the the human decency required to understand how she got into the middle of such a mess. It's our species. That's where the fault lies, in our DNA.
2
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
3
Destroy our democracy? That's like trying to break a shattered bottle. Pure propaganda. But it suits the NYT, The writer will likely achieve his cherished ambition, a professorship at the mothership, or a staff job at the Times. Same deal. So it goes in the dying Empire..
4
Trump's plan was never to maintain a democracy even before the Russian investigation. One can see by many of his cabinet picks that his m.o. was to consolidate power and be like Putin. A kleptocracy? Why would he allow Kushner and Ivana to work in the White House. He picked the uber right Bannon and the sycophants Miller and Conway to help him exploit the U.S. while he pretended to be a true patriot. He will never succeed due to his ignorance, arrogance, and irrational behavior. You can fool some of the people some of the time. But not all the people all the time.
4
John F. Kelly should be Trump's LAST CHANCE to shape up !!!
1
The MSM is losing credibility with these Trump hit pieces. It is The Boy Who Cried Wolf and Chicken Little combined.
The democrats are so annoyed that Hillary lost, that they want to 'resist' the legitimately elected (by the Electoral College) POTUS and want to reverse or overturn the results of our democratic election, hit piece after hit piece.
Things are so distorted that Trump was falsely accused of snubbing the boy & not shaking his hand, even though he had moments before shaken the boy's hand 2x! But the media broadcast the alleged snub when he failed to shake his hand a third time! And people wonder where the fake news accusations come from!
When I see the signs, 'Hate has no home here', it is heart warming, there should not be room for hate, but yet can liberals not see that hate can run both ways, and that hating Trump, and by extension, his voters, is also not productive?!
The democrats are so annoyed that Hillary lost, that they want to 'resist' the legitimately elected (by the Electoral College) POTUS and want to reverse or overturn the results of our democratic election, hit piece after hit piece.
Things are so distorted that Trump was falsely accused of snubbing the boy & not shaking his hand, even though he had moments before shaken the boy's hand 2x! But the media broadcast the alleged snub when he failed to shake his hand a third time! And people wonder where the fake news accusations come from!
When I see the signs, 'Hate has no home here', it is heart warming, there should not be room for hate, but yet can liberals not see that hate can run both ways, and that hating Trump, and by extension, his voters, is also not productive?!
5
Read "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William Shirer. The parallels to Trump are too numerous to be coincidence. It's the blueprint for seizing power and how to maintain power
2
Is it a legitimate election, if Russia interfered on Mr. Trump's behalf, or if Mr. Trump and his team colluded with the Russians during the campaign? The first has already been proven, and the second is looking more and more likely. Either should make any thinking person call the results less than fully legitimate.
Trump's critics do not hate him or hate his voters. They are appalled by them. Ashamed for them. Embarrassed by them. And baffled by their deep spite. Hate is what Mr. Trump spouted and what motivated his voters. Hate is the "racial resentment" that was more important for his voters than "economic anxiety."
Philly writes:
"... the legitimately elected (by the Electoral College) POTUS and want to reverse or overturn the results of our democratic election... but yet can liberals not see that hate can run both ways, and that hating Trump, and by extension, his voters, is also not productive?!"
Trump's critics do not hate him or hate his voters. They are appalled by them. Ashamed for them. Embarrassed by them. And baffled by their deep spite. Hate is what Mr. Trump spouted and what motivated his voters. Hate is the "racial resentment" that was more important for his voters than "economic anxiety."
Philly writes:
"... the legitimately elected (by the Electoral College) POTUS and want to reverse or overturn the results of our democratic election... but yet can liberals not see that hate can run both ways, and that hating Trump, and by extension, his voters, is also not productive?!"
6
There was a man who, in essence, said "Make Germany Great Again". He too singled out part of the population for "removal". He achieved sole power. His Congress always agreed with him. He failed. America is amidst an internal political war. I hope the lamp on Ellis Island stays alit.
7
Hitler dissolved Parliament in 1933, shortly after coming to power without a majority.
From where I sit, age 82, I have observed that there has always been a tendency for many Americans to seek a savior, a hero, who will come to the rescue and solve all the problems that beset a tripartite democratic government. Does this come from the right? Religious groups often are focused on a Christ-like figure who is sure to take care of us all. Hard to know, those with deeper insights into our culture would be prepared to say yea or nay.
Whatever the source, this belief seems to have trickled down to the nadir we now face with The Donald. Oh folks, he's not The One! He's no hero, but for some reason this simplistic notion has taken hold and won't go away. Yes we are in deep trouble.
Whatever the source, this belief seems to have trickled down to the nadir we now face with The Donald. Oh folks, he's not The One! He's no hero, but for some reason this simplistic notion has taken hold and won't go away. Yes we are in deep trouble.
8
Isn't it interesting that trump's white house leaks like a sieve, but there hasn't been a sinlge leak from Mueller's team? i believe that is because they are a cohesive group that believes in their mission. I'm grateful for the myriad leaks that just keep coming from teamPOTUS because it show how weak and disorganized they are. Kelly won't be able to stop this because trump will NEVER command loyalty; his greedy, amoral and self-serving minions are incapable of it.
4
The amoral fascist villainy of *45 and others like him is always in the fridge ready to be proofed.
Men with hyperinflated egos ranting and raving on TV and radio have been available to suckers who vote for decades. They do not know what those megaphones are saying nor do they care.
Average Germans and Italians reacted the same way last century. Sheep led to slaughter so that Fiat and Krupp could shovel money into their Swiss bank accounts (it's why the Swiss were neutral).
Although we think this civilization is "civil", emotionally we are only a few steps ahead of the Neanderthals and *45 appeals to the degraded pocket hiding in all our brains.
Men with hyperinflated egos ranting and raving on TV and radio have been available to suckers who vote for decades. They do not know what those megaphones are saying nor do they care.
Average Germans and Italians reacted the same way last century. Sheep led to slaughter so that Fiat and Krupp could shovel money into their Swiss bank accounts (it's why the Swiss were neutral).
Although we think this civilization is "civil", emotionally we are only a few steps ahead of the Neanderthals and *45 appeals to the degraded pocket hiding in all our brains.
2
"When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."
Jefferson wrote our Declaration. Is this what is necessary now?
Jefferson wrote our Declaration. Is this what is necessary now?
2
It infuriates me no end that a man of such shallow character, Donald Trump, is making such havoc. This is a character that demands no admiration. He's like a worm in the middle of an elegant meal, he's wrecking the entire thing. We will get past this.
In the US we are now witnessing why all previous attempts at democracy throughout world history have ultimately failed. The reason for this can be summed up in two words---human nature. This is why the basics of so-called "civilization" have never changed in the past and will never change in the future.
However, there is now one factor that most likely will break the freedom-repression cycle for good sooner rather than later. Up until recently the human race has not had the technological power to annihilate itself. Now we do, be it through nuclear weapons, human caused global warming or whatever additional doomsday scenarios we can dream up.
We may once again be destroying democracy, but at least we are not destroying the Earth. When we finally drive our own species into extinction, the Earth will recover from the scars that we have been inflicting upon it and once again begin to thrive. What a shame that we've never learned how to respect democracy, our own planet, or even ourselves.
However, there is now one factor that most likely will break the freedom-repression cycle for good sooner rather than later. Up until recently the human race has not had the technological power to annihilate itself. Now we do, be it through nuclear weapons, human caused global warming or whatever additional doomsday scenarios we can dream up.
We may once again be destroying democracy, but at least we are not destroying the Earth. When we finally drive our own species into extinction, the Earth will recover from the scars that we have been inflicting upon it and once again begin to thrive. What a shame that we've never learned how to respect democracy, our own planet, or even ourselves.
3
How ironic it would be if the last president in our history to upheld democratic values and the Constitution was an African American male. Could it be that for Trump supporters the Obama presidency was such a shock to their systems that they would gladly embrace a dictatorship to make sure that something like it never happens again?
3
This is not news. Since Trump's election I have been trying to get the press to stop focusing on Trump and see that the real danger to our Democracy is the Republican Party. (See my articles in the San Angelo Standard-Times.) If Trump continues in office, he will surely undermine our institutions and install an authoritarian state with the outward trappings of a Democracy. But if Trump is impeached, or resigns or dies in office, then any successor, including Pious Pence, will look like the Second Coming of the Messiah and the Republicans will complete their hold on our government. I am more afraid of the totally immoral Republicans than the totally bonkers Trump. Not much of a choice, is it?
JD
JD
4
The senate is taking up a vote on a new AG. This may be the end of Muller. If it does happen I suggest 'we' the people convince our legislators to impeach trump then and like the article states re-employ Muller by Congressional edict.
2
Look too at what is happening now, today, in Venezuela. Democracy there, shaky at best with little history to grow from, is in desperate states now, today. The elected leader of Venezuela is eroding their democracy and installing himself as an autocratic, dictatorial power. Its always about power and money, and the playbook is always the same. Demonize the enemy (the US is the enemy in Venezuela, faulted for all the problems they have by the government). Destroy any free press. Attack any democratic opposition through the police agencies you have usurped. Trump is trying all of these, in his usual inept way. But poor execution of these things cannot excuse that Trump represents the same kind of gradual eroding danger to democracy here as Chavez and Maduro in Venezuela.
3
Newsflash: Trump is not the problem. He is merely the current face of a problem which has been manifesting itself for a couple of decades: the fact that one of our political parties put principle up for sale to win elections.
Republicans have been pandering with tax cuts for decades while at the same time claiming to be worried about deficits -- a practice devoid of principle, not to mention laughable on its face. They impeached Bill Clinton despite knowing absolutely that they didn’t have the votes to remove a sitting president. They sold their principles, dragged the country through that paralyzing and pathetic episode merely to make Clinton and Democrats look bad -- a tarnish that Republicans figured they could exploit to win elections.
The recent Republican crusade about voter fraud, an event occurring with such extreme rarity that it is statistically non-existent. But, again, Republicans sold their principles on that issue because exploiting it helps them pass laws to make it more difficult for traditional constituencies of Democrats to vote, thus helping Repubs win elections.
So now, we need to depend on the callous, craven Republicans to save us from Trump? Seriously? Sorry, but, that ship has sailed.
Trump is the political bounty Republicans have sowed. He is the kudzu planted by Republicans 30 years ago & faithfully nurtured ever since. Like kudzu, the damage evidenced every day in Trump, to every democratic institution, might be too far gone to eradicate.
Republicans have been pandering with tax cuts for decades while at the same time claiming to be worried about deficits -- a practice devoid of principle, not to mention laughable on its face. They impeached Bill Clinton despite knowing absolutely that they didn’t have the votes to remove a sitting president. They sold their principles, dragged the country through that paralyzing and pathetic episode merely to make Clinton and Democrats look bad -- a tarnish that Republicans figured they could exploit to win elections.
The recent Republican crusade about voter fraud, an event occurring with such extreme rarity that it is statistically non-existent. But, again, Republicans sold their principles on that issue because exploiting it helps them pass laws to make it more difficult for traditional constituencies of Democrats to vote, thus helping Repubs win elections.
So now, we need to depend on the callous, craven Republicans to save us from Trump? Seriously? Sorry, but, that ship has sailed.
Trump is the political bounty Republicans have sowed. He is the kudzu planted by Republicans 30 years ago & faithfully nurtured ever since. Like kudzu, the damage evidenced every day in Trump, to every democratic institution, might be too far gone to eradicate.
6
Trump is a symptom of the effects of four decades of anti-democratic policies advocated by conservatives dominating the Republican Party. Now that they have put an authoritarian and narcissistic personality who considers our entire form a government an impediment to his aspirations into the White House, they can begin to change our government into a plutocratic and theocratic oligarchy.
3
The Republicans have been steadily dismantling our democracy since 1980.
Reagan went after unions which WERE the strength and voice of a secure middle class lifestyle. Today unions are less than 10 percent of their former strength.
Then he removed the ban on monopolies and today we suffer mightily from consolidation of industries and jobs.
Then in 1986, he removed the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE which prevented lying and false equivalencies in reporting. This gave rise to Fox and its mind-numbing propaganda. Press and truth which are bedrocks of democracy are on life support.
In the mid-90s Newt Gingrich disbanded the department of Technology Assessment which essentially removed the government's brain. This gave rise to ignorance in government and the Republican excuse: "I'm not a scientist," and therefore cannot refute anti-environment/climate change lies.
What can we finally do to get back on the road to democracy?
First, designate an independent prosecutor who cannot be fired by Trump who will go after the entire team, family and appointees, especially financials.
Secondly, given the Russian interference and collusion with those in the White House, declare the 2016 presidential/vice presidential election void. Install the runner up or hold a new election for president/vice president on paper ballots only.
Mainstream media heads must get together and form a new FAIRNESS DOCTRINE which includes internet and social media.
Reagan went after unions which WERE the strength and voice of a secure middle class lifestyle. Today unions are less than 10 percent of their former strength.
Then he removed the ban on monopolies and today we suffer mightily from consolidation of industries and jobs.
Then in 1986, he removed the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE which prevented lying and false equivalencies in reporting. This gave rise to Fox and its mind-numbing propaganda. Press and truth which are bedrocks of democracy are on life support.
In the mid-90s Newt Gingrich disbanded the department of Technology Assessment which essentially removed the government's brain. This gave rise to ignorance in government and the Republican excuse: "I'm not a scientist," and therefore cannot refute anti-environment/climate change lies.
What can we finally do to get back on the road to democracy?
First, designate an independent prosecutor who cannot be fired by Trump who will go after the entire team, family and appointees, especially financials.
Secondly, given the Russian interference and collusion with those in the White House, declare the 2016 presidential/vice presidential election void. Install the runner up or hold a new election for president/vice president on paper ballots only.
Mainstream media heads must get together and form a new FAIRNESS DOCTRINE which includes internet and social media.
7
Blue collar white Union members continue to vote for Republicans because there is one thing that always "Trumps" economic self interest. Color. Wait till Trump rolls out a National right to work law.
1
Trump was a troubled boy, one whose father withheld his affections and who the boy couldn't please. The father shipped him off at age 13 to a military-style boarding school where boy Trump did well-he discovered that he could please adult men who wore shiny-buttoned uniforms. Since the fathers' death he's been striving to 'prove' his worth without success. Now he has his own General-cum-chief-of-staff who will be able to rap him on the wrists when he does wrong, who will praise him when he's a good boy, and who will insist Trump return to the chain-of-command-style he learned and thrived in as a boy in school. Maybe he'll finally become a 'happy' boy, better behaved, and a more successful person as he once was in school.
2
Oh, really, get real.
1860, Lincoln is elected and the South secedes. That was a crisis. Suspended habeas corpus. That was a Constitutional crisis.
What we've got here is Donnie Diva and his fans dithering, and the government ("the deep administrative state") churning on despite him.
It's not a single despot who's the problem but an entire party, an entrenched culture of true believers who cling to Fox News, fundamentalist Christianity, a profound anti social antipathy toward all cooperative effort, i.e. government. As Paul Krugman recently suggested, they are the brain dead, or brain rotted, or zombies.
Were there no ears to hear Donnie Drama, there would e no sound.
We have spiritual crisis, nothing more.
1860, Lincoln is elected and the South secedes. That was a crisis. Suspended habeas corpus. That was a Constitutional crisis.
What we've got here is Donnie Diva and his fans dithering, and the government ("the deep administrative state") churning on despite him.
It's not a single despot who's the problem but an entire party, an entrenched culture of true believers who cling to Fox News, fundamentalist Christianity, a profound anti social antipathy toward all cooperative effort, i.e. government. As Paul Krugman recently suggested, they are the brain dead, or brain rotted, or zombies.
Were there no ears to hear Donnie Drama, there would e no sound.
We have spiritual crisis, nothing more.
3
Right? All this hand wringing by the left is hilarious. The media said almost nothing while Obama was vastly increasing the power of government and jailing journalists, and the Left has the audacity to think Trump is authoritarian. Come on.
I am very concerned about the future of our democracy. Trump's actions have created a entire set of "new truths," which apparently his followers seem ready to accept in their blind allegiance. With this in mind, I find programs like "The Handmaid's Tale" to be disturbing as they suggest a future dystopian society that actually seem possible and Trump & Co. are all too willing to lead us to that threshold.
2
Standing up for democracy and the rule of law will not happen unless republicans help to see that it does. I have very little faith that this will happen based on everything I've seen to this point in time. Martin Neimoller wrote his famous quote in 1946 where he said ...
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
"They" are coming for democracy, the rule of law, and our rights. Let's hope they never come for you and me.
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
"They" are coming for democracy, the rule of law, and our rights. Let's hope they never come for you and me.
1
The whole Trump-Russian connection thing is just in-fighting between the two oligarch-owned political parties, with exactly zero relevance to working people. Democracy? What Democracy?
Polls show broad public support for a financial transaction tax, INCREASED Social Security benefits, Medicare-for All, decreased military spending/increased social program spending, a $15/hr minimum wage.
Both parties ignore these demands, the media tells us we can't afford them and that we really don't want these things anyway - and intellectuals like Mounk distract us with far-fetched scenarios like Trump becoming a dictator.
Polls show broad public support for a financial transaction tax, INCREASED Social Security benefits, Medicare-for All, decreased military spending/increased social program spending, a $15/hr minimum wage.
Both parties ignore these demands, the media tells us we can't afford them and that we really don't want these things anyway - and intellectuals like Mounk distract us with far-fetched scenarios like Trump becoming a dictator.
2
It more than Trump. A Congress for sale is also complicit. Until true Campaign Finance Reform is made law, the cynical collection of campaign cash will continue to undermine the legislators' morality. Blatant voter discrimination and gerrymandering have long been techniques to undermine the right to vote. But Trump's ignorance and poor judgement continues to raise eyebrows in this time of renewed racism and prejudice he has helped to stimulate. This is a critical time. The world is watching while Fox News continues to minimize the risks.
1
You could argue that we have already gotten to the point where one branch - the Executive - has been permanently damaged by Trump.
His presence, for however long, in the position of the Executive inevitably changed that institution, and not for the better - even had he only occupied it for a day.
I think its just that bad.
His presence, for however long, in the position of the Executive inevitably changed that institution, and not for the better - even had he only occupied it for a day.
I think its just that bad.
1
This nation has survived worse. A civil war, the Palmer attacks on unions and anti-sedition laws during WWI, the political and social chaos of 1968, the corrupt Nixon administration and his subsequent resignation...along with the Great Depression and the Great Recession.
We're still here. The Trump administration will likely self-destruct before long. Hopefully voters will turn out next year and restore control of at least one branch of Congress to Democrats and put a firewall around the White House until 2020.
We're still here. The Trump administration will likely self-destruct before long. Hopefully voters will turn out next year and restore control of at least one branch of Congress to Democrats and put a firewall around the White House until 2020.
We had a foreign government hack the election. I think we can assume the next one will be as well. I wonder if american's have what it takes to get into the streets like the people Venezuela, Egypt, and others have. I kinda doubt it
2
We can only hope that before Mr. Trump and his cronies do lasting damage to our democracy in Mr. Trump's quixotic and chaotic quest for power and "victory" that the other two branches of government will reach out and limit Mr. Trump's powers and contain him.
To some extent they have done this twice in the last week or so: the Senate failed to pass a very bad health care bill through the dubious means of budget reconciliation. Both Houses managed to pass by wide margins a bill to impose sanctions on Russia for meddling in American elections.
In the end, it is up to each and every citizen, individually and collectively, to remember why their ancestors came to this country and planted roots here. Then they must honor themselves and their ancestors by standing up for the freedom of speech, religion and other rights that have made the United States the envy of the world's citizens.
Press your representatives and senators as I will press mine to do what is right on each issue. Remind them that you will be voting in the next election and you are watching their behavior and their voting. Do this often and thoroughly to help ensure we don't lose our democracy to tyranny.
To some extent they have done this twice in the last week or so: the Senate failed to pass a very bad health care bill through the dubious means of budget reconciliation. Both Houses managed to pass by wide margins a bill to impose sanctions on Russia for meddling in American elections.
In the end, it is up to each and every citizen, individually and collectively, to remember why their ancestors came to this country and planted roots here. Then they must honor themselves and their ancestors by standing up for the freedom of speech, religion and other rights that have made the United States the envy of the world's citizens.
Press your representatives and senators as I will press mine to do what is right on each issue. Remind them that you will be voting in the next election and you are watching their behavior and their voting. Do this often and thoroughly to help ensure we don't lose our democracy to tyranny.
11
I agree--
Though some of our ancestors came here 14,000 or more years ago. Their story is a bit different. And some came unwillingly as slaves. Their story is a bit different, too.
Barbara wrote: "...it is up to each and every citizen, individually and collectively, to remember why their ancestors came to this country and planted roots here.
Though some of our ancestors came here 14,000 or more years ago. Their story is a bit different. And some came unwillingly as slaves. Their story is a bit different, too.
Barbara wrote: "...it is up to each and every citizen, individually and collectively, to remember why their ancestors came to this country and planted roots here.
3
Robert, you are right. I didn't mean in any way to slight Native Americans or descendants of slaves brought here unwillingly. Their story is different indeed.
As they are all citizens now, they need to remind the powers-that-be that they too deserve equality in every way.
Thank you for catching my gaffe and correcting it gently.
As they are all citizens now, they need to remind the powers-that-be that they too deserve equality in every way.
Thank you for catching my gaffe and correcting it gently.
2
I was a witness to what happened in Hungary. I have been warning everyone I know since the very beginning Trump came on stage, that he will be heading in the same direction. Sadly, I also know that Americans, who grew up in a democracy, will not identify the small steps as they are occurring. The fear is that when you finally see it, it will be to late. So read this, Americans, and urge your representatives to stop Trump from following through: "In Hungary, democracy did not end when Mr. Orban staffed the electoral commission with his cronies, or when he put loyalists in charge of state television stations or even when he changed the Constitution to expand his powers. But now that he has taken all these steps, the opposition has little chance of ousting him at the next elections. Slowly but surely, Hungary has ceased to be a real democracy."
12
The "republican" support for this man is unbelievable. Following him and his agenda they urgently should rename their party. Royalist party would be appropriate, as the name also describes the standing of the, yes, subjects.
6
The majority of Americans find it unbelievable, too. Is it just hate and spite? Have they been brainwashed by a cult? Is Trump their new church, and is their faith in this church more important than truth? Have aliens eaten their brains?
Ulrich Hoppe of Germany wrote:
"The 'republican' support for this man is unbelievable. Following him and his agenda they urgently should rename their party. Royalist party would be appropriate, as the name also describes the standing of the, yes, subjects."
Ulrich Hoppe of Germany wrote:
"The 'republican' support for this man is unbelievable. Following him and his agenda they urgently should rename their party. Royalist party would be appropriate, as the name also describes the standing of the, yes, subjects."
3
Many questionable, if not outright violations of presidential powers have become normalised and apparently acceptable already in this administration. What about the emoluments and nepotism violations? These are continuing without question amid the more spectacular and newsworthy Russian investigations. The president continues to enrich himself, his sons, ostensibly in charge of his business, regularly, and now quite openly consult directly with him. His agreement regarding domestic and overseas projects be withheld for the duration of his presidency has already been ignored. The constitution, unread by Trump, is being trashed daily as predicted and no one says a word. The thin end of the wedge began just over 6 months ago and has been slowly driven in by lawyers and government employees who value their own agenda/wealth far above the values of their country.
9
Since when is the Electoral College "Democracy"?
A winner chosen by a 3 million+ vote plurality would be a "democracy".
The ONLY office in the land NOT chosen "by the people": The President of the United States.
Time to abolish the Electoral College and let the people elect the President.
A winner chosen by a 3 million+ vote plurality would be a "democracy".
The ONLY office in the land NOT chosen "by the people": The President of the United States.
Time to abolish the Electoral College and let the people elect the President.
17
Fits nicely into the concept of a republic, which is our form of government, though. Never intended to be a true democracy, thankfully!
1
The electoral college was instituted to keep blatantly unqualified individuals from becoming president (it's in their job description). When push came to shove, they failed. Perhaps a good idea in principle, but I agree the EC has proven a stumbling block to democracy.
1
As the investigation becomes closer and closer to the truth that Trump doesn't want revealed, the real risk is not firing Mueller, it's military action against North Korea, and the escalation that follows. The slow motion coup now in progress will then blossom into a multi dimensional military and political malestrom that only Trump can want.
12
Donald Trump is not the main threat to our Democracy; today's Republican Party is the main threat to our Democracy. National Republicans would like nothing more than to turn the country into bigger versions of Wisconsin and North Carolina, where they have gerrymandered and vote-suppressed their way into one-party states. The refusal to let Merrick Garland have a hearing is the perfect example of how far Republicans are willing to go these days to subvert the Constitution and the rule of law.
19
Agreed. The Party Over Country mentality has ruined them, and, in the process, ruined this country.
1
"Our" democracy has a limited franchise. For whom does it work best? Seriously, if the American People have to rely on the military to preserve it, what is this democracy worth anyway?
2
"The Past Week Proves That Trump Is Destroying Our Democracy"
No! trump is just one more piece of the puzzle. This has been developing for decades, with things like the end of the Fairness Doctrine, the 1996 Telecommunications Act (that Bill Clinton acquiesced in), the trashing of campaign finance laws, Citizens United, gerrymandering, voter suppression.....
No! trump is just one more piece of the puzzle. This has been developing for decades, with things like the end of the Fairness Doctrine, the 1996 Telecommunications Act (that Bill Clinton acquiesced in), the trashing of campaign finance laws, Citizens United, gerrymandering, voter suppression.....
12
With greater voter suppression alone we could turn into a one party system, which is something a great many Republicans in congress seem to be looking forward to. Once that happens, opposition in politics and the press can be legislated out of existence and the United States would cease to be a democracy. In North Korea, the party line is, imagine how much worse off we'd be if it weren't for our totalitarian saviors. Very Trumpian, "only I can make America great again."
Churchill said, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." Even with all the political strife over the years, I honestly never thought that could become an expression of nostalgia in the US.
Churchill said, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." Even with all the political strife over the years, I honestly never thought that could become an expression of nostalgia in the US.
16
1 Mr Trump:"I am sincere; I care for the country!"
He needs to develop a deeper insight about himself, America and the world. He needs to be guided by law and ethics--the foundations of any good democracy
2 Republicans:"We are not sure if he really has bad judgement." For the sake of the country, understand the dangers facing democracy and be courageous in following the truth; be courageous in differing from the president if he is wrong
3 Democrats:"We don't like what we see" Organize peaceful mass protests and try to convert the public to a democratic/Democratic viewpoint
He needs to develop a deeper insight about himself, America and the world. He needs to be guided by law and ethics--the foundations of any good democracy
2 Republicans:"We are not sure if he really has bad judgement." For the sake of the country, understand the dangers facing democracy and be courageous in following the truth; be courageous in differing from the president if he is wrong
3 Democrats:"We don't like what we see" Organize peaceful mass protests and try to convert the public to a democratic/Democratic viewpoint
7
The downfall of democracy began with the previous administration. This one is simply continuing that trend.
3
If ever an assertion called for a "citation needed", it's that one.
11
"If ever an assertion called for a "citation needed", it's that one."
Agreed.
Agreed.
2
Don't really know where you're going with that line of "thought". In fact I don't see any parallels at all. Please explain.
1
Much Credit to Mark Pernice. That is a brilliant illustration
7
it's unlikely, but no less than trump being the president that democracy as the us experiences it will cease to be under trump. congress would have to be even weaker and trump even bolder.
1
If anyone does not believe that the USA is in danger of becoming a pawn of Fascistic forces they should read Sinclair Lewis' 1936 novel "It Can't Happen Here". It was received with disbelief in many circles but it took a World War to prove the dangers of Fascism in any part of the world.
18
Read also Hannah Arendt on totalitarianism, especially the destruction of the concept of truth and respect for facts that precede and accompany it, never more clearly seen than the open denigration given truth and facts in our time. This is the sound of the rattlesnake we should all heed before it is too late, if it isn't already.
4
Do Americans have what it takes to stop him?
Not with our current Congress and Senate.
Not with our current Congress and Senate.
12
It's not just a problem with the current Congress.
While there is much to blame on political chicanery, campaign financing machinations, and how beholden many congresspersons are to either/both personal ideology and their handlers, a greater share falls on the populace. So many are ignorant of basic civics and history, unable to think rationally, and caught up in petulant day-to-day drama, tribalism, false patriotism, and a nationalism which internally excuses their various social and race-based hatreds. These people also vote.
Quite aside from gerrymandering efforts by Republicans, not to mention their sponsorship of hate-talk radio (far more deployed and for decades longer than the piddling response on the Left, e.g. Maddow), the number of people who vote from this perspective of Unreality are the greatest threat to our Constitution and to our democratic republic.
Like many who have watched this unfold for years, I fear there is no going back. Trumpism is not a cause, it is the latest symptom, and a potent sign that we are on the verge of true fascism. It swept up tens of thousands of Germans, who were duped and manipulated by their own ignorance and biases into complicity with Hitler. It could easily happen here.
While there is much to blame on political chicanery, campaign financing machinations, and how beholden many congresspersons are to either/both personal ideology and their handlers, a greater share falls on the populace. So many are ignorant of basic civics and history, unable to think rationally, and caught up in petulant day-to-day drama, tribalism, false patriotism, and a nationalism which internally excuses their various social and race-based hatreds. These people also vote.
Quite aside from gerrymandering efforts by Republicans, not to mention their sponsorship of hate-talk radio (far more deployed and for decades longer than the piddling response on the Left, e.g. Maddow), the number of people who vote from this perspective of Unreality are the greatest threat to our Constitution and to our democratic republic.
Like many who have watched this unfold for years, I fear there is no going back. Trumpism is not a cause, it is the latest symptom, and a potent sign that we are on the verge of true fascism. It swept up tens of thousands of Germans, who were duped and manipulated by their own ignorance and biases into complicity with Hitler. It could easily happen here.
1
Overwhelmingly, members of the House and Senate have shown us for years their first priority, by far, is reelection. To expect these same people to put that specific goal at risk by supporting something as quaint as constitutional democracy is naive in the extreme. Only an end to Citizens United and mandatory term limits together can terminate long careers in politics and make room for new, constitutionally-oriented public servants. But they can't elect themselves. The voting public will make this happen, or we will continue to watch our experiment in constitutionalism go down the drain. "We have met the enemy ..."
14
Not a bad column overall on a substantive basis. The writing was good with, however, one major exception that drives me crazy every time I see an example of it. There is nothing more important than clarity to me. The ability to clearly communicate an idea to the *reader* is paramount. The phrase "Manichaean drama" is a complete failure in this regard and extremely obnoxious in my opinion as a former editor. I think it unlikely Mr. Mounk believes the average reader is a Jeopardy champion. Rather, such writing is consistent with a stereotype of the pretentious academic who tries to impress with historical minutia rather than original thought. And while such types intend to convey credibility or authority, to those not similarly afflicted it conveys insecurity. Unless it is the intent to be taken as a real world embodiment of Woody Allen's spot-on character Paul in "Midnight in Paris" (brilliantly played by Michael Sheen), my advice is to focus on clarity and accessibility for the entirety of the readership of a newspaper. The substance of the column is wasted if a portion of the readership roles their eyes and moves on after the fourth paragraph. And to all the "Pauls" out there who will rise to Mr. Mounk's defense, let's just agree that you too are highly educated special snowflakes.
3
Your comments here were far too lofty for the average reader, and as for the comment readership roles their eyes , did you mean rolls? What nonsense you have spouted here.
4
Clearly we have hired an incompetent leader. When companies do that sort of thing, they relieve their executive of their duties and bring in either fresh talent/ideas or proven experience to guide them towards their goals. If you spend any time reading the news or watching it, even badly, it becomes painfully obvious that this man is playing a game--with his staff, the Presidency and the American people. Basically, that's all the man has to offer. He needs to go--not after his term, not when the next scandal erupts, not after breakfast--TODAY. Any respect he ever had from anyone is gone. No one can lead effectively under that scenario. Impeachment is a word that comes to mind or simply asking for his resignation. There is too much at stake for this circus to continue.
93
vegasrhenrio - There's no board of directors that can give him a choice of which resignation letter to sign (alas) so it would have to be impeachment - but that's reserved for "high crimes and misdemeanors," and rightly so because enabling impeachment for perceived incompetence would open the door for misuse of that power later, when the president is from a different party than the one in control of Congress. So it seems that we're in a terrible bind unless and until Robert Mueller gets the hard evidence.
1
Question. Instead of hand wringing about the end of our democratic (not the party) world, and pointing to all of the terrible things DT is doing as president, What pressure can be brought to bear on the members of Congress to prevent the looming catastrophe? Case in point. This morning's new shows were promoting the new book by Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, as a result of him being a republican who is now "attacking" our crazy president, and calling out the failures of the republican party. But Sen. Flake, for all of his high sounding words, has not personally put into action any of the things he complains about in his book, nor by his actions, does he do anything to help change the course of the country. I did not see Sen. Flake's name in the "No" vote column on the healthcare repeal bill, "skinny" or otherwise. I have not seen Sen. Flake take a stand on the floor of the Senate and call out DT for of all of his failures since he took office. So I again ask my original question, What pressure can be brought to bear on the members of Congress to prevent the looming catastrophe? If there is an answer, I'd love to hear it.
15
If I could urge all Americans to read just one brief passage as a warning about President Trump, it would be the following, from the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Ex Parte Milligan (1866):
This nation, as experience has proved, cannot always remain at peace, and has no right to expect that it will always have wise and humane rulers sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution. Wicked men, ambitious of power, with hatred of liberty and contempt of law, may fill the place once occupied by Washington and Lincoln, and if this right is conceded, and the calamities of war again befall us, the dangers to human liberty are frightful to contemplate.
This nation, as experience has proved, cannot always remain at peace, and has no right to expect that it will always have wise and humane rulers sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution. Wicked men, ambitious of power, with hatred of liberty and contempt of law, may fill the place once occupied by Washington and Lincoln, and if this right is conceded, and the calamities of war again befall us, the dangers to human liberty are frightful to contemplate.
17
On at least one of these issues, whether the Constitution permits a president to pardon himself, there's something Congress could do right away: start the process to create a new Constitutional amendment to clarify that issue. Probably ought to disallow a president from pardoning anyone with whom he has a material relationship as well. And, it ought to specifically state that it's retroactively effective as of some nice time like, um, Jan. 1, 2017, say.
I tend to be dubious about Constitutional changes in general; but this is a very specific issue that's exposed an obvious loophole in the Constitution. Ought to be a no-brainer for any Congressman to vote for, and for any state to ratify.
I tend to be dubious about Constitutional changes in general; but this is a very specific issue that's exposed an obvious loophole in the Constitution. Ought to be a no-brainer for any Congressman to vote for, and for any state to ratify.
7
When this is all over and we have our democracy back (I'm optimistic) I'm hoping right wing talk radio is gone with Trumpy. Hannity and the bunch are against democracy and are propagandists for dictatorship. They do not believe in America and the Constitution.
14
This doesn't even make sense. The Left is the socialist party - how do even wrap your head around that saying the right is against democracy? There's no such thing as a leftist Constitutionalist! How do you come up with this stuff?
Trump is not actually destroying our democracy, he's reveling in it.
Don't like what he says? Say something in opposition.
Don't like his legislative intent? Communicate that to your legislators.
Don't like his policies in general? When he comes up for re-election vote for someone else.
Don't like what he says? Say something in opposition.
Don't like his legislative intent? Communicate that to your legislators.
Don't like his policies in general? When he comes up for re-election vote for someone else.
7
Most of us already did!
9
Mike, you have completely sidestepped the issue. The things that Mr. Trump is doing are damaging our democracy. In other words, they are making it more difficult for us to do the very things that you suggest.
Mike wrote:
"Trump is not actually destroying our democracy, he's reveling in it.
Don't like what he says? Say something in opposition.
Don't like his legislative intent? Communicate that to your legislators.
Don't like his policies in general? When he comes up for re-election vote for someone else."
Mike wrote:
"Trump is not actually destroying our democracy, he's reveling in it.
Don't like what he says? Say something in opposition.
Don't like his legislative intent? Communicate that to your legislators.
Don't like his policies in general? When he comes up for re-election vote for someone else."
1
you took the words right of my mouth. Some difference it made, though
Trump isn't destroying American democracy, unless you look at it in a very strict and limited sense.
Trump wreaks his havoc by using the opportunities that the system affords him, and not just the political system. He alone among candidates got free media exposure, he was confirmed to the GOP nomination by a bunch of middle-aged white guys, so enthralled by the idea he might beat the next Clinton, they disregarded all glaring indicators of unsuitability, held their noses with one hand and shook his with the other. Trump then did NOT win, he got 3 million fewer votes, but your 18th century system made him President all the same.
Since then he has merely behaved the way he has always done. The fact that can't control his own staff, that he leaves a myriad upper- and middle-level posts in his Administration unfilled, that he appoints his son-in-law "special envoy" for making sure the sun comes up, that he trundles his daughter along to any and all events, that he doesn't end his involvement in his business dealings or doesn't disclose his earnings and all the rest of it, he does merely because, lo and behold, your system actually makes all of this possible!
The only thing you can really accuse Trump of is that he uses all the vagueness and all the gaps in the rules and regulations to his best advantage. That he would be concerned only with himself was obvious from the get go.
You enabled Trump! Don't blame him alone...
Trump wreaks his havoc by using the opportunities that the system affords him, and not just the political system. He alone among candidates got free media exposure, he was confirmed to the GOP nomination by a bunch of middle-aged white guys, so enthralled by the idea he might beat the next Clinton, they disregarded all glaring indicators of unsuitability, held their noses with one hand and shook his with the other. Trump then did NOT win, he got 3 million fewer votes, but your 18th century system made him President all the same.
Since then he has merely behaved the way he has always done. The fact that can't control his own staff, that he leaves a myriad upper- and middle-level posts in his Administration unfilled, that he appoints his son-in-law "special envoy" for making sure the sun comes up, that he trundles his daughter along to any and all events, that he doesn't end his involvement in his business dealings or doesn't disclose his earnings and all the rest of it, he does merely because, lo and behold, your system actually makes all of this possible!
The only thing you can really accuse Trump of is that he uses all the vagueness and all the gaps in the rules and regulations to his best advantage. That he would be concerned only with himself was obvious from the get go.
You enabled Trump! Don't blame him alone...
8
He gets help from all those bottomfeeders (lawyers ) he keeps on his payroll to exploit the gaps and make up for the brain cells he lacks .
2
The Times has to stop this.
Trump won the election.
Even though I despise him I have to accept the fact he is President.
Stop calling for his impeachment.
First you have nothing to charge him with.
Do not tell me about Nixon.
He was not impeached so you can not base your justification for impeaching Trump on what happened to him.
If you could then Clinton would have been kicked out of office.
By calling for Trump's impeachment all you will succeed in doing is to antagonize all the people who voted for him.
If Trump does something that he should be impeached for I would support you.
He hasn't and you therefore haveto stop.
Trump won the election.
Even though I despise him I have to accept the fact he is President.
Stop calling for his impeachment.
First you have nothing to charge him with.
Do not tell me about Nixon.
He was not impeached so you can not base your justification for impeaching Trump on what happened to him.
If you could then Clinton would have been kicked out of office.
By calling for Trump's impeachment all you will succeed in doing is to antagonize all the people who voted for him.
If Trump does something that he should be impeached for I would support you.
He hasn't and you therefore haveto stop.
9
Which is the intent. When the Times doesn't get its way, it demonizes those on the other side. There's a large portion of this republic that is foreign to this publication and its supporters.
1
if you STILL think Trump is not completely out of his league and out of his mind, then I guess you need to wait until he fires general Kelly and then tries to have McConnell arrested for treason... Then maybe the GOP members of Congress will realize that they are as unsafe as any undocumented immigrants.
1
This is an opinion piece, not a news report. A well thought out opinion piece at that.
I'm sorry to antagonize the people who voted for them. I wish they could be reached through reason or conscience.
I'm sorry to antagonize the people who voted for them. I wish they could be reached through reason or conscience.
1
What's needed now, at this moment, is a preemptive public declaration by congresspersons of both parties on what the legislative consequences will be if Trump fires Mueller, a man who enjoys well-nigh universal and bipartisan respect. This should be an action that all factions of the Republicans can support in good conscience and it would have a good chance of averting a crisis that would be much harder for them to deal with once it happened.
4
Some social scientists have come up with studies that show reopubalicans and conservatives leaning to and yearning for a strong authoritarian personality. And as long as the congress is made up and controlled by those yearning not to have to think for themselves...we are in deep trouble.
11
"President Trump, in an extraordinary rebuke of the nation’s press organizations, wrote on Twitter [Feb 2017] that the nation’s news media 'is the enemy of the American people.' ” (NYTimes) To me, that says it all, showing Mr. Trump as the wannabe tyrant that he is.
15
How does the Constitution save us from Republican dishonesty and lack of rational integrity??
8
No more than it saved up from the past regime and its lack of rational rhetoric.
1
At the moment, it doesn't. But there is a Democracy Convention later this week in Minneapolis where ideas to change the Constitution are being discussed. See: www.democracyconvention.org and the track re the Constitution.
Yes, all this true but our democracy has been in trouble well before mr. trump became president.
If democracy is to survive, we must find a find (the will) to remove big money from politics.
I believe we have to nationalize the billionaire class and use the bulk of their proceeds to create a more fair and just society.
As a culture, it's time to stand up and declare: greed is evil and not something to celebrate.
Are you listening, mr. mooch?
If democracy is to survive, we must find a find (the will) to remove big money from politics.
I believe we have to nationalize the billionaire class and use the bulk of their proceeds to create a more fair and just society.
As a culture, it's time to stand up and declare: greed is evil and not something to celebrate.
Are you listening, mr. mooch?
5
Taking from some to give to others to establish "democracy"? Which socialist university did you attend?
1
Everything in Trump's twisted mind can be traced back to his lust for power and control. That attitude is the very antithesis of what a democracy is about.
This statement he made of Putin last year is incredibly illuminating: "You can say, 'Oh, isn't that a terrible thing.' [But] the man has very strong control over his country." He'll excuse any action, no matter the illegality or gruesomeness, so long as it was done to increase one's power.
The separation of powers is just a barrier and nuisance for Trump in his tunnel-vision quest for more control. That's why he'll continue to try to obstruct investigations, intimidate members of Congress, and fire people for anything less than 100% obedience.
Pence and others may have terrifying policy stances, but Trump separates himself with this type of behavior. He is a tyrant - or at least striving to be one. He has to go. Can Republicans shake their unrelenting opportunism in order to save the principles of democracy?
This statement he made of Putin last year is incredibly illuminating: "You can say, 'Oh, isn't that a terrible thing.' [But] the man has very strong control over his country." He'll excuse any action, no matter the illegality or gruesomeness, so long as it was done to increase one's power.
The separation of powers is just a barrier and nuisance for Trump in his tunnel-vision quest for more control. That's why he'll continue to try to obstruct investigations, intimidate members of Congress, and fire people for anything less than 100% obedience.
Pence and others may have terrifying policy stances, but Trump separates himself with this type of behavior. He is a tyrant - or at least striving to be one. He has to go. Can Republicans shake their unrelenting opportunism in order to save the principles of democracy?
4
The one thing I know for sure, having dealt with many people like Donald Trump over the years, is that this man regards indecision as weakness and the vacillation on the part of Congress as an excuse to probe and push further to see where the weakest points are. He is nothing more nor less than an opportunist (real estate anybody?) and if he is given a pass on Mueller then we are heading in a very dangerous direction, I fear.
5
It's not Trump that's destroying our democracy but those who voted for him, especially those who still support him, along with the GOP right wingers who have been openly destroying our democracy for the past 30 years. Republicans are not the solution, they are the problem.
7
A lot of hard work has gone into gerrymandering and controlling court nominations so that no one would resist the right wing agenda. The anti-democratic practices have been developing for a long time.
9
The problem is that Donald is not taken seriously because of his buffoon-like behavior. This is essentially how he got elected. Nobody, particularly the mainstream media, ever dreamed he would be elected and therefore, did not point out his flaws as strongly as they should have. But that is the past, and now Republicans should be opening their eyes as to what is really happening. One of them, Jeff Flake, seems to be doing just that. But the rest of them appear to be more concerned with their own personal agendas than with the destruction of the country. They should stop worrying about Donald's base. The majority of them don't have the slightest idea what is going on in Washington and don't care. They like to wear red hats and go to rallies and scream "Lock her up". And even if they do get voted out, is the loss of our democracy less important?
5
The GOP has become increasingly authoritarian over the last 20 years. There's a reason they are going along with Trump's shenanigans. Trump and the mainstream GOP are very much on the same page when it comes to voter suppression, white identity, male dominance, and plutocratic sensibilities. So don't hold your breath waiting for the Republican Party to suddenly go all pro-democratic on us.
8
To all the Trump supporters, with respect.
Now, be honest.
Shoe completely on the other foot.
RNC hacked by Russia and personal emails with potentially embarrassing information stolen from Trump's campaign manager. Made public by Wikileaks just days after Hillary's close associate tells us it's going to happen. Hmmmm…
Hillary's top staff meeting with Russian officials.
Her daughter eager to meet with Russians promising dirt on Trump and she comments, "good for later in the Summer."
She fires a sitting FBI director and states clearly in an interview a few days later that "she wanted to end the Russia thing "
Oh, that's after inviting in Russian officials to the Oval Office and laughing about it with them. Laughing at a respected FBI director.
Still got the same position in that case, friend?
Now, be honest.
Shoe completely on the other foot.
RNC hacked by Russia and personal emails with potentially embarrassing information stolen from Trump's campaign manager. Made public by Wikileaks just days after Hillary's close associate tells us it's going to happen. Hmmmm…
Hillary's top staff meeting with Russian officials.
Her daughter eager to meet with Russians promising dirt on Trump and she comments, "good for later in the Summer."
She fires a sitting FBI director and states clearly in an interview a few days later that "she wanted to end the Russia thing "
Oh, that's after inviting in Russian officials to the Oval Office and laughing about it with them. Laughing at a respected FBI director.
Still got the same position in that case, friend?
11
But you also neglected to mentioned that HRC was caught on tape speaking about groping men, but it was just 'lady talk'. HRC was also seen mocking a disabled reporter and I hear, but I'm not sure that she also never produced any truthful income statements and she refused to release her tax returns. She also insisted that Bill not live in the WH for a while and had the taxpayers pick up the bill for her house in Chappaqua... I'm not certain, but she has been rumored to also go away an awful lot of weekends and play golf or quilt or some girly thing like that whilst having important conversations in the ladies' room.
It's not just Trump; it's Republicans. They don't want democracy because their policies do not serve the interests of a large majority of the people. In order for them to gain and keep power they need to have an enormous propaganda machine to convince some people to vote against their own interests. The have built that machine over the past 30 years, and they are continuing to expand it down to the local newspapers and local TV news in most of the country. Trump and his minions were perfectly fine, if not part of, a Russian misinformation campaign to help him in the election. The Republican machine was successful in convincing many voters that Hillary Clinton was running a child sex ring out of the basement of a Pizza Parlor. Earlier, Trump became a hero of the Republicans by his misinformation campaign claiming that President Obama was not legitimate because he was born in another country. Trump and the Republican propaganda machine were successful in convincing a large percentage of Republicans that it was true.
Republicans also work to suppress the votes of people likely to vote against them. Those efforts are growing every year, as their policies become more and more extreme.
Republicans don't want democracy anymore. The sooner people wake up, the better the chances of stopping it.
Republicans also work to suppress the votes of people likely to vote against them. Those efforts are growing every year, as their policies become more and more extreme.
Republicans don't want democracy anymore. The sooner people wake up, the better the chances of stopping it.
11
yes jas2200 - we need a one-party state so democracy can thrive.
Congress, senators and representatives of both parties, need to meet and decide the constitutional response if Trump fires Mueller or diminishes Mueller's role in the Russian investigation. The dangerous man-child should know, just like a misbehaving boy, what the consequences will be if his behavior crosses this dangerous line. The threat on our democracy is deadly serious, and the occupant of the White House will only understand straight forward stern and consistent discipline. Apply it now and faithfully as long as he's in office.
3
Somebody needs to ask this guy why he thinks it's OK for him to burn down the People's House (mere real estate? A transactional asset? strike when opportunity knocks...), and it's not OK to burn down his houses, wreck them, and then barter to get the best deal, oh, the best deal for the next casino, the next hotel, the next New Trumpian Idea. Both are illegal. He always thinks he has more chips in the game than anyone else, it's his "brand", and the country, our old "house" is just starting to feel the heat of the Trump branding iron. May we hold strong for freedom and liberty forever.
Sigh.
Sigh.
The real threat to American democracy is not Trump, it's the ignorant American voter that hates immigrants, and would mostly likely fail the citizenship test, whereby a passing grade is required to become an American citizen.
The other main problems with the American voter is their total unfamiliarity with kitchen table issues, and how the GOP has not been on their side for years, and the total apathy of a majority of American voters.
Other than those trivial concerns we are doing fine. BTW, I should begin posting RW comments, as they seem to get more traction in the comments section.
The other main problems with the American voter is their total unfamiliarity with kitchen table issues, and how the GOP has not been on their side for years, and the total apathy of a majority of American voters.
Other than those trivial concerns we are doing fine. BTW, I should begin posting RW comments, as they seem to get more traction in the comments section.
6
"Trump Is Destroying Our Democracy." Yes, he is. And, yes, it has been "gradual" and easy "to overlook." And, yes, Mr. Trump's efforts are "already well on the way" to creating "lasting damage" to our democracy.
I myself have already on this site noted the examples cited here: treating the Boy Scouts like a fascist youth organization; attempting to convert our apolitical military to a political tool; endorsing the police use of violence (against non-whites); and targeting federal investigations against political opponents.
It is noteworthy that Trump's supporters on this site rarely if ever register complaints with what the president is doing to our democracy. It is terrible that they are willing to go so far in order to advance their tribe or attain power or push their ideas. In plain terms, they are willing to destroy the country in order to get what they want.
No big "flashing light" (other than the president himself) tells us there is a problem. But every day there are many small blinking lights each of which should compel us to speak out.
Our democracy depends on its constituent parts working well and working together: the free press; the right to protest peacefully; the apolitical military; the congressional check on executive power; the independent judicial branch; and the independence of DOJ investigations.
It also depends on all of us to speak out, including the White House staff members who still put the country and the Constitution first. Who are they?
I myself have already on this site noted the examples cited here: treating the Boy Scouts like a fascist youth organization; attempting to convert our apolitical military to a political tool; endorsing the police use of violence (against non-whites); and targeting federal investigations against political opponents.
It is noteworthy that Trump's supporters on this site rarely if ever register complaints with what the president is doing to our democracy. It is terrible that they are willing to go so far in order to advance their tribe or attain power or push their ideas. In plain terms, they are willing to destroy the country in order to get what they want.
No big "flashing light" (other than the president himself) tells us there is a problem. But every day there are many small blinking lights each of which should compel us to speak out.
Our democracy depends on its constituent parts working well and working together: the free press; the right to protest peacefully; the apolitical military; the congressional check on executive power; the independent judicial branch; and the independence of DOJ investigations.
It also depends on all of us to speak out, including the White House staff members who still put the country and the Constitution first. Who are they?
4
It is a strange phenomenon to come to this point when the flood of extreme adjectives of derision describing our president are not exaggerations, not caricatures, but quite literal attributions. Yascha Mounk's analysis of our looming constitutional crisis and the character of our president is demonstrably accurate. If Republicans in Congress cannot rise to the occasion, is the defense of our democracy left to ordinary citizens taking to the streets?
3
I continue to believe that the system will hold against Trump, but I become more concerned by the day. The system will not hold itself: the U.S. Constitution's system of checks and balances is designed to pit powerful officeholders against one another. It is time, as Yascha Mounk writes, for Congressional and Senate Republicans--and Democrats--to check and balance our out-of-control president.
Political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page published an important article a couple years ago in which they contend that the U.S. is already not a democracy, because powerful, well-funded interests prevail over the will of the people. So it seems that our democracy is being eroded from both the top and the bottom--that is, from the White House and Congress, and in citizens' waning commitment to democracy.
Political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page published an important article a couple years ago in which they contend that the U.S. is already not a democracy, because powerful, well-funded interests prevail over the will of the people. So it seems that our democracy is being eroded from both the top and the bottom--that is, from the White House and Congress, and in citizens' waning commitment to democracy.
8
We are closer to the world of 1984 than I ever would have believed possible. But it came at us step by step, inch by inch, as each violation was justified as no big deal or politics as usual. With non-stop voter suppression and gerrymandering rigged elections, we increasingly have an ever smaller minority dictating the outcomes. Hungary (or Germany 1930s) is actually a relevant reference point,
11
If Trump fires Mueller, there should be an immediate, overwhelming response - the biggest demonstration ever held. We should flood the DC mall and the downtowns of our cities. And it should go on day after day, until Congress either removes Trump, or rehires Mueller and gives him everything he needs to further the investigation.
22
We should, but we won't.
2
Some will and those who can't but want to can do their part. it may well come to this
I am seventy, and I will, even with my wheelchair!
2
Don't forget Venezuela. They voted for a "populist" in Hugo Chavez who wanted to change their constitution to allow him to rule for life. His death only delayed this downturn in democracy. His successor, Maduro, just won a contested election and then had his opponents, Lopez and Ledezma, whisked away from their homes in the middle of the night. Be afraid, be very afraid.
10
Trump could do one bigly victory over Obama by being president for life. I wonder if he may be thinking about that. That would be the ultimate WIN as he always wins.
Those on the Right don't mind a strongman in Trump. For he is their strongman. The road to tyranny is laid brick by brick by a loving and adoring public whom support Trump. They feel he is only attacking the minorities i.e. LGBT, blacks, Hispanics, and liberals. Once he finish off or marginalize those groups then he will turn his attention towards his own base. Anyone whom isn't loyal enough, doesn't shout the party line loud enough, or doesn't punish and enslave enough will be purged as well.
12
Mr. Walton, I beg your pardon sir. Why would you presume to know the hearts and minds of everyone you identify as the "Right"? Also, I respectfully request examples to back your accusations or claims of:
"They feel he is only attacking the minorities i.e. LGBT, blacks, Hispanics, and liberals. Once he finish off or marginalize those groups then he will turn his attention towards his own base
"Anyone whom isn't loyal enough, doesn't shout the party line loud enough, or doesn't punish and enslave enough will be purged as well."
While you are entitled to your own opinion I am curious as to how you arrived at your conclusion. It is for that reason that I have requested examples. I would like the opportunity to understand your points of view.
"They feel he is only attacking the minorities i.e. LGBT, blacks, Hispanics, and liberals. Once he finish off or marginalize those groups then he will turn his attention towards his own base
"Anyone whom isn't loyal enough, doesn't shout the party line loud enough, or doesn't punish and enslave enough will be purged as well."
While you are entitled to your own opinion I am curious as to how you arrived at your conclusion. It is for that reason that I have requested examples. I would like the opportunity to understand your points of view.
1
A strongman is only a strongman when people adulate them , strip away that facade , they turn out to be weak little men.The banality of evil courtesy of Hannah Arendt.
Many commenters have weighed in with their views about how all this will end. Here's my take.
Trump will continue to consolidate his power. The generals will do his bidding. The electoral map ensures a Republican controlled Congress through 2020. Republicans will continue to cower before him, as they dispense with Mueller's recommendations for prosecution. Trump uses any excuse, false flag or otherwise, to declare martial law sometime before the 2020 elections (generalized fear of our brown friends and neighbors should suffice), and suspends elections.
Many tens of thousands of Americans will begin leaving the country. Certainly those with any means will not want their families living in a nation increasingly becoming a police state. Tens of thousands will leave to ensure their families' safety, as they're targets of persecution because of their ethnicity or religion. Tens of thousands of others will leave because they can no longer afford their health care here. And tens of thousands of others will want to raise their children in a true democracy, where they will have the kinds of opportunities that are now a just distant memory for most of us. But they will leave.
Those of us who must remain will then have only two choices: either submit to living in a fascist state, or fight. Literally fight. Now, tell me what I'm missing.
Trump will continue to consolidate his power. The generals will do his bidding. The electoral map ensures a Republican controlled Congress through 2020. Republicans will continue to cower before him, as they dispense with Mueller's recommendations for prosecution. Trump uses any excuse, false flag or otherwise, to declare martial law sometime before the 2020 elections (generalized fear of our brown friends and neighbors should suffice), and suspends elections.
Many tens of thousands of Americans will begin leaving the country. Certainly those with any means will not want their families living in a nation increasingly becoming a police state. Tens of thousands will leave to ensure their families' safety, as they're targets of persecution because of their ethnicity or religion. Tens of thousands of others will leave because they can no longer afford their health care here. And tens of thousands of others will want to raise their children in a true democracy, where they will have the kinds of opportunities that are now a just distant memory for most of us. But they will leave.
Those of us who must remain will then have only two choices: either submit to living in a fascist state, or fight. Literally fight. Now, tell me what I'm missing.
9
I disagree that Republicans are cowering before Trump. He isn't really of their party or reliable in any way, and is pretty unpopular with the general public. I think Republicans are going along with him because they think they can do whatever they want and he'll just sign off on it. His value to the party extends only so far as he makes it possible to cut taxes for rich people, scrap regulations for big business, put more poor people in jail and punish women for being women.
If he's not able to help with those (to my mind, immoral) goals, and spends his days attacking his ostensible party-mates in Congress, then he might find Republicans pushing back more openly.
Also, let's not give up hope that Democrats will be able to get a bigger beachhead in Congress next year. Of course, it's possible that having Dems in charge of Congress would be a gift to Trump--he could make a better case for obstruction going into 2020, in the hope of pulling more Trumpian politicians into Congress--but that might start to feel like a risk worth taking if Trump continues like this.
If he's not able to help with those (to my mind, immoral) goals, and spends his days attacking his ostensible party-mates in Congress, then he might find Republicans pushing back more openly.
Also, let's not give up hope that Democrats will be able to get a bigger beachhead in Congress next year. Of course, it's possible that having Dems in charge of Congress would be a gift to Trump--he could make a better case for obstruction going into 2020, in the hope of pulling more Trumpian politicians into Congress--but that might start to feel like a risk worth taking if Trump continues like this.
2
I concur with Dr. Mounk's analysis and call to action. And as much as I believe Trump projects not merely an incompetence but an incongruence with all that we in our 240 year history have deemed good about government, I have faith in the system itself to hold against him and his tide. What I don't have faith in is the people, i.e. the GOP and Trump's (p)sychophants, to do their duties as called for my the author. Thus, I am holding my powder to see if the new chief of staff, who had previously expressed anger at the firing of Comey, to do the job the Congress will not. If he does not, and if Congress does not step up to the task - their obligatory task - to protect the Constitution, then all bets are off. And my faith will be in vain.
4
You may not like Trump does but he isn't destroying democracy.
The examples you provide are perfectly within the power of the presidency.
I don't like the way he is trying to oust Sessions, but cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the president. I believe Sessions over-reacted when he recused himself re Russia as he had no connection to any collusion (there was non) between the Trump campaign and Russia.
As far as firing Mueller -- also within his power. Mueller is on a witch hunt. I'm not sure why we are investigating Russia hacking the DNC as (1) our intel community has proclaimed they did it (2) we're getting ready to impose more sanctions. We should be investing time and money not on Mueller but on tightening cyber security.
Remember, the DNC proclaimed it was a private org when people accused them of usurping the will of the people and ensuring HRC was nominated. But when they were hacked (by someone) suddenly they're part of our election infrastructure? No votes were changed due to the embarrassing but basically already known info in the leaked e-mails. The voting process was not hacked.
Thinking out loud about who the president can pardon hardly threatens democracy. He can. Ford did it. Clinton pardoned Mark Rich. Trump is letting Mueller know he can pardon anyone Mueller goes after.
And no one wants a special investigator digging anywhere they want -- unless it is on their political opponents.
The examples you provide are perfectly within the power of the presidency.
I don't like the way he is trying to oust Sessions, but cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the president. I believe Sessions over-reacted when he recused himself re Russia as he had no connection to any collusion (there was non) between the Trump campaign and Russia.
As far as firing Mueller -- also within his power. Mueller is on a witch hunt. I'm not sure why we are investigating Russia hacking the DNC as (1) our intel community has proclaimed they did it (2) we're getting ready to impose more sanctions. We should be investing time and money not on Mueller but on tightening cyber security.
Remember, the DNC proclaimed it was a private org when people accused them of usurping the will of the people and ensuring HRC was nominated. But when they were hacked (by someone) suddenly they're part of our election infrastructure? No votes were changed due to the embarrassing but basically already known info in the leaked e-mails. The voting process was not hacked.
Thinking out loud about who the president can pardon hardly threatens democracy. He can. Ford did it. Clinton pardoned Mark Rich. Trump is letting Mueller know he can pardon anyone Mueller goes after.
And no one wants a special investigator digging anywhere they want -- unless it is on their political opponents.
6
"....he had no connection to any collusion (there was non [sic]) between the Trump campaign and Russia."
Actually, here in the real world, the investigation is not over and the available evidence points to likely collusion (e.g., the email to Don Jr. and his response).
Just to be clear about this, Trump and his campaign are being investigated for obstruction of justice and for colluding with a hostile foreign power to sway the election Trump's way.
If you're having a hard time recognizing the significance of this, just pretend that it was Hillary who won with Russian help. Pretend that she fired the FBI director, citing the Russia investigation, and then invited Russians into the oval office the next day and called the FBI director a nut job. Does that help?
Actually, here in the real world, the investigation is not over and the available evidence points to likely collusion (e.g., the email to Don Jr. and his response).
Just to be clear about this, Trump and his campaign are being investigated for obstruction of justice and for colluding with a hostile foreign power to sway the election Trump's way.
If you're having a hard time recognizing the significance of this, just pretend that it was Hillary who won with Russian help. Pretend that she fired the FBI director, citing the Russia investigation, and then invited Russians into the oval office the next day and called the FBI director a nut job. Does that help?
3
So you think Trump and co. hung out with the Russians because they're just so much fun? Can you explain why all of them somehow "forgot" all the contact they had with the Russians?
4
what contacts?
sessions met with the Russian ambassador in his official capacity as senator -- the other meet was a hi-hello after a speech with all sorts of other ambassadors and dignitaries in the room. His sin was misinterpreting Franken's question.
Flynn -- perfectly legit contact with Russian ambassador. His only issue was omitting the content of the conversation. Moreover, that was post election so it couldn't have been collusion.
Trump Jr., Mannafort, Kushner -- all three had a 30 minute meeting with a Russian attorney. Not a representative of the Kremlin. She was offering dirt on the Clinton campaign. It was opp research and perfectly legit. There was no collusion, no planning, no follow-up meetings, no actions planned, no promises given. No quid pro quo. No collusion. Remember the Clinton team and the Russian dossier on Trump -- somehow that is OK (even though it was clearly fake info) but talking to a Russian citizen -- private citizens of one country speaking with a citizen of another -- isn't ok?
Give me a break.
sessions met with the Russian ambassador in his official capacity as senator -- the other meet was a hi-hello after a speech with all sorts of other ambassadors and dignitaries in the room. His sin was misinterpreting Franken's question.
Flynn -- perfectly legit contact with Russian ambassador. His only issue was omitting the content of the conversation. Moreover, that was post election so it couldn't have been collusion.
Trump Jr., Mannafort, Kushner -- all three had a 30 minute meeting with a Russian attorney. Not a representative of the Kremlin. She was offering dirt on the Clinton campaign. It was opp research and perfectly legit. There was no collusion, no planning, no follow-up meetings, no actions planned, no promises given. No quid pro quo. No collusion. Remember the Clinton team and the Russian dossier on Trump -- somehow that is OK (even though it was clearly fake info) but talking to a Russian citizen -- private citizens of one country speaking with a citizen of another -- isn't ok?
Give me a break.
I thought that 45's ascendancy to the White House would become a bad joke. It has, but it is much worse than I thought it would be, and more dangerous than I ever imagined it would be.
The ongoing denial of facts is worrisome enough. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement with no other justification than that he doesn't "believe in" climate change? Does he "believe in" gravity? That's "just a theory", too. But a scientific theory is not what popular belief says a theory is; a scientific theory is a hypothesis tested and supported by facts. Global, anthropogenic climate change is just such a theory. And according to reports in scientific journals, and in the "fake" popular media, we ignore climate change at our peril and at the peril of the earth's population. The increasing CO2 content of the oceans already has caused profound changes that will end in the loss of much of the current ocean life.
45's cabinet members, named no doubt with lots of help from Bannon, are mostly antithetical to their departments, Zinke, DeVos and Perdue outstandingly so (P.S. - note to the White House: consider updating the web page listing the White House staff?)
This man, and his so-called administration, are dangers not just to the republic but to the world. It is time for Congress to recognize that fact - and it is no fake.
The ongoing denial of facts is worrisome enough. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement with no other justification than that he doesn't "believe in" climate change? Does he "believe in" gravity? That's "just a theory", too. But a scientific theory is not what popular belief says a theory is; a scientific theory is a hypothesis tested and supported by facts. Global, anthropogenic climate change is just such a theory. And according to reports in scientific journals, and in the "fake" popular media, we ignore climate change at our peril and at the peril of the earth's population. The increasing CO2 content of the oceans already has caused profound changes that will end in the loss of much of the current ocean life.
45's cabinet members, named no doubt with lots of help from Bannon, are mostly antithetical to their departments, Zinke, DeVos and Perdue outstandingly so (P.S. - note to the White House: consider updating the web page listing the White House staff?)
This man, and his so-called administration, are dangers not just to the republic but to the world. It is time for Congress to recognize that fact - and it is no fake.
8
Every day Trump impotently tweets out threats to Congress, foreign leaders, Americans in general, businessmen and the planet. At the same time we keep getting more information about his guilt. Please hurry Mueller, America and the world can't take much more.
9
When the Russian/Warsaw Pact version of "communism" crumbled we thought liberal, free market democracy was the only brand around. Sure, "communist" China still existed but surely it would get steamrolled once their populace got a taste of middle class comforts (whoops!).
Well, a competing brand has arisen in its place, Oligarchic Kleptocracy. The trouble is that this brand has millions of believers in currently democratic nations (think Trump).
Only a left/right coalition that rejects the corporate takeover (already underway) of global governance could possibly hope to counter this onslaught.
It doesn't look very good!
Well, a competing brand has arisen in its place, Oligarchic Kleptocracy. The trouble is that this brand has millions of believers in currently democratic nations (think Trump).
Only a left/right coalition that rejects the corporate takeover (already underway) of global governance could possibly hope to counter this onslaught.
It doesn't look very good!
8
As unsettling as Trump's behavior has been - along with the refusal of Republicans in Congress to oppose him - there is still a big difference between Hungary, Turkey, Russia and the United States.
Unlike those countries, we have a 240 year history of democracy. We still have the original Constitution (with important amendments).
And we have an active opposition.
Trump doesn't control the media. The states have universally rejected requests from the bogus election commission run by Kobach. His major initiatives in Congress have failed. States are developing their own plans to fight climate change. And there have been many large public demonstrations.
There's been a lot of authoritarian talk from Trump. But so far he's been unable to actually silence dissent. Should he try to shut down the media, or arrest opponents - well those would be game changers.
I want Trump gone as soon as possible. We must be alert. But so far, I don't think our democracy (such as it is) is more imperiled by Trump than it has been by oligarchs such as the Kochs.
Unlike those countries, we have a 240 year history of democracy. We still have the original Constitution (with important amendments).
And we have an active opposition.
Trump doesn't control the media. The states have universally rejected requests from the bogus election commission run by Kobach. His major initiatives in Congress have failed. States are developing their own plans to fight climate change. And there have been many large public demonstrations.
There's been a lot of authoritarian talk from Trump. But so far he's been unable to actually silence dissent. Should he try to shut down the media, or arrest opponents - well those would be game changers.
I want Trump gone as soon as possible. We must be alert. But so far, I don't think our democracy (such as it is) is more imperiled by Trump than it has been by oligarchs such as the Kochs.
6
Indeed, but our civil rights and institutions are only good as the folks whom are willing to protect them. The dark forces aligned with Trump don't expect wipe out freedom and democracy in a night or even a generation. But it can and will happen if folks don't participate in our system and don't have the willingness to die for their hard fought civil rights. These dark forces are playing the long game. Trump was merely the test case where you got money, fame, and a beautiful wife...folks will vote for you no matter how vile one is. He won on a clear agenda of hate and division where his dark message resonated loud and clear among a large majority. Trump could shout white power, and folks will still vote for him. Never underestimate the stupidity of the average [republican] voter.
5
It is the republican voters that are destroying our country by scaring repblican congressman into acceptance of this horrible person.
11
Americans can only stop him if their elected representatives step up to the task. But it just seems as if the fact hasn't sunk in that the guy in the White House holding the pen is not really a Republican. Despite Trump's egregious (and surreal) behavior, it still appears unlikely that this Congress will act to reclaim any of the constitutional powers ceded to the Executive over the last forty years.
2
Comments about how can anyone support this man. The answer is simple, ignorance, lack of critical thinking and mostly stupidity.
16
It's not only Trump, the entire Republican Party that is destroying Mockerson. Beef stew three election since 1980. The Reagan and ministration was working behind-the-scenes to keep the hostages held until after the election; they offered Iran a better deal they traded arms to Iran. Jimmy Carter's hands are tied because of it .
Everybody knows about how Al gore was cheated out of the floor of the victory. And now they colluded with the Russians and targeted certain states in the last two weeks to pull out slim victories that gave Donald Trump electoral college win.
Everybody knows about how Al gore was cheated out of the floor of the victory. And now they colluded with the Russians and targeted certain states in the last two weeks to pull out slim victories that gave Donald Trump electoral college win.
5
Ignorance, narcissism, nepotism, greed, blatant lies and a lust for power are characteristics that prevail in Emperor Trump. The checks and balances in place to protect us are hanging on by their finger tips. That is for the few willing to use the authority to exercise them. (See Health Care Repeal Vote). The ethics that drive our Executive branch are drowned in nepotism, lies, chaos and despotic behavior by this administration. They independent office that provides the surety that they are followed has lost their leader due to disgust and being under constant attack and stonewalling from this President. We are quite a ways from Venezuela at the moment but if Emperor Trump had his way.... "LOCK HER UP!!!!!"
The leadership in this country responsible for making sure that we do not slide any more in that direction need to act decisively now.. VOTE! Our Republic is under attack from within.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/world/americas/venezuela-opposition-n...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
The leadership in this country responsible for making sure that we do not slide any more in that direction need to act decisively now.. VOTE! Our Republic is under attack from within.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/world/americas/venezuela-opposition-n...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
6
First, our constitution can't be changed by the president. Yes he can act like an idiot, but he needs partners from the other branches to make other changes, that's not happening. The Congress and Courts can just ignore him and I expect that result. So he is 200 days in and receiving lots of push back now, what will it be in the Dems get control of the Senate or House. Donald's got a little over two years before the lights start dimming. I expect him not to run for a 2nd term, he doesn't do defeat well. Hopefully we have learned our lesson.
It's like the broken windows theory of neighborhood law enforcement.
If not addressed and quashed, the little annoyances and infractions add up and, then, you realize your neighborhood has changed. People are afraid. Street life is curtailed out of fear. You don't go out. Community suffers. Businesses in the neighborhood suffer. The life oozes out.
Then, it's gone.
The previous feel of life in the neighborhood is gone.
And, very hard to regain.
Trump and his apologists and power drunk enablers in his party are breaking windows.
That drip, drip, drip is not only about Russia.
It's our democracy leaking away.
Many Americans are fine with that.
They never understood freedom at all.
They're OK with losing it, just as long as their guy is the one that takes it away.
And, it will get worse if there is a national crisis to be used as an excuse for further assault on our system and laws.
But, the stupids will fall for it, support it, love it.
They have to be resisted and shown the light.
If not addressed and quashed, the little annoyances and infractions add up and, then, you realize your neighborhood has changed. People are afraid. Street life is curtailed out of fear. You don't go out. Community suffers. Businesses in the neighborhood suffer. The life oozes out.
Then, it's gone.
The previous feel of life in the neighborhood is gone.
And, very hard to regain.
Trump and his apologists and power drunk enablers in his party are breaking windows.
That drip, drip, drip is not only about Russia.
It's our democracy leaking away.
Many Americans are fine with that.
They never understood freedom at all.
They're OK with losing it, just as long as their guy is the one that takes it away.
And, it will get worse if there is a national crisis to be used as an excuse for further assault on our system and laws.
But, the stupids will fall for it, support it, love it.
They have to be resisted and shown the light.
10
The GOP has turned to the dark side, and now they are lost...
5
As troubling as the scenario described in this article is, far more troubling would be President Trump’s use of nuclear weapons in a first use attack. You probably think that this will not happen. Probably not; the chance is a small one, but not small enough. We do not know the limit to Mr. Trump’s extreme behavior. He has said, in his campaign, something to the effect that what’s the use of having nuclear weapons if we don’t use them? This is probably just bluster—we hope.
There are bills, which have been introduced in both the House and the Senate, which deal with this, titled “Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017.” This law would prevent the president from launching a first use nuclear attack without Congress first declaring war on specific target nations. If we are attacked with nuclear weapons, there is no restriction in the bill and the president can retaliate with nuclear weapons without congressional approval.
My congressman is a Republican so when I spoke with him I was careful to point out that the intent of this bill is not to humiliate Mr. Trump. Rather, this is a policy which should have been in place since the beginning of Mutual Assured Destruction decades ago. One person, regardless of how intelligent, calm and prudent he or she may be, should not have the power to end human civilization in a single, ill-considered act.
In the House, this bill is H.R. 669 and in the Senate S. 200.
There are bills, which have been introduced in both the House and the Senate, which deal with this, titled “Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017.” This law would prevent the president from launching a first use nuclear attack without Congress first declaring war on specific target nations. If we are attacked with nuclear weapons, there is no restriction in the bill and the president can retaliate with nuclear weapons without congressional approval.
My congressman is a Republican so when I spoke with him I was careful to point out that the intent of this bill is not to humiliate Mr. Trump. Rather, this is a policy which should have been in place since the beginning of Mutual Assured Destruction decades ago. One person, regardless of how intelligent, calm and prudent he or she may be, should not have the power to end human civilization in a single, ill-considered act.
In the House, this bill is H.R. 669 and in the Senate S. 200.
6
I smell a revolution brewing - where these despots will be overthrown, tarred and feathered, and sent into the black hole where they will never be seen again! This can't happen soon enough.
3
And which Democratic super heroes are you dependent upon to lead that manly effort?
Trump reminds me of an Augustus Caesar without any military prowess. Ceasar was certainly more commanding, competent, and shrewd emperor, yet things turned out badly for him.
1
Things turned out badly for Augustus Caesar? Are you sure about that?
You are confusing Augustus with Julius.
He ruled for 40 years and lived until he was 75 years old. Not bad.
"around 40 percent of voters — and some 80 percent of Republicans — approve of his performance."
I find the "80% of Republicans" the most surprising figure. Most Republicans that I know are not idiots. What are we missing???
I find the "80% of Republicans" the most surprising figure. Most Republicans that I know are not idiots. What are we missing???
1
George Foo,
I believe the question is, "What are they missing?"
I believe the question is, "What are they missing?"
2
You're lucky. Every one of the many Republicans I know and are related to are either idiots or willfully ignorant.
Maybe Kelly made a Pygmalion-bet that he could turn 45 into presidential timber?
1
Term limits
Term limits
Term limits
Follow the money
Follow the money
Follow the money
Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering
The internet
The internet
The internet
24 hour "news" cycle
Information doubles every 72 hours.
Cell phones.
When Mueller is thrown out, and he will be chances are, the truth will still be unearthed at 1600. The level of anxiety and tension st the WH is palpable. You can cut it with a knife.
A military leader who is a micromanager will not be able to change that. In fact, his methods will intensify it.
The truth may be bigger than Russian meddling, or it may nothing. The insistence on "nothing" is not supported by the behavior of those occupying the WH.
The truth will cone out.
Nature will bring this to balance.
But, by then, who knows what life will look like in America.
We are on a down hill slide, have been for decades.
We are the midst of a significant societal regression.
Don't count on the "elected" leader to be a leader. He is clearly not a leader.
But I can be a leader for myself and that's the most important job I can devote my energy to.
And in case you hadn't heard, he said he's not going to stop tweeting.
He's a master of distraction. Who is addicted to distraction.
He's also 70. And loves junk food. And doesn't exercise. And rarely sleeps. And doesn't read.
No one escapes the presidency without physical impacts. He's human, so he's no exception.
Term limits
Term limits
Follow the money
Follow the money
Follow the money
Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering
The internet
The internet
The internet
24 hour "news" cycle
Information doubles every 72 hours.
Cell phones.
When Mueller is thrown out, and he will be chances are, the truth will still be unearthed at 1600. The level of anxiety and tension st the WH is palpable. You can cut it with a knife.
A military leader who is a micromanager will not be able to change that. In fact, his methods will intensify it.
The truth may be bigger than Russian meddling, or it may nothing. The insistence on "nothing" is not supported by the behavior of those occupying the WH.
The truth will cone out.
Nature will bring this to balance.
But, by then, who knows what life will look like in America.
We are on a down hill slide, have been for decades.
We are the midst of a significant societal regression.
Don't count on the "elected" leader to be a leader. He is clearly not a leader.
But I can be a leader for myself and that's the most important job I can devote my energy to.
And in case you hadn't heard, he said he's not going to stop tweeting.
He's a master of distraction. Who is addicted to distraction.
He's also 70. And loves junk food. And doesn't exercise. And rarely sleeps. And doesn't read.
No one escapes the presidency without physical impacts. He's human, so he's no exception.
1
If repulsives are waiting for the "other shoe to drop" they best drop that stance. When the other shoe drops, it will be too late. Aren't the repulsives concerned about democracy? Oh, I guess not. They are in total denial about the pretender to the white house.
4
"A number of Republican senators and congressmen have reportedly objected to Mr. Trump’s attacks on Mr. Sessions and voted against parts of his legislative agenda, but most have yet to oppose him publicly."
I disagree that "most have yet to oppose him publicly. Although the press did not make enough of it, 229 Republican House Members and 51 Republican Senators voted to block Trump's ability to lift sanctions against Russia, a very public statement that they do not trust Trump when it comes to Russia. This was a clear shot across the bow and shows that there are lines that all but a very small handful of Members of Congress are not willing to cross. That Republicans would limit a President of their own party in this way is truly remarkable.
I disagree that "most have yet to oppose him publicly. Although the press did not make enough of it, 229 Republican House Members and 51 Republican Senators voted to block Trump's ability to lift sanctions against Russia, a very public statement that they do not trust Trump when it comes to Russia. This was a clear shot across the bow and shows that there are lines that all but a very small handful of Members of Congress are not willing to cross. That Republicans would limit a President of their own party in this way is truly remarkable.
2
Trump has learned that he can openly muse about firing A.G. Sessions solely for the purpose for obstructing the investigation because the politicians surrounding him are generally weak people. He constantly expressed that view on the campaign trial. He knew them to be craven and cowardly, easily bought off, and without much dignity. In fact, most businessmen believe politicians to be faint-hearted and timid. Trump remembers the politicians that made pilgrimages to Trump Tower seeking money and his blessings. He has no respect for those type of men which is why he hires generals and corporate execs for the more serious jobs in the administration. Those are the only people worthy of his respect. If we are forced to rely on strong, principled Republican politicians to stand up to Trump and take a stand, we're in big trouble.
1
Hmm, I will certainly agree that Trump is challenging our democracy and its institutions as no other President ever has... But so far, it does seem as the Donald is losing.
I think appointing Kelly as his Chief of Staff is his last chance to salvage his Presidency and only if he actual listens to Kelly. If he doesn't then he will be out of office in a few years and will probably end his days in a locked wing of some funny farm.
He is turning out to be one of the weakest Presidents ever. He's all bark and no bite. Nobody in Congress pays any attention to him apart from grimacing at his latest inane tweet. Mueller will continue to patiently dig away at all the rotten dealings of Donald and his obnoxious kids with Putin's minions. I doubt the Republicans in Congress have the stomach to impeach him but it may not matter... I suspect he will end up as the first PINO (President in Name Only).
I think appointing Kelly as his Chief of Staff is his last chance to salvage his Presidency and only if he actual listens to Kelly. If he doesn't then he will be out of office in a few years and will probably end his days in a locked wing of some funny farm.
He is turning out to be one of the weakest Presidents ever. He's all bark and no bite. Nobody in Congress pays any attention to him apart from grimacing at his latest inane tweet. Mueller will continue to patiently dig away at all the rotten dealings of Donald and his obnoxious kids with Putin's minions. I doubt the Republicans in Congress have the stomach to impeach him but it may not matter... I suspect he will end up as the first PINO (President in Name Only).
1
"Do Americans have what it takes to stop him?".
No doubt about it, they have 300 million guns in public hands.
Practically suggesting violence against the President by using inflammatory rhetoric. The NYTimes will stop at nothing to inflame hatred towards Trump.
No doubt about it, they have 300 million guns in public hands.
Practically suggesting violence against the President by using inflammatory rhetoric. The NYTimes will stop at nothing to inflame hatred towards Trump.
2
Where in this piece does it mention any kind of violence?
1
Trump is a symptom, not the whole disease. The GOP has been destroying our democracy for decades. They stole a Supreme Court seat and no one stopped them. Just tell me what I should do to save my beloved country. Because I truly am at a loss. I've marched, written, donated and called. And none of it, not one thing, has made a particle of difference.
6
Rebecca, it has made a difference. The reason that things have not gone further towards destruction of our democracy is because of actions by people like yourself. Please do not give up, our so-called Representatives pay attention to the actions of the American people because they want to be reelected. Results may not be immediately apparent, but they are there. I have been an activist for almost 50 years and I believe activism by the people is the only thing standing between America and complete tyranny. Citizens in Romania and Poland have been beating back repression by activism in the past few months. People in Venezuela and even Russia are standing up in the face of violence. Please continue to do what you've been doing, and pester people close to you to do the same. And thanks for standing up.
3
The United States is not facing a constitutional crisis. That would occur were the president to reject an order of the Supreme Court or refuse to cooperate with congress with regard to an impeachment inquiry. That is, if there was an insoluble clash or deadlock between the separate branches of government on an important issue.
So far the Congress and the Judiciary have been pushing back against the Executive. Trump has been stymied by the courts in trying to block citizens of other countries from entering the U.S. on the grounds of religion. And the Congress has not passed any of his major legislative initiatives.
Trump is one of our weaker presidents. He may turn out to have diminished the power of the Executive branch. It is unhelpful to compare him with Victor Orban or Vladimir Putin, because he is an incompetent buffoon. His opposition should not try to impeach him, which would infuriate his base, but to defeat him politically in 2018 and 2020.
So far the Congress and the Judiciary have been pushing back against the Executive. Trump has been stymied by the courts in trying to block citizens of other countries from entering the U.S. on the grounds of religion. And the Congress has not passed any of his major legislative initiatives.
Trump is one of our weaker presidents. He may turn out to have diminished the power of the Executive branch. It is unhelpful to compare him with Victor Orban or Vladimir Putin, because he is an incompetent buffoon. His opposition should not try to impeach him, which would infuriate his base, but to defeat him politically in 2018 and 2020.
2
Oh for Pete's sake. Mr. Mounk, you paint a picture of " As Hungary goes, so goes the U.S". You have Trump placing controls on the media and basically burning down our institutions. Take a decaf. It's the Times, the Post, most of mainstream media, Hollywood and college campuses that have become fascist Dem bastions of trying to shout anyone else down. Your chicken little scenario is based on raw hysterical FEAR, and keeping people in it's grip. That's pathetic. I don't love Trump as a man, but he is supported by many Americans. It was time for a change after Obama's rule. And, p.s. What's wrong with charging Hillary Clinton with money laundering, etc regarding her foundation. Don't be naive or manipulative here.
7
Your comments suggest that established national media and newspapers are misleading and fear mongering. If you are discrediting the most researched, multi-sourced news sources in the country what is your description of right wing news outlets that are not multi-sourced and are written and broadcast to insight fear and anger? Numerous studies have shown Fox News viewers are more ill-informed than people that don't watch TV. I hope you read multiple sources of information because you seem to support propaganda as oppose to real journalism.
5
The Trump Administration is weakening the U.S., surely an impeachable offense, but some, like “marymary” below take a Pollyannish view of the situation, which leads to waiting until it is too late. Can any intelligent person seriously think that our enemies are not watching, measuring and determining how best to take advantage of our deteriorating national condition?
The time to act is when we can, and as Mr. Mounk points out, we cannot safely predict how long we will have that ability.
The time to act is when we can, and as Mr. Mounk points out, we cannot safely predict how long we will have that ability.
4
I believe this is an example of a very, very smart person over-thinking a situation and getting too deep into the weeds of their intellectual imagination. First off, there have been Republican Senators - Lindsey Graham and Chuck Grassley come to mind - that have spoken forcefully about the consequences for Mr. Trump should he try to disrupt Mr. Mueller's investigation by firing him or Mr. Sessions. A big reason for that is that many Congressional Republicans simply don't like or respect Mr. Trump.
Secondly, I don't quite see how this situation is that different from Watergate, at least in ways that make it more dangerous to our democracy. Mr. Nixon fired Archibald Cox, and eventually it turned out ok. Our democracy survived. The main difference I can see between then and now is that Mr. Nixon and his team were significantly smarter about the whole situation (though that was balanced out by Mr. Nixon's paranoia, which fueled his penchant for secret recording).
Thirdly, I personally don't consider myself an American exceptionalist, but I believe most members of Congress do see themselves as such. Because of that, I believe comparisons of today's America to Hungary or Turkey or Russia are misguided. I believe the legislature in America see themselves as protectors of the greatest institution in history, and will be necessarily more careful about protecting American democracy than a parliamentarian in Eastern Europe, simply because of the idea of America.
Secondly, I don't quite see how this situation is that different from Watergate, at least in ways that make it more dangerous to our democracy. Mr. Nixon fired Archibald Cox, and eventually it turned out ok. Our democracy survived. The main difference I can see between then and now is that Mr. Nixon and his team were significantly smarter about the whole situation (though that was balanced out by Mr. Nixon's paranoia, which fueled his penchant for secret recording).
Thirdly, I personally don't consider myself an American exceptionalist, but I believe most members of Congress do see themselves as such. Because of that, I believe comparisons of today's America to Hungary or Turkey or Russia are misguided. I believe the legislature in America see themselves as protectors of the greatest institution in history, and will be necessarily more careful about protecting American democracy than a parliamentarian in Eastern Europe, simply because of the idea of America.
4
Mr. Mounk appears to be advocating to thwart democratic process in this country pretending to save democracy based on some imaginary and trumped up scenarios that Trump might fire Mueller, disregard court orders or pardon himself. It is not going to work, though you can try and many have been trying. Other than some unPC talk, which most of the people in this country like such as his talk of unsoft treatment of gang members and terrorists, Trump has been in compliance with the laws of this country and any accusation otherwise is not based on facts and simply based on personal animosity against him.
4
If they care they will do something about it. Many organizations fighting back. We have a child-in-chief for president so sane bets are off.
1
Between the Electoral College (0 for 2 in the 21st century) and gerrymandered districts from the US House to many states, we are reaping what we've sown. We need to sow something more....democratic: 1 person, 1 EQUAL vote. The Repubs will fight it every step. These are the pillars of their electoral success.
6
Spot on, Mr. Mounk.
5
This is hyperbolic and premature. I'm sure Trump would like to destroy democracy. But that has largely already been done, by monied interests, and the military complex. Citizens United finished the job. The facade of democracy which is left is necessary to avoid chaos. Mr. Trump can't do it much harm.
5
That rule of law was already looking pretty shabby. Remind us again how many bankers went to jail? What's been happening to the idea of class-action lawsuits? How much of a shot do us regular people have in the "arbitration" we all agree to in boilerplate contracts. Yeah, actually putting the thugs in charge is a bit much but it represents a mere tipping point, not a reversal.
9
We would all do well to read the description of "Demagogue" on Wikipedia.
3
"There have, in fact, been a few times and places when the villains were quite as villainous" - even a scant knowledge of history informs that 'few' isn't really the right word here. Humans-of-the-bad-kind, in the brief time history has been recorded, seem to go in for slaughter. Unless geneto-science can relieve us of this trait, it looks likely to be a permanent fixture. Here's hoping.
2
Thank you Yascha Mounk for your insightful commentary.
Democracy in the US has been under attack for a long while.
There has been a conspiracy within the Republican Party to create a "permanent majority" to control elected offices throughout the country. This is nothing new. This movement began at least 30 years ago & has evolved into a multi-level attack on democracy in order to achieve their goals.
On one level, there has been determined efforts to undo the 1965 Voting Rights Act through gerrymandering of congressional districts to insure Republicans continue those hold seats.
Other attacks have been on the 1964 Civil Rights Act to deny equal opportunity.
One of the most insidious methods has been the so-called Taxpayer Protection Pledge which strong armed nearly 100% of Republicans in Congress (Senate & House) to sign. If members refused, they would find campaign funding drying up to be spent instead to unseat them. The reason this is particularly odious is this pledge superseded the oath of office for any elected officials who signed it.
Today, many Republican members of Congress have split loyalties between creating a permanent Republican majority versus supporting & defending the Constitution of The United States against all enemies, foreign & domestic.
This lack of focus has allowed an authoritarian such as trump to undermine our Democracy
These are facts. The evidence is readily available. We must decide do we want democracy or tyranny!
Democracy in the US has been under attack for a long while.
There has been a conspiracy within the Republican Party to create a "permanent majority" to control elected offices throughout the country. This is nothing new. This movement began at least 30 years ago & has evolved into a multi-level attack on democracy in order to achieve their goals.
On one level, there has been determined efforts to undo the 1965 Voting Rights Act through gerrymandering of congressional districts to insure Republicans continue those hold seats.
Other attacks have been on the 1964 Civil Rights Act to deny equal opportunity.
One of the most insidious methods has been the so-called Taxpayer Protection Pledge which strong armed nearly 100% of Republicans in Congress (Senate & House) to sign. If members refused, they would find campaign funding drying up to be spent instead to unseat them. The reason this is particularly odious is this pledge superseded the oath of office for any elected officials who signed it.
Today, many Republican members of Congress have split loyalties between creating a permanent Republican majority versus supporting & defending the Constitution of The United States against all enemies, foreign & domestic.
This lack of focus has allowed an authoritarian such as trump to undermine our Democracy
These are facts. The evidence is readily available. We must decide do we want democracy or tyranny!
3
Don't hear much about all those checks and balances anymore. Did they ever exist or were they just lumped in with all those other boastful claims?
3
Please help me. I have a wife and a two year old son.
I know things are bad. I've known that for a while.
Someone tell me what I am supposed to do.
I know things are bad. I've known that for a while.
Someone tell me what I am supposed to do.
BG, as a lifelong activist I can suggest a few things that are effective. I know you will fight for your wife and child, so that will give you strength and courage. Make it a second, part-time job to stay informed, call your representatives, go to demonstrations, go to local meetings and encourage neighbors, family and friends to do the same. It won't be easy with a small child, but it will be for your child that you will want to do something. So many people are becoming activists to save this democracy and each additional person gives us a better chance of success. See if there is an Indivisible chapter in your area for starters.We won the Civil War against slavery even though it's vestiges are still harming our country. We beat the Nazis in World War II even though their imitators are still trying to ruin this world. If enough good people stand up, we have a chance to steer this country back in the right direction. I never thought I would be fighting for so long, but since that is the situation I will keep on going, and I invite you to join me. Fighting together for a better world is the only way to ensure a decent future for our children.
2
Leave go to some place that might last.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I live in a very red state and most of my neighbors seem uninterested or unconcerned about our current situation. I try to encourage my representatives to do the right thing, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. I will take your words to heart and keep fighting.
2
There is no integrity in the White House. Good luck, General Kelly.
4
If you are one of the millions of people who did not vote last November, for whatever reason you chose, this destructive behavior belongs to you.
Our democratic ideals, bolstered by the US constitution can only be nurtured by citizens using their right to suffrage.
By not voting, you made it possible for our rights to vote, to clean/air water, to safe abortions, to safe work places, to be chipped away.
Not only did you elect Donald Trump, you gave arch-conservative Neil Gorsuch a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.
Decades after Trump is gone your rights will continue to erode.
Redeem yourself. Vote in 2018. Vote as if your life depends on it. It does
Our democratic ideals, bolstered by the US constitution can only be nurtured by citizens using their right to suffrage.
By not voting, you made it possible for our rights to vote, to clean/air water, to safe abortions, to safe work places, to be chipped away.
Not only did you elect Donald Trump, you gave arch-conservative Neil Gorsuch a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.
Decades after Trump is gone your rights will continue to erode.
Redeem yourself. Vote in 2018. Vote as if your life depends on it. It does
12
Trump is merely a symptom of the Republican rot. Gerrymandering, voter suppression and bogus Congressional investigations all started years before Trump showed up. They will do anything to get their regressive economic program installed and if that means turning a blind eye to Trump's excesses, well, you have to crack a few eggs to make an omelet. That Koch money isn't string-free.
7
This op ed misses the crucial point --- Citizens United. Big money ruling our politics is the key to destroying our democracy. Our Constitution takes 2nd place to the main political motivator---big money from super rich donors. The money elites are united & organized. The citizen majority is disunited and weakly organized.
Studies of congress show that what we the people want has little influence vs what the elite donors demand---as return on their investment.
Citizens United was a signpost on the way to removing the influence of the majority over lawmaking. It unleashed the normalization of big money directed politics. The Court insulted America with the blatant lie that big money in politics is 1st amendment 'Free Speech.'
The reason the US lags other nations and fights over basic health care for all is 'Profits 1st' --all office holders need big insurance donors.
Dems must compete with Gop by tailoring their positions to attract big money to run. But at the same time they must compete for the votes of we the people needing representation for our taxation--- we vote but lack the $$ clout to influence policies in our favor.
These 2 components are in opposition. It's the underlying blockage to any progress, but Citizens United are 2 words missing from TV news and NYT columns. All the news/opinion fit to print without fear or favor, NYT?
Desperate, duped voters will vote in more Trumps if we don't get the big money out. Cause and effect.
Studies of congress show that what we the people want has little influence vs what the elite donors demand---as return on their investment.
Citizens United was a signpost on the way to removing the influence of the majority over lawmaking. It unleashed the normalization of big money directed politics. The Court insulted America with the blatant lie that big money in politics is 1st amendment 'Free Speech.'
The reason the US lags other nations and fights over basic health care for all is 'Profits 1st' --all office holders need big insurance donors.
Dems must compete with Gop by tailoring their positions to attract big money to run. But at the same time they must compete for the votes of we the people needing representation for our taxation--- we vote but lack the $$ clout to influence policies in our favor.
These 2 components are in opposition. It's the underlying blockage to any progress, but Citizens United are 2 words missing from TV news and NYT columns. All the news/opinion fit to print without fear or favor, NYT?
Desperate, duped voters will vote in more Trumps if we don't get the big money out. Cause and effect.
5
No politician has ever had a bigger pot of money than Hillary. Far greater than Trump. If money was the decisive factor she would be president.
2
koln99.....too simplistic....yes there are many factors that influence voters. But what determines who gets nominated for us to choose from? What determines how voters get manipulated by ads? What blocks better candidates from running? What influences how the issues are even presented?
Big money sets the policy norms that direct parties and congress. It influences the media coverage giving too narrow a range of political alternatives. It blocks solutions to benefit the citizen majority that might interfere with the constant rise in profits by corporate donors.
Big money sets the policy norms that direct parties and congress. It influences the media coverage giving too narrow a range of political alternatives. It blocks solutions to benefit the citizen majority that might interfere with the constant rise in profits by corporate donors.
2
You mean you actually needed further proof than the happenings of this past week that Trump is destroying our democracy?
3
Koln99 The fact that Hillary Clinton might have had a larger dollar amount to spend does not mean that money is not the determining factor in how things are run in this country. It IS the main factor. There are competing factions within the ruling class, which is how we got stuck with two candidates who do not represent the interests of ordinary people. Trump latched onto the mindset of a segment of the voters. That, and other factors influenced this election, but make no mistake, billionaire trump represents corporate interests. The candidate with the largest War chest not winning does not negate the fact that our political system is financed and controlled by the banks and corporations. The free, continuous media coverage given to trump was worth millions more than what Hillary Clinton had to spend. Earnings for the networks, as well as interests that wanted trump to win were part of that package. The power of the continuous media exposure given to Trump cannot be underestimated. I would go so far as to call it mass brainwashing, as if it was inevitable that he would win. While there are differing strategies within the upper echelons, most politicians represent the overall interests of the 1%, not the interests of the people of the United States or the world. The poster who referenced the Citizens United decision hit the nail on the head. Either we get big money out of politics or things will continue to deteriorate.
1
Democracy fails when those who do not believe in democracy occupy legislative office. Our primary system seems to empower the most extremists candidates, and winner take all elections validate them. That is how a minority of crazies achieved power and now can destroy what made America great.
6
May Mattis and McMaster prevail over the flimflam man.
For as many Presidents as I can recall in my lifetime (Clinton, Bush, Obama), something similar has been said of each of them by someone. Somehow, the republic has endured.
2
@Ed ~ Neither Clinton, Bush nor Obama was interested in deconstructing the administrative state. That's what Bannon wants and djt is his tool.
6
Trump is putting military people in control so that he can achieve his position as a dictator. He lied to all those that believed and voted for him. Sad.
7
The constitution lives only as long as those who swear to protect and defend it do so. In the republican controlled house and senate I really do not see any members lining up to do so.
5
Sadly, I want General Kelly to fail in enabling Trump to get his policies through. The worst thing that can happen to this country is for Trump to succeed.
4
Well said!
2
We have been moving towards this for decades. Congress has given up its power to control what the Country does or, Congress has lost the ability or desire to act which is why so much is done now through Executive Orders. The wars in Afghanistan or Iraq could have been ended at any time Congress had wanted them to, Congress controls the funding. Until the Legislative Branch resumes its duty to be an equal partner of the Executive Branch the Country will have problems.
4
I've seen many comments saying well it's not so bad so far, let's see what happens further, no reason to panic... Makes me think of the live frog who's slowly cooking.
6
Trump is following the dictator's playbook: racial hater-mongering, xenophobia, complete disregard for the law, attacking the media as liars for reporting the truth. There is nothing new here it has all been tried and done before Trump. He admires dictators and thinks that he is one. The Republican leadership bears full responsibility for supporting Trump in his boundless efforts to deconstruct American democracy.
8
There can be no denying the face of evil. It resides on the shoulders of our current president. Trump's address to the recent gathering of Boy Scouts was no different than Germany, pre WW2. Some had called his talk more of a campaign speech. It was not. It was a call to overturn our Democracy's underlying principles by purposely becoming an uninvited guest into the pliable minds of our young. His rant was calculated to rally his up-and-coming boy troops to get behind his fascist ideology. If enough believe and follow, we will become the United Hates of America.
6
Utter nonsense. Staff changes doesn't hurt democracy.
3
Purchase for less than $9.00 a book "On Tyranny". You can read it in an afternoon. You will learn how authoritarian governments are set up, and what we can do to stop it. You will also realize how Trump is following the dictator's playbook, as the author of this article describes.
4
Get off our presidents back. How about the all the lies and corruption going on under your nose for the last 8 years?
Clearly LC is referring to the eight years of GOP obstructionism after swearing a blood oath to block every move Obama would try to make. All of that stonewalling was driven by lies and corruption.
6
Texas? Hahahahaaaaaa......corruption is your first name in bold italics.
1
Fortunately, I have dual citizenship and although I've lived in the USA for 40 years, I am moving to Canada, which at least for now is rational and stable. I do fear for the neighbors of the USA
3
Canada had its own bout of this with Stephen Harper and his evil crowd.
Our focus must be on the fix already shown by Canada, getting our own Justin Trudeau next time. First we need to find her. Could be Tulsi Gabbard.
Our focus must be on the fix already shown by Canada, getting our own Justin Trudeau next time. First we need to find her. Could be Tulsi Gabbard.
2
I can only hope that Trump's existence will soon go down a Ministry of Truth "memory hole". This guy is so despicable that I can't listen to NPR news reports for fear of hearing his voice.
3
The Trump White House can be summarized by Donald's recent visit with the gathering of Boy Scouts (or Germany, pre WW2). Some had called his talk more of a campaign speech. It was not. It was a call to overturn our Democracy's underlying principles by purposely becoming an uninvited guest into the pliable minds of our young. His rant was calculated to rally his up-and-coming boy troops to get behind his fascist ideology. If enough believe and follow, we will become the United Hates of America. All it takes is faith in the faithless.
9
"Democracy" is confusing.
Ideally the US form of government is bureaucracy-- "government characterized by specialization of functions, adherence to fixed rules, and a hierarchy of authority" (MW Collegiate). All government is OF people BY other people--FOR some classes. Government is essentially processes of resolving conflicts of interest--often zero-sum. US government has been FOR the 1% for generations.
The rules include elections--as part of the hierarchy. It is not government by the electorate--only fools confuse voting with ruling.--which does not speak with one unified voice.
Political stability depends on the losers "agreeing to disagree"--complying with the dispute resolution processes despite dissent.
Compliance may be gained by coercion--as in dictatorships--theocracies and other ideocracies. Or it may be gained by a widespread belief--a critical mass--that the processes are fair and reasonable. And that is sustained by incorporating dialectical discourse--idea, logical interpretation and critique--better idea--on and on--into the hierarchy of procedures. Dogmatism and authoritarianism undermine "fair and reasonable."
POTUS is now a megalomaniacal autocracy. Feudalists control Congress and SCOTUS. Half the electorate hates government per se instead of bad government.
Polity USA has ceased to be fair and reasonable--it will need soon need horrific coercion to get compliance.
Ideally the US form of government is bureaucracy-- "government characterized by specialization of functions, adherence to fixed rules, and a hierarchy of authority" (MW Collegiate). All government is OF people BY other people--FOR some classes. Government is essentially processes of resolving conflicts of interest--often zero-sum. US government has been FOR the 1% for generations.
The rules include elections--as part of the hierarchy. It is not government by the electorate--only fools confuse voting with ruling.--which does not speak with one unified voice.
Political stability depends on the losers "agreeing to disagree"--complying with the dispute resolution processes despite dissent.
Compliance may be gained by coercion--as in dictatorships--theocracies and other ideocracies. Or it may be gained by a widespread belief--a critical mass--that the processes are fair and reasonable. And that is sustained by incorporating dialectical discourse--idea, logical interpretation and critique--better idea--on and on--into the hierarchy of procedures. Dogmatism and authoritarianism undermine "fair and reasonable."
POTUS is now a megalomaniacal autocracy. Feudalists control Congress and SCOTUS. Half the electorate hates government per se instead of bad government.
Polity USA has ceased to be fair and reasonable--it will need soon need horrific coercion to get compliance.
2
So what crimes or undemocratic practices is Trump engaging in, exactly? Firing the head of the FBI and firing the Attorney General are his prerogatives, as is firing the Special Counsel (unless you think the Special Counsel is a fourth branch of government). And it doesn’t matter who or what is being investigated. The consequences are supposed to be political (loss of votes) not institutional. Firing Mueller leads to impeachment? What high crime or misdemeanor does that involve? Firing someone who you have the right to fire is a high crime?
Since when does Congress tell the President what to do? The President sure doesn’t tell Congress what to do. Congress has oversight, not executive responsibility.
Your article is bogus. The destruction of our American democracy comes from people who talk like you, Mr. Mounk. In other words people who don’t understand our republican democracy at even the most basic level.
Since when does Congress tell the President what to do? The President sure doesn’t tell Congress what to do. Congress has oversight, not executive responsibility.
Your article is bogus. The destruction of our American democracy comes from people who talk like you, Mr. Mounk. In other words people who don’t understand our republican democracy at even the most basic level.
4
Firing is his perogative unless it is done in order to influence or stop an investigation. Republicans like you would have gone out of your minds if Obama had fired Comey to end the email investigation. Hypocrites!
2
You are, of course, being obtuse. The high crime isn't the firing of the Special Counsel, it's doing it to cover up a crime. And that's just it - why would Trump need to fire or in anyway stop this investigation if he hasn't done anything wrong? If anything, he should want to let Congress and Mueller look under every posible rock to clear the Trump name and the allegations dogging his administration. But, he's not done that has he? He's tried his level best at every turn to derail it. Meanwhile, his lackeys have had 5 or six different versions of the same event, people "forgetting" to mention that they met with high level Russian operatives and and so on...You can bury your head in the sand and act like there's no smoke, but most of us smell it, and won't be happy until we put out the fire that's causing it.
3
Nixon also have the right to fire those from investigate him, yet got him impeached for obstruction of justice. Trump is going down the same path
2
By and large, the Republican party, in its thirst for power, is duplicitous in the denigration of American democracy. If only Republicans honestly cared to make the nation a better place for all.
4
It is not just Trump, it is the Republicans. They have become a morally and ethically bankrupt party. Senator Graham stands up and call health bill a fraud and then votes for it. And that is a mild example.
The author speaks of Hungary and the gaming of the electoral system so the opposition cannot win. The entire Republican party, from the Congress down to state legislatures is complicit in this type of activity here in the U.S. in the guise of Voter Suppression and Voter I.D. It is not just Trump.
Trump is following the recent historical roadmap of Russia, Turkey, Poland, Hungary and the Philippines. Trump's gambit, among other features, is a transnational alignment of billionaires. The GOP is complicit.
We can hope they can be a bulwark against the existential threat Trump poses, but with 80% of Republicans supporting him, there needs to be a dramatic change of perception in their ranks.
In Germany, France and Spain, Trump support is in the single digits. As it is with the Democratic Party here in the U.S. The most dramatic outlier are Republicans here in the U.S.
In my view, this makes the Republican Party in the U.S. the most negative force on the planet. Far worse a threat then Al Qaeda and ISIS. They are just yet not vicious. However on a scale of human carnage - is the aggregate violence from these terrorist groups so much different than taking healthcare away from 30 million people?
The author speaks of Hungary and the gaming of the electoral system so the opposition cannot win. The entire Republican party, from the Congress down to state legislatures is complicit in this type of activity here in the U.S. in the guise of Voter Suppression and Voter I.D. It is not just Trump.
Trump is following the recent historical roadmap of Russia, Turkey, Poland, Hungary and the Philippines. Trump's gambit, among other features, is a transnational alignment of billionaires. The GOP is complicit.
We can hope they can be a bulwark against the existential threat Trump poses, but with 80% of Republicans supporting him, there needs to be a dramatic change of perception in their ranks.
In Germany, France and Spain, Trump support is in the single digits. As it is with the Democratic Party here in the U.S. The most dramatic outlier are Republicans here in the U.S.
In my view, this makes the Republican Party in the U.S. the most negative force on the planet. Far worse a threat then Al Qaeda and ISIS. They are just yet not vicious. However on a scale of human carnage - is the aggregate violence from these terrorist groups so much different than taking healthcare away from 30 million people?
8
During the Bush v Gore debacle we did not have a revolution because Americans respected and trusted that the system would work. There was a reason our system changed slowly so extremists wouldn't take over. There is a reason not to elect outliers who don't work within the system, but, like Trump, threaten to dismantle it. With the aid of this Congress, that cares more about using Trump to win a political game than our country, we Americans are in danger of losing our democracy.
2
Core was a Democrat and Democrats respective rule of law. If call is a Republican there would've been armed resistance
Sometimes I think Hillary was lucky she dodged a metaphorical bullet with this Congress and a real one by some who voted Trump. Hopefully, this will be a wakeup call, occurring before Trump and this Congress destroy our country, for those who didn't vote and for those who now see what happens when a Trump is elected.
Democracy in the United States has been declining long before Donald Trump entered politics.
Donald Trump did not write Hillary Clinton's - "access to the President for sale" emails and the 'Liberal Media has been quite content with the DNC hacking the Primaries to block Bernie Sanders.
Trump did not introduce 'One Dollar, One vote'; a corrupt supreme court did that;
Trump did not create widespread gerrymandering and voter suppression in the USA.
It is necessary to look elsewhere for those who have destroyed American Democracy.
Donald Trump did not write Hillary Clinton's - "access to the President for sale" emails and the 'Liberal Media has been quite content with the DNC hacking the Primaries to block Bernie Sanders.
Trump did not introduce 'One Dollar, One vote'; a corrupt supreme court did that;
Trump did not create widespread gerrymandering and voter suppression in the USA.
It is necessary to look elsewhere for those who have destroyed American Democracy.
3
You don't have to look very far - just to the Republican Party.
1
Thank you for The unvarnished truth!
2
The Republicans have their priorities. Dealing with Trump, honoring the Constitution are not among them. Tax cut, baby. Tax cuts. When they get that done, and Trump signs the bill, then, unless he murders someone in cold blood, they will forget all about it until Mueller comes up with his findings and recommendations. Then, they will take a pass until after the mid terms. Depending on who is left and who is in the majority, we may see some responsibility in dealing with Trump's transgressions of which there will surely be many. He is not just a bore. He is an evil man. But Washington is filled with evil and corrupt men and not until that is cleaned up can we expect change for the better.
3
So, the Russians won, then? Well, this would have happened had Hillary been elected, too, because the Republicans and their propaganda amplifiers would have caused chaos with unfounded suggestions of the collusion they actively encouraged. It is not Trump, but the Republican party machine that attacked and is attempting to destroy our democracy.
2
Thank you for this article. It is spot on. Ryan and McConnell, are you listening?
2
Mueller will almost certainly be fired. It's really only a question of when. When that happens, our democracy will rest in the hands of the Republicans in Congress. What will happen is anyone's guess.
1
"This past week"? When "Citizens United" was enacted ten years ago, that is the day democracy died in America, not this past week. I don't know why all the pundits and so-called experts STILL don't get it.
3
Once the GOP gets the tax cuts demanded by the donor class Trump will lose his value and constant chaos out of the white house will become too distracting to ignore. Firing Mueller will expedite the removal of Trump or the results of his investigations will do the same ,Trump is up against the wall and will lash out as usual . Will the GOP and the people tolerate his rage is the big question the whole world has.
Do not expect any help from so called Social Conservatives or Christian Fascist. They are getting their bidding done including the end of separation between church and State. The next president, President Pence who self-declared "I'm a Christian, a Conservative, and a Republican, in that order" (Note; nothing about being an American). President Pence will swing the balance of power far to the right fulfilling dreams of a Christian Empire crusades and all.
3
This piece states it plainly: our republic is in mortal danger. Trump represents a clear and present danger to our democracy, aided and abetted by the Republican party that worships party over country.
And there is a third "leg" to this danger: the loyal Trumpists who not only don't see anything wrong with what he's done or proposes to do, but would forgive him of anything he might do wrong. Even if the Republicans somehow set aside their partisan defense of him and initiated impeachment proceedings - which would be well underway by now if a Democrat did even ONE of the things Trump has done - and he were removed from office, his loyalists will refuse to yield, and may even resort to armed violence. Such is the depth of division in America today. We are facing a conflict as dangerous as we did in the run up to the Civil War.
But keep printing articles such as this, because whether we want to face it or not, reality will have its way.
And there is a third "leg" to this danger: the loyal Trumpists who not only don't see anything wrong with what he's done or proposes to do, but would forgive him of anything he might do wrong. Even if the Republicans somehow set aside their partisan defense of him and initiated impeachment proceedings - which would be well underway by now if a Democrat did even ONE of the things Trump has done - and he were removed from office, his loyalists will refuse to yield, and may even resort to armed violence. Such is the depth of division in America today. We are facing a conflict as dangerous as we did in the run up to the Civil War.
But keep printing articles such as this, because whether we want to face it or not, reality will have its way.
1
We are going the way of Venezuela: everyone pretends that some combination of regular politics and the courts will stop the collapse. Its not going to happen. The right wing owns most of the rich, a quarter to a third or more of the major media. An occasional demonstration is not enough. We should be marching everyday.
4
What I fear most is the possibility that Congress isn't moving to impeach DT because they are purposefully keeping him in so they can justify curtailing the power of future presidents. After all, the presidency is clearly the one office where they are only going to continue to loose capacity to win elections. You can't gerrymander the United States, but you can usurp power by using the behavior a crazy man to justify Congress becoming more powerful. With the current state of affairs in our Congress, who would check and balance them?
No. All that has been proven in the past week is that Donald J. Trump is an unconventional outsider: boorish, self-centered, and unfamiliar with how things work in DC - but little more. Certainly not high crimes or misdemeanors.
The liberal attitude is that unless the US follows Barack Obama's course, the nation will die. Liberals are quick to label any action by Trump as a "Destruction of Our Democracy." Democrats' actions taken to prevent Trump's lawful governance is more of a direct threat to the Constitutional rule of law and to our democratic republic than any conservatism or political clumsiness on his part.
Too many liberals directly stated, before Trump took office, that they would impeach him as quickly as possible. Impeachment was declared as THE goal. Any means to that end would be deemed appropriate in the name of saving the nation from Trump and the GOP. Trump's mere existence as president is considered a threat to "destroy our democracy" (i.e. DNC control over the American government), and must be destroyed, immediately.
Forgive the reference to campy pop culture, but the liberal argument begins to sound like Skywalker declaring that "if you aren't with me, your'e my enemy." ..To which Kenobi responds "only the dark side deals in absolutes" or some similar verbiage.
The anti-Trump campaign is really about the liberal faithful dealing in absolutes - not "democracy" or the "rule of law", but their idea that they should always be in charge and no one else.
The liberal attitude is that unless the US follows Barack Obama's course, the nation will die. Liberals are quick to label any action by Trump as a "Destruction of Our Democracy." Democrats' actions taken to prevent Trump's lawful governance is more of a direct threat to the Constitutional rule of law and to our democratic republic than any conservatism or political clumsiness on his part.
Too many liberals directly stated, before Trump took office, that they would impeach him as quickly as possible. Impeachment was declared as THE goal. Any means to that end would be deemed appropriate in the name of saving the nation from Trump and the GOP. Trump's mere existence as president is considered a threat to "destroy our democracy" (i.e. DNC control over the American government), and must be destroyed, immediately.
Forgive the reference to campy pop culture, but the liberal argument begins to sound like Skywalker declaring that "if you aren't with me, your'e my enemy." ..To which Kenobi responds "only the dark side deals in absolutes" or some similar verbiage.
The anti-Trump campaign is really about the liberal faithful dealing in absolutes - not "democracy" or the "rule of law", but their idea that they should always be in charge and no one else.
3
Ed Another conservative purporting to speak for liberals, and a clear case of projection. I doubt you know any liberals personally and your grasp of facts is tenuous at best. You are trying to force the facts to fit your predetermined narrative, and for that reason you are dangerous to democracy. You do not seem to have noticed that overall, liberals/Democrats do not use voter suppression, gerrymandering and other dubious tactics to maintain power. Democrats are certainly not perfect, but they have not stooped to the methods used by some Republicans in recent elections, or they would still be in power now. I hope you learn to deal in facts some day, as we will need all Americans on board to save democracy in the United States.
2
A great piece, but something is missing here. Trump won the election, but lost the popular vote by a substantial margin. Republicans hold on to power in Congress and state legislatures in spite of being even more unpopular than Trump. And following the unseemly appointment and approval of Gorsuch to sit on the Supreme Court, the Republican assault on democracy in defiance of popular opinion is almost complete. Whether or not Trump´s generals will complete the process remains to be seen, but we should all be aware that the possibility is not remote.
But Trump did not inaugurate this decline. The erosion of democracy has been going on for decades. The popular vote in the presidential election has already been overruled twice in this young century by an antiquated electoral system that deprives people of the right to vote directly for the president. And gerrymandering and voter suppression simply eliminate the democratic rights of citizens, especially if they belong to ethnic minorities. Republicans deserve most of the blame for this, but Democrats are hardly blameless. What, for example, was President Obama thinking when he attempted to strike a Grand Bargain with the GOP? And who can trust Republicans now when their great prize of establishing a corporate oligarchy in America is just within their reach?
But Trump did not inaugurate this decline. The erosion of democracy has been going on for decades. The popular vote in the presidential election has already been overruled twice in this young century by an antiquated electoral system that deprives people of the right to vote directly for the president. And gerrymandering and voter suppression simply eliminate the democratic rights of citizens, especially if they belong to ethnic minorities. Republicans deserve most of the blame for this, but Democrats are hardly blameless. What, for example, was President Obama thinking when he attempted to strike a Grand Bargain with the GOP? And who can trust Republicans now when their great prize of establishing a corporate oligarchy in America is just within their reach?
5
Millions of Americans were saved from losing their health coverage because three Republican Senators - THREE - voted against a bill 48 of their Republican colleagues described as "horrible."
Republican support for Trump is based on the same insane reasoning - Trump may be horrible, but Trump is a REPUBLICAN! And a terrible, horrible Republican is better than anything offered by the left.
80% of Republicans are absolutely complicit as American democracy is being destroyed. But try telling them that, as they wave their flags, go to church, and blast away at the gun range.
The real question isn't why Republicans love Trump so much - it's why Republicans hate the left so much.
Republican support for Trump is based on the same insane reasoning - Trump may be horrible, but Trump is a REPUBLICAN! And a terrible, horrible Republican is better than anything offered by the left.
80% of Republicans are absolutely complicit as American democracy is being destroyed. But try telling them that, as they wave their flags, go to church, and blast away at the gun range.
The real question isn't why Republicans love Trump so much - it's why Republicans hate the left so much.
2
This isn't all of it, but it is very likely a big part of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0lokLbSZX8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0lokLbSZX8
What more can be said of Donald J. Trump other than he's a pathetic excuse for a president? The man has no conscience and is apparently incapable of considering other people's thoughts and opinions unless they align exactly to his own. He is the personification of disaster and chaos.
Just look at the damage that he has done in just his first six months in office alone. He is a human version of an unnatural disaster...I hope the Republican controlled Congress doesn't put party ahead of country because, I'm afraid, we're entering dangerous waters with this guy at the helm.
Just look at the damage that he has done in just his first six months in office alone. He is a human version of an unnatural disaster...I hope the Republican controlled Congress doesn't put party ahead of country because, I'm afraid, we're entering dangerous waters with this guy at the helm.
3
I'm sorry, but the Republican Party has turned their back on the people and the Constitution they swore to uphold. He is their "useful idiot" who will sign anything they manage to put in front of him.
Some day, hopefully sooner rather than later, he will do something so egregious, that the republicans will once again ignore, that will drive millions of us into the streets in protest. I will be among them. I hope you will be as well.
I don't think even the most self serving , like my Senator Rubio, could ignore that.
Some day, hopefully sooner rather than later, he will do something so egregious, that the republicans will once again ignore, that will drive millions of us into the streets in protest. I will be among them. I hope you will be as well.
I don't think even the most self serving , like my Senator Rubio, could ignore that.
3
Reportedly we are taking our support for democracy and search for justice out of the State Department's statement of purpose. Based on the actions of our toddler-in-chief and our spineless Congress, I presume that we are also dropping democracy and justice within the US as well.
3
Republicans have been talking about stopping the Federal Government for more than 30 years.Make government small. They have succeeded.We have a majority party that can't get anything done. They have failed to adhere to their oaths of loyalty to the Constitution.They only want to give money to the rich and create a massive underclass.They refuse the idea of universal health-care and now even Public Schools.They have turned their back on the Myths of our "Pioneer Days where the town banded together to bring teachers from back East and take in those suffering from sickness into their own homes.Instead we see the new cattle barons,all those millionaire farmers and other businesses unwilling to cooperate with the EPA, OSHA and anti-discrimination laws.They're turning their states into their own little empires.
3
When you make alleviation of suffering a profit-making enterprise, you attract people who create suffering to the business. Suffering produces demand.
1
This is not correct: "We have a majority party that can't get anything done." They are indeed getting done something that they have held dear since 1980: the destruction of government as anything effective and for the people and recasting it for private gain. Trump is indeed the head of this party.
3
What continues to frustrate me is how everyone blames Trump for the chaos and disorder of this presidency, but overlook the influence of the White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon. The truth is that we are witnessing a take down of our democracy by a man who compares himself to Vladimir Lenin. “The bombs of Steve Bannon” NYT opinion March 10 reports: "He has been called the most dangerous political operative in America, the second most powerful man in the world and the great manipulator. He reportedly compared himself to Vladimir Lenin, the murderous architect of the Soviet Union — not his politics, but his goal to blow up the state."
On 22 August 2016, historian Ronald Radosh recounted a conversation he reportedly had with Bannon at a party he attended in 2013:
"[…] we had a long talk about his approach to politics. He never called himself a “populist” or an “American nationalist,” as so many think of him today. “I’m a Leninist,” Bannon proudly proclaimed.
The historian reacted with shock, asking him what he meant. "Lenin," he answered, "wanted to destroy the state, and that's my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today's establishment." By that, he meant the Democratic Party, the media, but also the Republicans."
There should be more attention given to and discussions around what Bannon and his influence is behind the scenes as chief strategist for our country.
On 22 August 2016, historian Ronald Radosh recounted a conversation he reportedly had with Bannon at a party he attended in 2013:
"[…] we had a long talk about his approach to politics. He never called himself a “populist” or an “American nationalist,” as so many think of him today. “I’m a Leninist,” Bannon proudly proclaimed.
The historian reacted with shock, asking him what he meant. "Lenin," he answered, "wanted to destroy the state, and that's my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today's establishment." By that, he meant the Democratic Party, the media, but also the Republicans."
There should be more attention given to and discussions around what Bannon and his influence is behind the scenes as chief strategist for our country.
6
More attention too should be given to the Mercer family, who fund Breitbart and Bannon and number of nasty things.
2
Trump has already done more damage to democratic institutions than Putin or Bin Laden could have ever hoped to achieve in their wildest dreams.
3
If you give a bipolar toddler a stick of TNT and a match, you should not be surprised at the result. It seems that we are putting angry and ignorant brats into our leadership positions, As with North Korea and Russia. We eschewed the philosopher king because he did not match the aspirations of the American public.
4
I share the concerns Yascha Mounk writes in this column. The problem is that the danger has been increasing long before Trump became *president. It started with the enormous sums of money spent on electing right-wing republicans to political office. Endangering the country by electing representatives like Paul Ryan and Eric Cantor or senators like John Cornyn, Tom Cotton or Rafael Cruz who were obviously with out a clue on how a government actually runs or how important a robust safety net is to maintaining stability.
This right-wing takeover has been building over many years, and I believe it has now come to a head. Either the congress decides that we remain a free democracy or we become totalitarian. Do not forget that, once Hitler was elected, Germany transformed very quickly.
This right-wing takeover has been building over many years, and I believe it has now come to a head. Either the congress decides that we remain a free democracy or we become totalitarian. Do not forget that, once Hitler was elected, Germany transformed very quickly.
154
General Kelly is nothing less than the "Torturer's Apprentice" based upon his heinous actions at HLS and prior to that protecting abuse at Gitmo.
5
In America, being a democracy costs extra. The GOP doesn't want to spend money on a democracy. They want an oligarchy, a theocracy, and a feudal society all rolled into one. To that end they will use Trump as camouflage while they distort and destroy our civil rights.
9
Unfortunately, because a substantial number of American voters have bought in to the decades old Republican mantra of "government and taxes are evil" and, in turn, elected Republicans in droves at all government levels, it is clear average Americans don't want to spend money either.
2
Yes, Trump is destroying democracy. If the US economy continues to do well, Trump's support will be sustained and it may grow stronger!
"It's the economy, stupid."
===================
Perhaps we should be hoping that the economy will soon suffer a pronounced downturn, so that Trump will become weaker. Maybe we need to sacrifice, economically, in order to save our democracy from further collapse...
"It's the economy, stupid."
===================
Perhaps we should be hoping that the economy will soon suffer a pronounced downturn, so that Trump will become weaker. Maybe we need to sacrifice, economically, in order to save our democracy from further collapse...
3
Wapo has an opinion piece today about how dangerous Mick Mulvaney's plans are for our economy. If he gets his way and the debt ceiling is not raised, the columnist predicts a pretty big crash within the next several months. I have heard some Financial reporters and academics speculate that the current numbers of the stock market may be the high point before a drastic correction. (1929 comes to mind.) No one wishes the economy to crash, but if this President and Republican Congress bring it about, that may be the only thing that will wake up the blind and adoring supporters of this dangerous incompetent. Will the United States have to learn our lesson through incredible hardship and suffering? I hope not. (Would even such a catastrophe wake people up? Or would the deluded continue to find groups of fellow citizens to blame instead of the people they put in power through their blindness?!)
One has to wonder why Charles Schumer is using his media time to talk about the width of airline seats and the toxicity of fast food wrappers. Important issues both, but not as important as stopping what has started.
3
Preposterous nonsense. American democracy is 241 years old and under no threat at all. It's survived Civil War, Fascism, and Communism.
3
Your somewhat cavalier attitude towards this assuming "everything will eventually work out", ignores history. For many reasons, ALL empires eventually collapse.
3
"American democracy is 241 years old and under no threat at all. It's survived Civil War, Fascism, and Communism."
At home?
At home?
1
All totally true and of absolute importance. But Dems are arguing with each other over policy issues. Can't somebody (Obama) organize us masses to focus on first defending democratic institutions? When those erode, there are no options for policy changes.
54
the democratic party clearly is cooperating in giving the GOP full reign. There is no other explanation for the lack of voting or fighting for whats needed on the part of the dems.
It has become very poor theatre
It has become very poor theatre
Is it possible for Obama to run again and save our beautiful wonderful dream of a country?
"Picture yourself as a tree. Now, picture a thousand flames around you ready to burn you up. Do you have a voice to scream while your timber, limbs, and trump is being destroyed one by one? Or, are you going to stand there and let the flames engulf you in natural silence?"
1
Interesting Freudian slip there. The word "trump" instead of "trunk"?
Sure he is... destroying "our democracy", but yet again, only what is left of it after the left decided to promote the virtual demolishing of our borders, and encourage a relentless and vicious attack on Western culture.
Trump is a symptom of a disease that has left the concept of American reduced to a nominal label granted to anybody who decides, legally or illegally, to live in the US, and regardless of whether they feel any loyalty, affinity, or profess any knowledge of the culture, history or language.
In actuality, the more hateful and resentful the immigrant is towards the embracing country, the more the left has tended to them with tender and gentle care.
People are fed up of political correctness, and hypocrisy, and know that cries of patriotism emanating from these pages are as empty as anything coming out of this atrocity in the White House.
Trump is a symptom of a disease that has left the concept of American reduced to a nominal label granted to anybody who decides, legally or illegally, to live in the US, and regardless of whether they feel any loyalty, affinity, or profess any knowledge of the culture, history or language.
In actuality, the more hateful and resentful the immigrant is towards the embracing country, the more the left has tended to them with tender and gentle care.
People are fed up of political correctness, and hypocrisy, and know that cries of patriotism emanating from these pages are as empty as anything coming out of this atrocity in the White House.
When the Congress forms policies and laws behind closed doors they are participating in the diminishment of the Constitution. They too are participating in the undermining of the open and free government the founding fathers wanted and the post WWII generation created. The way forward for these lickspittels is to start a war, any war to rally the people around the President. N Korea, Iran, somewhere else? It doesn't really matter. A major terrorist attack or even a plot to create terror and we will be in marshal law and our democracy is gone. The republican base will be cheering and the republicans in the congress will have no choice but to go along, after all they refuse to open the the House or the Senate to regular order, why will fight when the last step of Presidential fiat is made.
4
"Is it really that bad?" is the question that dominates the comments on Yascha Mounk's article. The commenters being NYT readers. there is consensus that things are pretty bad, but not everyone agrees that the Trump administration poses an existential threat to the Republic. I guess I lean toward the existential threat side, but the optimists point out a number of reassuring facts. But here's the thing optimists and pessimists alike are tending to disregard: The threats to the Republic we are accustomed to came from anti-democratic ideologies, mainly Fascism and Communism. But Trump has no ideology. Like his hero, Putin, Trump is a kleptocrat. To clear a path for himself and other greed-driven oligarchs, he is dismantling all government agencies that stand in their way. To shore up his voter base, he appeases its fears, resentments, and religiosity, without regard to the civil rights that are scuttled in the process. The danger is that if his kleptocratic program is allowed to advance, through collusion by Republicans and ineffectual electioneering by Democrats, there will no longer be a government worth saving after the kleptocrats have looted the nation.
10
There is something seriously wrong with the republicans..they won't stand up to trump, but yet they know he is destroying the country. It's torturous to watch..is money and power so much more important then democracy? Actions speak louder then words.
3
Ignorance of the Constitution, ignorance of the basic rules of law, ignorance of basic facts (as opposed to those "alternative" ones), an unfounded and bizarre belief that a sociopathic megalomaniac would go out of his way to support and help anyone but himself, and finally, a party in control of the congress and the White House that believes only in power for its own sake have brought the USA to this grave point.
Where do we go from here? The Boy Scouts have to apologize for a Hitleresque rally, the Suffolk County police department has to affirm that, unlike the President, it does not support arbitrarily harming arrested suspects. When do we become outraged by all of this? How long do we sit back and allow our democracy to be undermined in every direction. We now have a retired general as Chief of Staff in the WH. Does this not concern anyone?
"First they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist...Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me." I suggest everyone read all of Martin Niemoller's quotation and be forewarned.
Where do we go from here? The Boy Scouts have to apologize for a Hitleresque rally, the Suffolk County police department has to affirm that, unlike the President, it does not support arbitrarily harming arrested suspects. When do we become outraged by all of this? How long do we sit back and allow our democracy to be undermined in every direction. We now have a retired general as Chief of Staff in the WH. Does this not concern anyone?
"First they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist...Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me." I suggest everyone read all of Martin Niemoller's quotation and be forewarned.
9
We citizens must start protesting around the clock in DC and outside red state congressional offices. That, and voting as many of the Rs out as possible. Congress must be pressured to understand we won't tolerate this destruction by Trump and those in Congress that support him.
3
Let us look to and be inspired by the recent and current powerful protest movements of the people of Romania, Poland, Russia and Venezuela. They are often facing extreme danger and violence, but they care enough about their freedom to get out there! Where are we, the American people, supposedly the beacon of democracy, when our democracy is under dire threat? I agree with the posters that say we need to be out there continuously! I'm not young or in good shape but I will go. Now is not the time to sit back and talk about the problem. If the debt ceiling is not raised, which some Republicans say they will not do, the economy will crash. Our institutions are under attack. Groups in this country are being targeted. Peaceful protest by the majority of the people is a very powerful weapon and we need to use it. NOW!
1
Yascha Mounks view.........in the WP "Democrats copied the politics of"personal responsibility" and it hurt America."The delay in holding Trump personally RESPONSIBLE and ACCOUNTABLE for the mismanaged and chaotic state of the US government......is becoming increasingly more dangerous.
Cause and effect is the universal social reasoning that defines individuals as responsible and/or accountable for their actions(without using...unconscious-psychological ,religious-supernatural,or political theories as excuses for their behavior) otherwise we become like the centipede who has to decide which foot moves in what sequence before it can walk or run!
Trump is INDIVIDUALLY responsible and for the mental incompetence and dangerous authoritarian turn of the American presidency and must be held ACCOUNTABLE for his actions to date ,including collusion with Russia to rig elections and obstruction of justice. This is no time for a banal and vapid political and social ,theoretical blame game.....the POTUS is a clear and present danger,carelessly spewing military threats ,especially in view of his access to a nuclear arsenal......The special prosecutor and any COMPETENT AMERICAN LEADERS are needed to act NOW !
Cause and effect is the universal social reasoning that defines individuals as responsible and/or accountable for their actions(without using...unconscious-psychological ,religious-supernatural,or political theories as excuses for their behavior) otherwise we become like the centipede who has to decide which foot moves in what sequence before it can walk or run!
Trump is INDIVIDUALLY responsible and for the mental incompetence and dangerous authoritarian turn of the American presidency and must be held ACCOUNTABLE for his actions to date ,including collusion with Russia to rig elections and obstruction of justice. This is no time for a banal and vapid political and social ,theoretical blame game.....the POTUS is a clear and present danger,carelessly spewing military threats ,especially in view of his access to a nuclear arsenal......The special prosecutor and any COMPETENT AMERICAN LEADERS are needed to act NOW !
1
The concept of a virtual nation is merely an extension of global social media that has loosely-coupled alliances among distinct groups that reflect the world's political states, including those who claim to be 'apolitical'.
Voters see themselves as ponds on chessboard of Knights, Bishops, Kings and Queens. Few voters can wrap their heads around free trade and tax policies that most candidates for office learn through following the House/Senate Leaders, and committee members, advice. So why not transform the current process into a virtual community classroom distinguished by learning needs? A vritual classroom.
The current system has become too complex to digest for the average 'Joe the Plumber' voter, on their own. And ill-informed 'teachers and preachers' compound lack of knowledge among and between generations.
The virtual economy offers several solutions. Let us agree that having convenient access to the Internet is a vital necessity. The distinguishing feature of a virtual state is connectedness and the equivalent of accessing the "Library of Congress" online.
Decentralization, or the sharing of government information and power, is also best achieved within a cooperative-economy rather than a class-based society.
Applications that are secure and differentiated by voter knowledge and learning curve are within current technology possibilities. The concept of a virtual nation is the trajectory that the western "wired" world is headed. "Resistence is futile".
Voters see themselves as ponds on chessboard of Knights, Bishops, Kings and Queens. Few voters can wrap their heads around free trade and tax policies that most candidates for office learn through following the House/Senate Leaders, and committee members, advice. So why not transform the current process into a virtual community classroom distinguished by learning needs? A vritual classroom.
The current system has become too complex to digest for the average 'Joe the Plumber' voter, on their own. And ill-informed 'teachers and preachers' compound lack of knowledge among and between generations.
The virtual economy offers several solutions. Let us agree that having convenient access to the Internet is a vital necessity. The distinguishing feature of a virtual state is connectedness and the equivalent of accessing the "Library of Congress" online.
Decentralization, or the sharing of government information and power, is also best achieved within a cooperative-economy rather than a class-based society.
Applications that are secure and differentiated by voter knowledge and learning curve are within current technology possibilities. The concept of a virtual nation is the trajectory that the western "wired" world is headed. "Resistence is futile".
1
The real threat to our democracy are "progressives" who advocate a coup against a democratically elected president. Look to Venezuela to see what Mr. Mounk is really after.
The key sentence here is "While a majority of Americans believes that the president is doing a bad job, around 40 percent of voters — and some 80 percent of Republicans — approve of his performance."
The electoral math can't be ignored. Any Congressional Republican who tries to thwart or depose Donald Trump will pay a high price. The vote to repeal Obamacare only failed because one Senator with nothing to lose provided cover for those afraid to be identified as the one who killed it.
Pleading with Republican politicians to ignore these numbers will convince few to be more brave. Indeed, many likely don't share the author's fears for traditional American democracy. I suspect many may be in sync with Trump, and see him as a vehicle for imposing their vision of one-party government on the country.
What can counter the weight of Republican voter opinion before the next mid-terms? I don't see anything other than individual acts of conscience, courage and resistance, as exemplified by Republican Senators Murkowski, Collins and McCain on the Obamacare repeal vote, and the press keeping a bright spotlight on all doings by Trump and his cabal.
After all, the Trump presidency is an unqualified test of the entire system--perhaps even more severe than the Nixon presidency: at least Nixon acknowledged and bowed to the rules when the time came. I'm not so sure about Mr. Trump.
The electoral math can't be ignored. Any Congressional Republican who tries to thwart or depose Donald Trump will pay a high price. The vote to repeal Obamacare only failed because one Senator with nothing to lose provided cover for those afraid to be identified as the one who killed it.
Pleading with Republican politicians to ignore these numbers will convince few to be more brave. Indeed, many likely don't share the author's fears for traditional American democracy. I suspect many may be in sync with Trump, and see him as a vehicle for imposing their vision of one-party government on the country.
What can counter the weight of Republican voter opinion before the next mid-terms? I don't see anything other than individual acts of conscience, courage and resistance, as exemplified by Republican Senators Murkowski, Collins and McCain on the Obamacare repeal vote, and the press keeping a bright spotlight on all doings by Trump and his cabal.
After all, the Trump presidency is an unqualified test of the entire system--perhaps even more severe than the Nixon presidency: at least Nixon acknowledged and bowed to the rules when the time came. I'm not so sure about Mr. Trump.
132
When Susan Collins arrived back home after her vote, she got a standing ovation in the airport.
She said that it was a very rewarding feeling. "It was just amazing"
She said that it was a very rewarding feeling. "It was just amazing"
2
Have you not noticed Congressional democrats voting in lockstep? do you not thinmk this is because there is a price to pay for getting out of line?
Have you already forgotten the price that bernie sanders was forced to pay?
Have you already forgotten the price that bernie sanders was forced to pay?
I'm fairly Mr. Trump will not adhere to any rules. I can remember several of Nixon's good points. Mr. Trump apparently has none, but demands love and loyalty nonetheless.
The United States has survived:
- a Civil War over slavery
- two World Wars
- the Great Depression
- the Cold War (and threat of a nuclear holocaust)
- the resignation in disgrace of President Nixon
- the 911 attacks
Certainly, we are capable of surviving the current threats to our Constitution and our democratic government. But the author is correct; this will not just happen on its own. It will require leadership, and that includes engagement by each and every one of us as citizens.
- a Civil War over slavery
- two World Wars
- the Great Depression
- the Cold War (and threat of a nuclear holocaust)
- the resignation in disgrace of President Nixon
- the 911 attacks
Certainly, we are capable of surviving the current threats to our Constitution and our democratic government. But the author is correct; this will not just happen on its own. It will require leadership, and that includes engagement by each and every one of us as citizens.
5
This was another article filled with lies. I wonder if intellectual readers mind these types of articles. They are quite easy to counter with facts. Nowadays, to become a journalist, all you have to do is make an event sound much worse than it actually is. In this article, Yascha Mounk, the author, eagerly wrote that “America is on its way to a full-blown constitutional crisis.” The proof: President Trump supposedly wants to fire Mr. Mueller, in order to stop him from continuing his investigation. However, the President said himself, that he would like for this Russian investigation to continue, so it will be done and over with, because there is nothing to find. If there was a collusion with Russia, I doubt that Vladimir Putin would have ordered the United States to withdraw 755 American diplomats. Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer said himself, that you “don’t blame Russia or Comey, [you] blame yourself,” as he referred to the presidential election loss. Now that Yascha Mounk is saying that our democracy is failing, the author compares the United States to Hungary. Viktor Orban is part of the Fidesz party, which has a more extreme platform than Trump’s policies. Unlike the Hungarian prime minister, President Trump has no intention in changing the Constitution of the United States. Therefore, the argument that the author stated was completely invalid, and readers like myself, who are armed with facts, can easily recognize that.
2
Complacency like yours assuming "things will eventually work out", ignores history. Among the dozens of examples, I might suggest your refer to the Romans and Hitler for starters. ALL empires eventually collapse.
I would remind people that Impeachment is not the only method of removing this deeply disturbed man from office. There are clear grounds for invoking the 25th Amendment on the grounds he is unfit to perform the duties of the office. “What’s playing out is a psychological drama, not just a political drama or a legal drama,” said Peter Wehner, who was an aide in George W. Bush’s White House and has frequently been critical of Trump. “The president’s psychology is what’s driving so much of this, and it’s alarming because it shows a lack of self-control, a tremendous tropism. . . . He seems to draw psychic energy from creating chaos and disorder.”(WP article 6/23/17)
"They exhibit a cluster of distinctive personality traits, the most significant of which is an utter lack of conscience. They also have huge egos, short tempers, and an appetite for excitement -- a dangerous mix……Because they have no conscience, they're natural predators. …Psychopaths love chaos and hate rules, so they're comfortable in the fast-moving modern corporation." (Robert Hercz, 2001 on Hare website)
By definition, a psychopath is unfit to hold the highest office in the land.
"They exhibit a cluster of distinctive personality traits, the most significant of which is an utter lack of conscience. They also have huge egos, short tempers, and an appetite for excitement -- a dangerous mix……Because they have no conscience, they're natural predators. …Psychopaths love chaos and hate rules, so they're comfortable in the fast-moving modern corporation." (Robert Hercz, 2001 on Hare website)
By definition, a psychopath is unfit to hold the highest office in the land.
3
This Op-Ed piece sounds so much like a nauseating mixture of wringing one's hands and kicking the can down the road.
The author notes, correctly, that House and Senate Republicans are afraid more of losing their seats because of Trump's support with their base than what he can do to the Constitution and American democracy. (I use a lower case 'd' for democracy since it seems clear to me we as a country no longer have the moral authority to use a capital 'D' for our democracy.) And unfortunately, House and Senate Democrats will be generally powerless to check him without at least a few defections from the right.
However, the Congressional Republicans are actually complicit with Trump in destroying America, starting with the Supreme Court nomination under Obama. (Congressional Democrats I fear are also to a lesser degree complicit for not pushing back hard enough in the spirit of possible future hoped for bipartisanship, or at least to try and get some work of the people done.) And the attitude described in the article is better known as the death of a thousand cuts. Each one in and of itself is small; but together they are lethal.
What do we as a country do about it? Is term limits the answer? Is changing the structure of how the elections choose Congress and the President the answer? Is forcing Congress to enact rules that don't do an end run around the Constitution the answer? I do not know. But I do know that doing nothing is absolutely not the answer.
The author notes, correctly, that House and Senate Republicans are afraid more of losing their seats because of Trump's support with their base than what he can do to the Constitution and American democracy. (I use a lower case 'd' for democracy since it seems clear to me we as a country no longer have the moral authority to use a capital 'D' for our democracy.) And unfortunately, House and Senate Democrats will be generally powerless to check him without at least a few defections from the right.
However, the Congressional Republicans are actually complicit with Trump in destroying America, starting with the Supreme Court nomination under Obama. (Congressional Democrats I fear are also to a lesser degree complicit for not pushing back hard enough in the spirit of possible future hoped for bipartisanship, or at least to try and get some work of the people done.) And the attitude described in the article is better known as the death of a thousand cuts. Each one in and of itself is small; but together they are lethal.
What do we as a country do about it? Is term limits the answer? Is changing the structure of how the elections choose Congress and the President the answer? Is forcing Congress to enact rules that don't do an end run around the Constitution the answer? I do not know. But I do know that doing nothing is absolutely not the answer.
4
We've been an oligarchy for some time now, and perhaps that's why Trump reigns. I am worried that he's the beginning of political anarchy. The office of the Presidency isn't likely to be returned to American's without permanent damage, as in what young people will ever see it as deserving of honor and respect (pretty hard to respect the office kept by a man who said ON TAPE that his money/power allowed him to grope women). People seem to celebrate him as a wild-west kind of character, but what a misread! He's straight up money and power and is as far from the crowds as any penthouse could be. I agree with the article; yes, the blow that should have evoked a response has already happened, many times.
1
Saving our republic will come down to Mueller's investigation and its findings.
If it produces clear and convincing evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors, it will then rest with the Republican controlled senate to decide if Mr. Trump remains our president, to continue to destroy our democracy, or if he is removed from office, hoping that Mr. Pence, with his penchant for ultra religious fervor, can and will distinguish between his devout religiosity and his responsibility to our constitution.
If it produces clear and convincing evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors, it will then rest with the Republican controlled senate to decide if Mr. Trump remains our president, to continue to destroy our democracy, or if he is removed from office, hoping that Mr. Pence, with his penchant for ultra religious fervor, can and will distinguish between his devout religiosity and his responsibility to our constitution.
2
With what we already know and have experienced under this administration, we cannot allow our collective guard to be let down. The appoint of Miller is being touted as a remedy to an undisciplined, out of control white house, but what may be staging is the good ol' Military Junta that we have seen in many banana republics around the world.
We have a crazed ego maniac as president and now a strong arm military general basically in charge of the country as trump himself has abdicated much of his duties to just about anyone and everyone he has brought into the administration including his children. That "children" part should have been one pf the most prominent indicators of a (so far) bloodless coup in the making, trusting no one but relation as close advisers and actors,. Yet the Republican party in its desperate need to control everything, stand by and watches while American Democracy crashes like a train wreck in slow motion. The administration is the culprit. The legislative branch is the accomplice. ALL SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE once rule of law is re-established.
We have a crazed ego maniac as president and now a strong arm military general basically in charge of the country as trump himself has abdicated much of his duties to just about anyone and everyone he has brought into the administration including his children. That "children" part should have been one pf the most prominent indicators of a (so far) bloodless coup in the making, trusting no one but relation as close advisers and actors,. Yet the Republican party in its desperate need to control everything, stand by and watches while American Democracy crashes like a train wreck in slow motion. The administration is the culprit. The legislative branch is the accomplice. ALL SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE once rule of law is re-established.
2
We don't live in a Democracy anymore. Haven't for a very long time now.
3
The last week? How about the past six months?
1
Mr. Mounk presents a good case for the Republicans to stand up to the President. But he fails to "put himself in their shoes", and outline the various choices he feels that the Republicans have to choose from.
Mr. Mounk needs to submit a follow up letter, and the Times to publish in The Opinion Pages, the specifics of actions he would be urging upon the Republicans If he were one of them.
As he points out, and I agree, time is growing short.
Mr. Mounk needs to submit a follow up letter, and the Times to publish in The Opinion Pages, the specifics of actions he would be urging upon the Republicans If he were one of them.
As he points out, and I agree, time is growing short.
We are at a major crossroads for America. The real question now is where are all the republican patriots? For decades the GOP has claimed that they were the "Real Americans" standing up for the true values of this country. If they don't stand with the democrats to stop the assault on our democracy, and impeach Donald Trump, we will know that they were dishonest about their love of country. The GOP senators and congressmen and women should all keep in mind that their heirs are going to ask where were they when America became an authoritarian state.
5
The Hungarian analogy is spot on. This country is headed right down the authoritarian path, only with us, it's a right out front (chest stab) in the open. The key to the strategy is "small things often". Here's a De-Democratization primer 101:
1) The gerrymandering of districts to achieve majorities in Congress
2) The weakening voter protections and allowing unfettered big money and individual donors to influence elections
3) The installation of military personnel to civilian cabinet posts
4) Providing the public with a "bread and circuses" media environment to distract from and distort the factual news (e.g. Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, etc.)
5) Censoring the media and limiting their access and coverage of the White House
7) Stacking the Lower Courts with Party affiliated ideologues and stealing Supreme Court seats
8) Altering Senate filibuster rules
9) Forcing legislation through Congress by threat
10) Decapitating the FBI
11) The nepotistic installation of family members as White House officials
12) Tampering with ongoing Special Counsel investigations
13) Pressuring the Judiciary to be an organ of the Executive Branch
Here's a baker's dozen, but the list is growing and the gradual weakening of our Democracy is well underway.
1) The gerrymandering of districts to achieve majorities in Congress
2) The weakening voter protections and allowing unfettered big money and individual donors to influence elections
3) The installation of military personnel to civilian cabinet posts
4) Providing the public with a "bread and circuses" media environment to distract from and distort the factual news (e.g. Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, etc.)
5) Censoring the media and limiting their access and coverage of the White House
7) Stacking the Lower Courts with Party affiliated ideologues and stealing Supreme Court seats
8) Altering Senate filibuster rules
9) Forcing legislation through Congress by threat
10) Decapitating the FBI
11) The nepotistic installation of family members as White House officials
12) Tampering with ongoing Special Counsel investigations
13) Pressuring the Judiciary to be an organ of the Executive Branch
Here's a baker's dozen, but the list is growing and the gradual weakening of our Democracy is well underway.
6
republican lawmakers are willing to sacrifice democracy and constituent well-being in the name of identity politics, gerrymandering, and dishonestly gained power. if they had the courage to start consistently and jointly calling out problems honestly, they would see djt's support drop precipitously within a year, and expose him for the hollow man and fraud he is. he will always have his fringe base that will support him no matter what, but he is not invulnerable except to the fearful and unimaginative. the lack of courage and conviction in the senate is astounding; the health care vote should have never even been close. appalling.
The Republicans will never call out Trump. Whether or not they like him personally, they are happily assisting the transformation of America into an authoritarian state.
1
I have a fatalism now that is not a metaphor. I am seriously mentally prepared that I might die during this regime. I'm 65,and in perfect health. What I cannot handle is knowing that my children and grandchildren might die too. Some of them are in military service in South Korea, including innocent dependents. They are the ones who keep me fighting to restore our democracy, however fragile it was before Trump.
1
I am sure Bannon is feeding him poison about the Great Tilling, the need to blow everything up to start afresh when only a handful of survivors are left to deal with ruins and a destroyed ecosystem.
Corey Garnder of Colorado hero even though he was swamped with calls. We will remember his vote in 2020
"...their opponents told themselves they were saving their courage for the right moment" is now on my short list of favorite quotes. Courage doesn't wait.
1
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck it is a duck. And Mr. Trump looks like a authoritarian (a lot of poses look just like Mussolini), talks like a dictator (everything is about him and he is always right) and walks with the same arrogance as pst dictators. Trump wants to control everything and even if he doesn't think he wants to be a dictator he will relish the position the closer he gets to achieving that goal.
1
"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;"
Time for #25
That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not;
For there is none of you so mean and base,
That hath not noble lustre in your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'"
Time for #25
That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not;
For there is none of you so mean and base,
That hath not noble lustre in your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'"
nothing will happen to trump. he is protected by the gop, one-party state and their evangelical and financial pirate supporters.
The all too familiar symptoms of the "Creeping Coup"
All true democracies are weak when it comes to populist rabble rousing. Those who are prepared to work outside the system have the advantage of not having to obey the same "nice guy" rules.
The globalization uber rich have a further advantage in that just a handful of their group members can fund the "conversion" of thousands , or even millions by controlling the media and turning it into persuasive propaganda. And worse, by "buying" the politicians and justices who would otherwise halt their progress.
I don't know what the answer is. But I suspect "Decline and Fall" is on the Horizon.
All true democracies are weak when it comes to populist rabble rousing. Those who are prepared to work outside the system have the advantage of not having to obey the same "nice guy" rules.
The globalization uber rich have a further advantage in that just a handful of their group members can fund the "conversion" of thousands , or even millions by controlling the media and turning it into persuasive propaganda. And worse, by "buying" the politicians and justices who would otherwise halt their progress.
I don't know what the answer is. But I suspect "Decline and Fall" is on the Horizon.
1
Thank you Mr. Mounk, for a well-reasoned op-ed that describes the problem of our dwindling democracy. It is not the outlandish side shows, but the eroding of our basic rights and rule of law that is most disturbing. What is truly frightening is how many people voted for Trump, and continue to support him - and that Congress acts like lost sheep, or cynical enablers. If Trump fires special prosecutor Mueller, Congress needs to re-hire him and his staff - but they need a major wake-up call.
This has been coming for a long time, through many Republican presidencies. I hope people in this country will come to realize what is happening before it is too late.
The NYT is so valuable in this fight.
This has been coming for a long time, through many Republican presidencies. I hope people in this country will come to realize what is happening before it is too late.
The NYT is so valuable in this fight.
1
"If Congress does not stand up to Mr. Trump because Republicans are afraid of their own base, the president may be able to obstruct the course of justice with impunity. Worse, he may then conclude that he can get away with violating even more basic limits on his power."
After watching the GOP for the last 8 years when they refused to work with a duly elected president, one who was elected by the people and got the required
Electoral College votes, I do not see them standing up to Trump until he does something truly horrendous. This is the party that signed and sent a letter to a government Obama was negotiating with and that violated not only common sense but at least one law. This is the party that allowed Obama's citizenship to be questioned, that had a member who called him a liar during a speech Obama was making, that preferred to shut down the government rather than pass a budget.
The GOP, Greed Over People and Patriotism party, prefers to deprive Americans of access to medical care, would rather let our country's bridges, roads, railways, airports, telecommunications, etc., fall apart than appropriate money to bring us up to the rest of the developed world. From watching them and those who support them this citizen has the distinct impression that there is a real preference to turn us into a feudal society where only the privileged few have decent lives.
After watching the GOP for the last 8 years when they refused to work with a duly elected president, one who was elected by the people and got the required
Electoral College votes, I do not see them standing up to Trump until he does something truly horrendous. This is the party that signed and sent a letter to a government Obama was negotiating with and that violated not only common sense but at least one law. This is the party that allowed Obama's citizenship to be questioned, that had a member who called him a liar during a speech Obama was making, that preferred to shut down the government rather than pass a budget.
The GOP, Greed Over People and Patriotism party, prefers to deprive Americans of access to medical care, would rather let our country's bridges, roads, railways, airports, telecommunications, etc., fall apart than appropriate money to bring us up to the rest of the developed world. From watching them and those who support them this citizen has the distinct impression that there is a real preference to turn us into a feudal society where only the privileged few have decent lives.
5
They know who they armed up to brandish guns at them, and they are very scared.
I nearly gagged, and immediately turned the channel, when The Con Don was presenting the medal of honor to a Viet Nam vet. Does the vet know that while he was serving in the atrocious killing machine called the Viet Nam war that The Con Don was playing with his tin soldier on his get-me-out-of-service-bone-spur feet?
This is what inherited wealth, without any social conscience requirements, gets us. This is what corruption fueled by unfettered greed gets us. The Con Don and his Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/Radical religion Good Old Boys Cabal using us and our children/grandchildren as their "play people".
This must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever again. Not for one more second. OUR outrage is all that will retain/restore/preserve democracy in America - social and economic justice for all.
This is what inherited wealth, without any social conscience requirements, gets us. This is what corruption fueled by unfettered greed gets us. The Con Don and his Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/Radical religion Good Old Boys Cabal using us and our children/grandchildren as their "play people".
This must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever again. Not for one more second. OUR outrage is all that will retain/restore/preserve democracy in America - social and economic justice for all.
3
Watching Trump undermine the very things that have made America great, I'm reminded of the movie, Apocalypse Now - Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) sent on a dangerous mission up a river in Cambodia to find and bring down the renegade Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) who has gone mad and set himself up as god among the local tribe.
I suspect that most members of Congress, including Republicans, hope Robert Mueller finds what's necessary to end this nightmare and remove Trump from office.
I suspect that most members of Congress, including Republicans, hope Robert Mueller finds what's necessary to end this nightmare and remove Trump from office.
4
In the past, our county was wary of having a full-time standing army. They knew they had to guard against the very thing that's happening now.....We have a despot in control of the largest, most powerful, military in the world who was placed there by the super-rich to overthrow our democracy....and they're almost finished. But, appallingly, the GOP congress willfully rationalizes away everything their despot does..even though, with the firing of Preibus, Trump is no longer a Republican, if he ever was. As of now, nothing is more important for Congress to do is to, at least, neutralize Trump and, then impeach him and Pence.
3
The same thing is also happening in Taiwan, and it seems these perpetrators all use similar tricks. One would think the US would not be as susceptible since it was a robust democracy and not some banana republic, but that isn't necessarily so, especially when the perps cloak their actions and intentions under a patriotism banner.
1
His business success (?) and media skills are evident, but not what is needed to run the country. The problem with Trump is simple. He is incurious and unwilling to learn. It's not possible for him to be an effective and respected president when he is not the least bit intellectual. The hallmark of great leaders is that they are great thinkers.
4
His business 'success' is NOT evident, otherwise he wouldn't be so desperate to avoid revealing his taxes, or open his books. When he's willing to put the constitution on the line (which he obviously doesn't understand) it's no longer an academic issue of privacy. The Trump organization only survived as a business because he was willing to launder ill-gotten monies from the Russian mob. It will be revealed that Trump, in every sense of the word, is a crook.
2
Hence the question mark. I hope you are right.
1
Our democracy has already been threatened but the consequences so far are still not fully known. Trumps erosive behaviors are novel to his base that find them empowering right now. I wonder how they would feel if these novelties were to turn on them?
It is most likely that even the Donald does not fully understand how his actions are bad for a democracy. He has displayed his ignorance daily on twitter. My real concern is that his base is even more ignorant. These nebulous theories of democracy mean nothing to most people who only watch the news as reality TV for excitement. Fox news is not telling the stories of the alternatives to the structure that they and Trump are railing against. I'm not so sure anyone would care even if they did.
I would like to see the Times tell the stories of what has happened in history to countries that have decided to follow leaders that abuse power. That is what Trump is trying to do whether he fully understands that or not is another matter all together.
It is most likely that even the Donald does not fully understand how his actions are bad for a democracy. He has displayed his ignorance daily on twitter. My real concern is that his base is even more ignorant. These nebulous theories of democracy mean nothing to most people who only watch the news as reality TV for excitement. Fox news is not telling the stories of the alternatives to the structure that they and Trump are railing against. I'm not so sure anyone would care even if they did.
I would like to see the Times tell the stories of what has happened in history to countries that have decided to follow leaders that abuse power. That is what Trump is trying to do whether he fully understands that or not is another matter all together.
2
What the American election has shown is that democracy is fragile and more so under the current President. Those living in democratic countries must vote and think about each candidate and her/his fitness for office.
4
I am so glad that The New York Times is keeping us informed. These are strange and dangerous times. A dictator has been elected President. This cannot be acceptable in a country based on the rule of law
5
Someone should write a book entitled "Profiles in Cowardice" tracing the Republican response to Trump's attempts to undermine our Constitution. The fact that 80% or so of the Republican voters still support the administration matters more to elected Republicans than Trump's attacks on the rule of law. As in the case of Trump himself, elected Republicans care more about themselves than the county. Clearly there are traitors in our midst. If the resistance fails, the country will fail.
2
''Profiles in Treason'' would be an appropriate title, too. The efforts underway to yank affordable health care from ordinary Americans smacks of nothing less than thinly veiled genocide against those who are not plutocrats.
You don't have a democracy and never have. Not a true one anyway. The founders gerrymandered your elections from the start with the contemptable electoral collage. This relic of slavery has mocked the idea of democracy and for some reason Americans tolerate it
One person, one vote - that's a real democracy.
If you had one Trump would not be president and the US might still have its honor.
One person, one vote - that's a real democracy.
If you had one Trump would not be president and the US might still have its honor.
5
To all of you doubting the warnings put forth in this article, I remind you of the (probably not true but instructive anyway) fable of the frogs in a pan of water, where, if the heat is turned up slowly enough, they'll remain there until they are boiled to death.
A lot of sophisticated legal minds have warned us in the past months of the risks when flouting the rule of law, probably our greatest asset as a nation. If a generation of politicians and "citizens" gets used to this, what will we have?
A lot of sophisticated legal minds have warned us in the past months of the risks when flouting the rule of law, probably our greatest asset as a nation. If a generation of politicians and "citizens" gets used to this, what will we have?
2
I think the author missed LBJ and the destruction of our democracy back in the 1960's. Starting with the lies after the Kennedy assassinations; the Gulf of Tonkin and Vietnam lies, etc. CIA and FBI lies to the Warren Commission and illegal domestic counter-operation vs. House Select Committee on Assassinations did its damage to democratic institutions.
I think the author missed prior foreign collusion in elections, like Bush-Reagan's deal with Iran to extend the hostage crisis to undermine President Carter and Iran-Contra; and Bill Clinton's collusion with the Chinese for their illegal campaign cash in 1996, and his quid pro quo of dropping chain migration reform. In that case, unlike Iran-Contra's investigation or Jeff Sessions & his recent recusal, Attorney General Janet Reno refused to recuse herself and then simply rejected FBI Director Louis Freeh's strong recommendation to appoint an independent counsel. Rejected LaBella, her own DOJ campaign finance expert's recommendation for same. Where was Ms. Mounk's outrage over these violations?
I think the author missed prior foreign collusion in elections, like Bush-Reagan's deal with Iran to extend the hostage crisis to undermine President Carter and Iran-Contra; and Bill Clinton's collusion with the Chinese for their illegal campaign cash in 1996, and his quid pro quo of dropping chain migration reform. In that case, unlike Iran-Contra's investigation or Jeff Sessions & his recent recusal, Attorney General Janet Reno refused to recuse herself and then simply rejected FBI Director Louis Freeh's strong recommendation to appoint an independent counsel. Rejected LaBella, her own DOJ campaign finance expert's recommendation for same. Where was Ms. Mounk's outrage over these violations?
2
To get the ball rolling toward authoritarianism, the first steps are not political. They are psychosocial and require the grooming and selection of a charismatic leader. One who has deeply ingrained psychopathology and sociopathy . One who has no morals and to whom ethical behavior is counter-logical. One who neither understands democracy and its institutions or cares to. One who sows and is motivated by hate and paranoia. That leader can pull the nation over the line. And that is exactly what we have now. A sick culture and an immoral leader who feeds off the irrational fears and prejudices of that culture. That is why we need to get Trump out of office as soon as possible.
5
It is up to the Republicans to stop Trump. It will be solely their responsibility if Trump is allowed to continue to destroy our country.
2
The right screaming at the left and the left screaming at the right is our fundamental issue. And this article is yet another symptom of this screaming
We need grown-ups on both sides to work together, as they have done for (most of) the last 250 years
Any volunteers? Joe Biden? John Huntsman? Anyone???
We need grown-ups on both sides to work together, as they have done for (most of) the last 250 years
Any volunteers? Joe Biden? John Huntsman? Anyone???
3
IF! IF! IF!
For the record: I AM NOT A TRUMP SUPPORTER!!
But, what do you want congress to do? There is nothing they can do until evidence is produced that laws have been broken by this president. Not the people around him, not his family members but him. It's getting old that you all write these opinion pieces with the key word in all pieces seeming to be 'IF'. IF something happened or happens then we should see what the members of congress will do. It would be prudent to wait for proof of wrongdoing before you start throwing out what could, should or would happen 'IF' this president takes one of many millions of actions that he could take that would lead to his political demise. It worries me that many news men and women are starting their comments/opinions with the word 'IF' or other words that allow speculation with no fact involved. IF YOU want to do your part for the Republic stop dealing in 'IF's and start dealing in facts. Patiently wait for facts to come out then report on them and report on the actions of congress at that time. Stop throwing out scenarios, I along with a lot of other people, I'm sure, are tired of it.
For the record: I AM NOT A TRUMP SUPPORTER!!
But, what do you want congress to do? There is nothing they can do until evidence is produced that laws have been broken by this president. Not the people around him, not his family members but him. It's getting old that you all write these opinion pieces with the key word in all pieces seeming to be 'IF'. IF something happened or happens then we should see what the members of congress will do. It would be prudent to wait for proof of wrongdoing before you start throwing out what could, should or would happen 'IF' this president takes one of many millions of actions that he could take that would lead to his political demise. It worries me that many news men and women are starting their comments/opinions with the word 'IF' or other words that allow speculation with no fact involved. IF YOU want to do your part for the Republic stop dealing in 'IF's and start dealing in facts. Patiently wait for facts to come out then report on them and report on the actions of congress at that time. Stop throwing out scenarios, I along with a lot of other people, I'm sure, are tired of it.
2
Impeachment is a political process, not a judicial one. COngress does not need a videotape of Trump taking money from Russian oligarchs to begin the process.
4
Take away the nuclear button. Keep a straight jacket in the Oval Office at all times. Pray for a massive and fatal medical happening.
To Mr Mounk
The members of Congress who continue to wholeheartedly support Donald Trump and his policies MUST be taken to task. Qualified journalists and historians MUST record their words and deeds for future trials which NEED to be organised for malfeasance and treason against the American republic and its citizens. Anything less would smack of capitulation to Trump and his band of profiteers and traitors.
The members of Congress who continue to wholeheartedly support Donald Trump and his policies MUST be taken to task. Qualified journalists and historians MUST record their words and deeds for future trials which NEED to be organised for malfeasance and treason against the American republic and its citizens. Anything less would smack of capitulation to Trump and his band of profiteers and traitors.
5
One reason democracies put so much emphasis on education is that you have to know how democracy works. We are responsible for it and must elect leaders that sustain it. While not a majority, a good sized minority think Mr. Trump is doing just fine. And at least one cable news network sustains them in that belief. They are not clear on the concept.
When I was in school, Civics was called "Problems of Democracy," and Mr. Trump is one great big problem for Democracy and the Constitution. Responsible voices in Congress are faint. From somewhere, and this newspaper is part of the somewhere, we're going to have to clearly articulate the danger of Mr. Trump's leadership to the presidency and democratic institutions..
By the way, Mr. Trump's rally at the Boy Scout Jamboree was profoundly disturbing and should be required viewing in its entirety. It personifies the points made by this article.
When I was in school, Civics was called "Problems of Democracy," and Mr. Trump is one great big problem for Democracy and the Constitution. Responsible voices in Congress are faint. From somewhere, and this newspaper is part of the somewhere, we're going to have to clearly articulate the danger of Mr. Trump's leadership to the presidency and democratic institutions..
By the way, Mr. Trump's rally at the Boy Scout Jamboree was profoundly disturbing and should be required viewing in its entirety. It personifies the points made by this article.
8
Nothing upsets me as much as the people who still support Trump, especially after the past 6 months. And I mean 'regular' Americans.
I mean the folks who cheered his disgusting display in fron of the Bo's Scouts. That was not a speech by a President - and yet it took days for the Scouts to issue a half-hearted statement about 'not endorsing politics ... at Scout events'. That wasn't political, that was rabble-raising and it was cheered. Shame on every adult there and every person who continues to cheer or make excuses for this behavior.
I mean the police officers who cheered him on Long Island. Trump showcased the worse fears about police brutality. At least the official response was quicker than the Scouts. Trump is WRONG!
The danger lies not in Trump but the people who support him. He is extremely honest showing who he is (the only place he's honest). He is NOT fit to be President!
I mean the folks who cheered his disgusting display in fron of the Bo's Scouts. That was not a speech by a President - and yet it took days for the Scouts to issue a half-hearted statement about 'not endorsing politics ... at Scout events'. That wasn't political, that was rabble-raising and it was cheered. Shame on every adult there and every person who continues to cheer or make excuses for this behavior.
I mean the police officers who cheered him on Long Island. Trump showcased the worse fears about police brutality. At least the official response was quicker than the Scouts. Trump is WRONG!
The danger lies not in Trump but the people who support him. He is extremely honest showing who he is (the only place he's honest). He is NOT fit to be President!
12
For far too many Republicans that I know, declaring themselves members of that political party is tied more to perceived higher social status than to Democracy.
Democracy has a real failure in that each generation seems to come with a bigger sense of entitlement. We can't all have it all, but more and more kids are being raised to expect it. And figuratively speaking, our democracy has been poisoned by people yearning for 'the good old days'. They've saddled us with Trump.
5
The means to tyranny can be slow and subtle. While everyone focuses on the antics of our president and his minions, the Congress is changing the way laws are made and the Executive departments are reversing rules that were meant to protect us and our country. And even if none of these changes affect us directly, they are nonetheless encroachments on our freedom and our democracy.
I encourage everyone to take some lessons from the book On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. He offers twenty lessons from the 20th century on how to resist tyranny before it is too late. My favorite is Defend Institutions. While there is little any individual can do, institutions can stand up to tyranny. And institutions include newspapers so taking a subscription to the NY Times or the Washington Post is very useful. Buying a subscription for someone else is even more helpful.
I am not getting a commission for that suggestion, by the way. I just think it's a good way of defending against the kind of tyranny that our president is trying to implement. Read the book.
I encourage everyone to take some lessons from the book On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. He offers twenty lessons from the 20th century on how to resist tyranny before it is too late. My favorite is Defend Institutions. While there is little any individual can do, institutions can stand up to tyranny. And institutions include newspapers so taking a subscription to the NY Times or the Washington Post is very useful. Buying a subscription for someone else is even more helpful.
I am not getting a commission for that suggestion, by the way. I just think it's a good way of defending against the kind of tyranny that our president is trying to implement. Read the book.
4
I'm waiting to wake up one morning to hear that Trump has placed the nation under martial law, using some conspiracy theory based "crisis" as his excuse to shut down media outlets and public protests.
5
Not too far from the truth- how else did we end up with "Homeland Security"? The Republicans love dictatorships, period.
1
To Susan
Altogether more important for us to express our views on this forum. It may not last much longer after a few court orders and presidential 'decrees'....
Altogether more important for us to express our views on this forum. It may not last much longer after a few court orders and presidential 'decrees'....
1
Tell me something I do not know, have not known since the 2016 election.
I object to the Washington monument being used as a symbol of democracy.
Most people know the obelisk as a symbol of masculine dominance which is deserving of destruction.
I object to the Washington monument being used as a symbol of democracy.
Most people know the obelisk as a symbol of masculine dominance which is deserving of destruction.
2
Thank you for your comment, as it perfectly illustrates the reason why Trump won the election and the Republicans will continue to dominate Congress and the Governorships for the foreseeable future. You would destroy the Washington Monument because in your eyes and those of your ilk it is a symbol of masculine dominance, eh? News flash: the overwhelming majority of the people in this country don't agree with you. They care more about the threat from North Korea and Iran, international terrorism, and jobs than they do about transgender bathrooms, abortion, and safe spaces for college kids "victimized" by microaggressions or whether Anglos can sell tacos. Trump has serious issues, to be sure, but he is not going to be able to destroy our democracy. You are. Your visceral hatred of everything and everyone who disagrees with you will destroy us from within. To be fair, this hatred of the "other" is not the exclusive province of Democrats. Both sides need to get their heads out of their respective echo chambers and learn to resolve conflicts through civil discourse. Advocating for the destruction of the Washington Monument for whatever reason is just...plain...crazy and deserves universal condemnation. Shame on you.
The only good thing about the first 6 months of Trump's presidency is that the 'Give Trump a chance' and 'Let's rally around the president!' people have disappeared over night. Even the die hard Trump supporters have enough shame not to try anymore. They'll still defend him with their last breath, but deep down even they realize what a tire fire this presidency is.
8
Mounk makes a goof point that democracy can be eroded gradually rather than in a sudden coup, but I would add that the danger is not just the Trump crowd but the dominant rule or ruin attitude of the national Republican Party, and their billionaire right-wing backers. Thus we see extreme gerrymandering, voter suppression, the erosion of countervailing powers such as unions, government regulators, scientists and the media, the disregarding of facts, even outright lies, the appeals to racism and xenophobia, and, a massive right-wing media presence, on Fox, Sinclair, talk radio, on-line, all relentlessly demonizing opponents. As this strategy has largely been working well for them, I suppose we will get more of the same. I doubt the country will ever recover from it, though at least there is still an active resistance!
5
I would add that the fraud in the WH has already corrupted the "leaders" of the repub party. In the case of McConnell, by giving his WIFE a cabinet post (!), although it's unclear, as yet, how he 's affected Ryan (although his illogical responses to presidential outbursts and bizarre behavior must have some root cause). But the most egregious repub action was McConnell's refusal to give President Obama's SCOTUS nominee, Merrick Garland, even a vote in the Senate. This was a clear VIOLATION of the "advise and consent" role to which the Senate was Constitutionally bound. And yet, we see Garland's seat occupied by Gorsuch, who, by rights, should never have been offered the nomination, let alone been confirmed. It was a sham. That the Founders failed to include (apparently) a Constitutional response for this violation is beyond troubling.
The partisan divide ("and conquer") we find ourselves in CAN be mended, but with so much bribery the mix of DC politics (not to mention the ethically-deficient cabinet the fraud was installed), it will be a hard road to bring ALL of our legislators together to "defend and protect the Constitution" from this obvious DOMESTIC threat. The people must speak up, but legislators must listen.
The partisan divide ("and conquer") we find ourselves in CAN be mended, but with so much bribery the mix of DC politics (not to mention the ethically-deficient cabinet the fraud was installed), it will be a hard road to bring ALL of our legislators together to "defend and protect the Constitution" from this obvious DOMESTIC threat. The people must speak up, but legislators must listen.
7
the gop has been corrupt for a very long time. if you hadn't seen it by now - seek the definition of "denial"
The Dismantling of the Administrative State is in action. Bannon must be removed as must the president. With each passing day, our Democracy is in great danger. I believe the behavior of this group is treasonous and intellectual discussions are not warranted. They must be stopped. They have clearly articulated their desire to destroy our government. They have acted wholly toward that goal. The chaos is planned. The thievery is in full throttle. The Boy Scouts have been indoctrinated, the rednecks enabled, the racists are in joyous celebration. Women and children will perish from lack of health care and education as the men are round up to be Putinesque henchmen. There is no time to waste. I beseech all decent souls in our government to act. These events will escalate and a swift takeover will be the result.
5
So why don't you emulate the Romanians circa 1989 who formed the National Salvation Front and ousted a hated dictator, too, without any outside help?
If the constitution held up to Joe McCarthy, it can stand up to Mr. Trump. However, for many of us, not sure that we are up for that rocky ride again.
3
during McCarthy's day americans fear allowed his rise
during the trump era American's stupidity allowed his rise
during the trump era American's stupidity allowed his rise
The 80 percent of republicans who support Trump are fascists. They are not going away.
The overwhelming majority of congressional republicans want above all State power in their hands to force their will on the majority of their unwilling countrymen. They will happily embrace fascism to do so.
All this talk of existential this and last chance that is all a way to justify a fascist coup.
Since Jimmy Carter the republican fascists have denied that any demkcrat can be a legitimate president. Trump is just the vehicle of republican fascism. They love the guy. He lies everyday about what he lied about last week. He is at war with his own White House. He loves generals. Calls them my. Gets the generals who will toady
Congressional republicans will do whatever it takes to keep state power to force their unwilling countrymen to do what the republicans want. Only if Trump threatens this power will they turn on him.. If a coup keeps their power they will go along. If it takes power some will oppose it. If opposing a coup gives democrats power most congressional republicans will support the coup. A cou and Pence would delight most congressional republicans. They and their supporters are bad people. No secret. Perhaps worse than being bad, they are fools. No secret. For pity's sake. They think global warming is a plot against them. Fools.
The overwhelming majority of congressional republicans want above all State power in their hands to force their will on the majority of their unwilling countrymen. They will happily embrace fascism to do so.
All this talk of existential this and last chance that is all a way to justify a fascist coup.
Since Jimmy Carter the republican fascists have denied that any demkcrat can be a legitimate president. Trump is just the vehicle of republican fascism. They love the guy. He lies everyday about what he lied about last week. He is at war with his own White House. He loves generals. Calls them my. Gets the generals who will toady
Congressional republicans will do whatever it takes to keep state power to force their unwilling countrymen to do what the republicans want. Only if Trump threatens this power will they turn on him.. If a coup keeps their power they will go along. If it takes power some will oppose it. If opposing a coup gives democrats power most congressional republicans will support the coup. A cou and Pence would delight most congressional republicans. They and their supporters are bad people. No secret. Perhaps worse than being bad, they are fools. No secret. For pity's sake. They think global warming is a plot against them. Fools.
5
The most immediate danger facing America, and the world, is the Republican Party.
From their leader, who is over his head and out of his mind, to those who enable him to further consolidate republican power, and to those who have abandon critical thinking and believe the GOP is still the respected party it once was, congratulations.
From their leader, who is over his head and out of his mind, to those who enable him to further consolidate republican power, and to those who have abandon critical thinking and believe the GOP is still the respected party it once was, congratulations.
12
Yes, the Republican Party has attempted to destroy our democracy for decades- see how they refused to consider president Obama's nomination for the Supreme Court. That had nothing to do with Trump. The party of "NO!", the party of "YOU LIE" was craven, low-class, traitorous, and destructive long before Trump stumbled onto their scene.
You can't blame their decades of anti-democratic actions on their latest buffoon nominee.
You can't blame their decades of anti-democratic actions on their latest buffoon nominee.
1
Reagan talked about America as a city on a hill, a beacon for democracy. Now we are a country led by Trump that has sunk to the level of a cesspool where politicians play with people's lives endlessly. who will supply leadership for the world? Our tiny planet has become a place where every person only lives for themselves and the dream of cooperation and sharing has no place. Our founding fathers saw this possibility and created checks and balances, but any system requires that leaders honor it and refresh it. If in our cynicism we no longer do this democracy will not rise above the sewer.
3
Much has been made of the fictional dystopias depicted in "1984" and "Brave New World" and the one that Trump envisions and is bent on imposing on us with his fascist- and kleptocrat-dominated administration. However, a rereading "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" is considerably more insightful in terms of how a resentful populace was manipulated through ineffective democratic processes to morph into a hate-dominated dictatorship.
8
How? Republican leaders, none of whom particularly care for Trump, must systematically and incessantly start using the talking point that Trump is not really a Republican, that the flawed primary system allowed Trump to hijack the party banner. Then the Republicans can, if they wish (not at all a certainty), do the right thing while allowing the party to save face. I will
The analysis is brilliant and the moral path crystal clear. Just one question: how to implement these recommendations with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan in leadership of congress? These two have been entirely complicit with undermining constitutional tradition, including not fulfilling their duty to vet President Obama's nominee to the Supreme Court and not forcefully speaking out against Trump's authoritarian muscle flexing. Without their resistance, what hope is there? What leverage do the people have against these two that will overcome the influence of their rich and powerful patrons?
6
I hope you're wrong. He's not Conservative or Liberal, but rather a brilliant con-artist. It all depends on what happens after Trump. I know many people who consider Ted Cruz and other Republicans like him to be as bad as Trump, but I do not. Ted Cruz would work within the norms and constraints of American democracy, and at now I am fine with that.
1
Ted Cruz is not rational. No thank you.
4
that's a big leap of faith there on Cruz. Did you think Trump was worthy of your vote as well?
Ted Cruz is the most destructive member of the Senate. He just wants the government to implode.
We Americans gave up our democracy some time ago we now live under corporatism.
9
We can't wait until 2018 and 2020. Trump is pushing for a war with North Korea while making our friends and allies mad and our enemies madder. The country may not survive until 2018, especially if Trump gets his war. We need to figure out how to get Trump out of the Oval Office now.
2
He WANTS this war because he knows that his money cannot do anything for his washed up, over the hill self. I am sure he is enthralled at the idea of taking down millions with him in the event of a nuclear conflict, viewing it as a way of putting the 'wretches' out of their misery. We are dealing with someone who is highly pathological.
I have written before and do so here that the biological metaphor is prescient. Trump is a sociological cancer on the Republic. The cancer metaphor is apt in that sometimes the disease is nature and sometimes nurture. Unbridled capitalism is similar to unchecked cellular growth brought on by excess and a certain kind of gluttony but also, often, because of genetic abnormality. Even in this case the cancer can be induced out of its dormant state due to excess.
So too has the United States held the seeds of sociological cancer in its excessive capitalism set afire by the slow widening of the separation of the very rich from the rest of us.
Cancer, then, thrives on the self-destructive darkness that lurks within the best of the human condition. I think the phenomenon that has brought Trump down upon us is mostly derivative of the cancerous metaphor.
Money needs temperament. Humans need regulation. When we were a limited population with limited technologies, regulation was at best enacted through war. We are at massive population now. And the success of capitalism hold the darkness of sociological cancer within it, and our man Trump is its most very visible symbol.
So too has the United States held the seeds of sociological cancer in its excessive capitalism set afire by the slow widening of the separation of the very rich from the rest of us.
Cancer, then, thrives on the self-destructive darkness that lurks within the best of the human condition. I think the phenomenon that has brought Trump down upon us is mostly derivative of the cancerous metaphor.
Money needs temperament. Humans need regulation. When we were a limited population with limited technologies, regulation was at best enacted through war. We are at massive population now. And the success of capitalism hold the darkness of sociological cancer within it, and our man Trump is its most very visible symbol.
2
I have confidence that patriots will emerge willing to make personal sacrifices to save our beloved union. Just as they have since our founding.
These patriots will have to come from the Republican Party.
Republicans won't let Democrats do it. Otherwise it would already be done.
Republicans won't let Democrats do it. Otherwise it would already be done.
1
Although Trump is the most visible threat to our democracy the GOP and their partners are hard at work bending the laws of the land to their liking. The phrase "We the people " doesn't really apply to the chattel outside of their monied circle. Karl Rove said he would work toward a permanent majority and the Koch brothers and their ilk are constantly funding right wing think tanks and politicians. Their funding of ALEC has given us numerous laws that willing republican legislators present to their state governments but none of those laws cover the concerns of the citizens just the billionaires and corporations that don't see the benefits in clean air & water , fair taxation or a health care system that works for all. They prefer to stand their ground and do away with the rabble so they can further enrich themselves and their companies. The lies that have come from the current occupant of the White House pales to the 24/7 propaganda from Ailes brainchild and other alt-right outlets. For them it's never enough to have the wealth without the power to mold the country into what they think is right, and that certainly isn't a democracy.
4
An example of what we should be hearing from the GOP is a condemnation of Trump's recent speech in front of police officers, where he tells them that it's OK to rough up suspects when putting them into the "paddy wagon."
Police departments around the country have put out statements denouncing Trump's irresponsibility, but I have yet to hear from congressional leaders.
Also, this president doesn't understand the Constitution, and makes no effort to do so. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty is a basic tenet of our democracy. Trump has again violated his oath to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Police departments around the country have put out statements denouncing Trump's irresponsibility, but I have yet to hear from congressional leaders.
Also, this president doesn't understand the Constitution, and makes no effort to do so. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty is a basic tenet of our democracy. Trump has again violated his oath to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
9
Elections have consequences.
The correction is to give the Democrats control of Congress in 2018.
We get the government we deserve.
The correction is to give the Democrats control of Congress in 2018.
We get the government we deserve.
11
dems won't show at mid terms they would rather whine
The truth is republican are tired of being great. They would rather than dicker with a country we disagree with just bomb them to smithereens. Instead of being responsible and taking care of the rest of the world to heck with them. The poor and disadvantaged in their own country, that's just too bad, not my problem. So they elected a little weak cowardly man to be president. Mean, selfish and stupid, and they love it. Tired of being great let's just be ourselves and screw the rest of the world everybody else. And the irony of it all, they call themselves Christians.
9
GOP now has come clean and admitted by what they DO that they all simply and clearly relish being in the place to complain and argue. That's it. Oh, and make money for themselves and plot what fat job they'll have after they spend some time in DC. But govern? Heck no. Create and implement policy? Work for improving the common good? You gotta be kidding.
1
I agree with the reader who said, "we are all in the same boat". However, too many Americans don't read, don't avail themselves of other cultures, know nothing about history and rant and rave when about themselves being "left out". Too many don't care about what is happening in the next town, let alone the country. That is how the trumpster got where he is, to be President. I was once given advice by professional counselor, "divorce him, he doesn't have your best interest at heart". Well, we need to "divorce" trump, he surely doesn't have our best interest at heart.
13
Democracy was "destroyed" long before Trump.
4
"Trump is destroying our democracy".
What else did yo expect when American voters elected him as their president.? He is performing exactly like what was predicted during the election ,doing what he is capable of doing,that is destruction
In a democracy, citizens have responsibility in choosing the best leaders and we elected a clown. Now we can only watch the mess until the next election or he is removed by impeachment, that is unlikely unless he does a criminal activity. Very sad state of affairs, the United States, the cradle of democracy, leader of the free world is not a role model anymore for other countries. They are learning to live without America.
What else did yo expect when American voters elected him as their president.? He is performing exactly like what was predicted during the election ,doing what he is capable of doing,that is destruction
In a democracy, citizens have responsibility in choosing the best leaders and we elected a clown. Now we can only watch the mess until the next election or he is removed by impeachment, that is unlikely unless he does a criminal activity. Very sad state of affairs, the United States, the cradle of democracy, leader of the free world is not a role model anymore for other countries. They are learning to live without America.
9
"When they demand expanded powers or attack independent institutions, their supporters and opponents alike realize that authoritarianism has arrived"
That "when" is happening now, but his supporters and the Republican "patriots" are still standing by.
Every day the darkness and foreboding of Trump's mad reign deepen and the longer he is allowed to crush democratic principles the closer we are getting to a rogue administration.
That "when" is happening now, but his supporters and the Republican "patriots" are still standing by.
Every day the darkness and foreboding of Trump's mad reign deepen and the longer he is allowed to crush democratic principles the closer we are getting to a rogue administration.
4
Perhaps the US is not and has never actually been a democracy.
9
Trump confirms this through his fawning admiration of dictators such as Erdogan and Duerte. He even chimed in that the current madman presiding over North Korea must have been 'a pretty smart cookie'. Need any more evidence about Trump's indifference towards democratic standards? He is the enemy within.
no, its a representative constitutional republic. "Democracy" is a catch phrase which encapsulates, but poorly, describes what we have.
Don't want to tax people's intellect in the USA. you might be asking for 2nd amend solutions
Don't want to tax people's intellect in the USA. you might be asking for 2nd amend solutions
1
"Even as it became clear that these strongmen sought to consolidate power, most of their opponents told themselves that they were saving their courage for the right moment. By the time the full extent of the danger had become incontrovertible, it was too late to mount an effective resistance."
Congress needs to act now!
Congress needs to act now!
5
The language within this piece strikes as remarkably hyperbolic. While there ought to be genuine concern of these actions, the author appears to be encouraging a sort of paranoia. Furthermore he analogizes President Trump with far more capable, if devious, and pensive political actors. Instead this administration is floundering for direction and legitimacy, dumbfounded by its own impotency.
While this is frightening in and of itself, the image of a concerted effort to undermine democratic institution either by intention or externality, is a deeply unhealthful and unhelpful way to conceive of this presidency. Thus far.
What is far more troubling is how this circus of events in this woefully hapless administration is distracting from extremely pertinent global occurrences that are being found ever lower on the front page of The Times. This is a result of the obligation to cover the cavalcade of domestic buffoonery.
In the past few weeks the United States has ceded authority over the future of President Assad to the Russian Federation, both the Asian-Pacific and European nations are struggling for direction in the abrupt abdication of our leadership, and we find ourselves in history's largest immigrant crisis. There seems to be no coherent or cohesive strategy emanating from Washington on any of these matters not least of which because Secretary of State Tillerson has been unable to fully staff his own department.
We desperately need to dismantle our own myopia.
While this is frightening in and of itself, the image of a concerted effort to undermine democratic institution either by intention or externality, is a deeply unhealthful and unhelpful way to conceive of this presidency. Thus far.
What is far more troubling is how this circus of events in this woefully hapless administration is distracting from extremely pertinent global occurrences that are being found ever lower on the front page of The Times. This is a result of the obligation to cover the cavalcade of domestic buffoonery.
In the past few weeks the United States has ceded authority over the future of President Assad to the Russian Federation, both the Asian-Pacific and European nations are struggling for direction in the abrupt abdication of our leadership, and we find ourselves in history's largest immigrant crisis. There seems to be no coherent or cohesive strategy emanating from Washington on any of these matters not least of which because Secretary of State Tillerson has been unable to fully staff his own department.
We desperately need to dismantle our own myopia.
5
Republicans growing a spine? Not likely. The only weapon in their arsenal is fear, arousing fear in their base and feeding off that fear to win elections.
No, if our Nation is to be saved it will have to be by We the People. We must turn out and vote for a Democratic majority in both houses and then demand wholesale impeachment proceedings against every member of his administration.
No, if our Nation is to be saved it will have to be by We the People. We must turn out and vote for a Democratic majority in both houses and then demand wholesale impeachment proceedings against every member of his administration.
12
Right, because Trump's failures to get anything done last week or his whole presidency is so reminiscent of the Nazis. And season 2 of The Apprentice is so like Mein Kampf. And don't forget his first trip abroad- to Jerusalem. Right out of the Goebbels playbook. It's scary, I tell you.
2
You are correct, ExPeterC. As you provide points of historical fact, it is much like the Harry Potter series where the villain is the "one who's name cannot be spoken" with the Republican Party.
It appears that those in power (republicans) either want to continue this path deliberately for their own greedy gain for power or are so ignorant they do not know how to address this situation. Either way, they are fully accountable for this dire turn of events and should be brought to justice along with this strongman they elected.
It appears that those in power (republicans) either want to continue this path deliberately for their own greedy gain for power or are so ignorant they do not know how to address this situation. Either way, they are fully accountable for this dire turn of events and should be brought to justice along with this strongman they elected.
Boy are you clever, you with your irony; touche friend, touche.
The best way to oppose Trump is to take back the House in 2018. But for Dems to do that, they have to find someone who can pull off a TV interview without stumbling through a bunch of talking points as memorable and exciting as cold oatmeal.
The recent touting of a Democratic agenda by Chuck Schumer seems designed to put the nation into a coma of boredom.
The one and only thing Trump is brilliant at is being memorable. But that's all you need in a country dominated by infotainment,
Bernie Sanders is the closest thing the Dems have to an electrifying TV presence. But his shtick--- millionaires and billionaires as the root of all evil --wears thin quickly in a complicated world. The Dems need someone as bold as Sanders who understands that while the poor and working class must be given a "better deal" (an OK slogan and a good start for the Dems) that deal need not involve demonizing all of Wall Street. I'm not saying the Dems need someone as good in front of the cameras as Obama. But it wouldn't hurt.
The recent touting of a Democratic agenda by Chuck Schumer seems designed to put the nation into a coma of boredom.
The one and only thing Trump is brilliant at is being memorable. But that's all you need in a country dominated by infotainment,
Bernie Sanders is the closest thing the Dems have to an electrifying TV presence. But his shtick--- millionaires and billionaires as the root of all evil --wears thin quickly in a complicated world. The Dems need someone as bold as Sanders who understands that while the poor and working class must be given a "better deal" (an OK slogan and a good start for the Dems) that deal need not involve demonizing all of Wall Street. I'm not saying the Dems need someone as good in front of the cameras as Obama. But it wouldn't hurt.
5
That would be Hillary. Sanders has been in the Senate for over 30 years and has done nothing. He's a loner who's worked by himself and comes from a tiny cow state. He had simple slogans with no way to get them done. His followers were low information naïve and mostly young. Sanders was all ego and no substance.
2
One question: With our "joker-in- chief" at the helm in the duo role of "leader-in-chief," for what are we waiting? Words, words, words and more words and no action, especially by those who suddenly are too dumbstruck to act before the scab forms over what is the country's now very toxic wound. The "gates" now are wide open, the Barbarians are inside, we're all treading water and the elected congress is imitating itself of the 1800s. Too many things are now happening here that I witnessed happening in 1973 in the then Soviet Union -- are we all, 44 years later, prepared to re-enact in the USA the very things the world saw there and criticized from what was then our safe distance (technology puts us next door) from that "Wall?"
I'm hoping we won't have to listen to ourselves saying "... a day late, and a dollar short," all because were too willing to (smilingly) perform as willing guinea pigs in this current unfortunate "experiment."
Will we wake up in time? Seconds late for the train, plane, bus -- you miss it.
I'm hoping we won't have to listen to ourselves saying "... a day late, and a dollar short," all because were too willing to (smilingly) perform as willing guinea pigs in this current unfortunate "experiment."
Will we wake up in time? Seconds late for the train, plane, bus -- you miss it.
1
Trump = Maduro? This is a crime against the States and de democracy in all the world
1
We only hope that the wisdom of our forefathers who drafted our constitution have accounted for what must appear to the rest of the world a total collapse of democracy in the USA. Believe me, it is starting to feel that way here, too.
La libertad muere cuando muere el último patriota.
It is coming down on the fascists slowly now and we are still strong and many who will have to clean this mess up after it is over.
La libertad muere cuando muere el último patriota.
It is coming down on the fascists slowly now and we are still strong and many who will have to clean this mess up after it is over.
1
As a masochistic exercise in regret, I'm reading Ron Chernow's enlightening biography of George Washington. GW has just been elected president and is being inundated with requests for patronage. Chernow sums up his response:
"To simplify his life and set a high standard for future presidents, Washington refused to favor friends or relations in making appointments."
Washington had no playbook to draw from, just a well-functioning moral compass and an awareness of his responsibilities to the electorate and to history. We can only hope that two centuries from now, biographers of our current president will look back and say democracy dodged a bullet.
"To simplify his life and set a high standard for future presidents, Washington refused to favor friends or relations in making appointments."
Washington had no playbook to draw from, just a well-functioning moral compass and an awareness of his responsibilities to the electorate and to history. We can only hope that two centuries from now, biographers of our current president will look back and say democracy dodged a bullet.
12
While, the Autocrat-in-Chief wantabe continues to test the endurance of our democracy, the institutions are holding. He has resistance in his own administration as demonstrated by all the leaks and I believe that while it may take some time, Mueller and his team are connecting the dots and I believe that there are so many layers to this yet to be revealed. There is no doubt that Trump will try to fire Mueller, it is not a question of if but when. I just wonder when that happens if the GOP, who have largely ignored this will finally do their part to put an end to the Mad King's reign and help to restore normalcy. I guess time will tell.
5
The gerrymandering, rampant voter suppression, attacks on a free press and, most brazenly, denying President Obama's right to appoint a Supreme Court justice has proven to me that the current Republican Party feels no fealty to constitutional democracy. They treat the constitution as merely a nettlesome set of rules that can be skirted anytime it prevents them from getting their way. It is extremely dangerous that a party that values winning over the principles of democratic government now controls all three branches of national government. The only thing preventing them from establishing an outright plutocracy is a majority of the American people, who have not yet succumbed to the orchestrated right-wing propaganda offensive.
15
We are lucky in a way that Trump is as gross as he is. Just imagine what a charming and seemingly agreeable sociopath could accomplish. As with many villains in history, his strengths are inextricably intwined with his weaknesses and, sooner or later, those weaknesses will be his downfall. The Constitution can't defend itself, but Trump can destroy himself.
5
Do not be too sure. Pence is waiting in the wings. He is much more sneaky, while being superficially presentable
Revisit Julius Caesar:
Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
Most of the repug is hiding behind him !
Beware....
Revisit Julius Caesar:
Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
Most of the repug is hiding behind him !
Beware....
3
But a trio of less instinctive, more controlled sociopaths, Ryan, Pence and McConnell, all three lackeys of the Kochtopus, is pulling a lot more strings than Trump and they wait and watch in the wings, weighing on a day by day basis, how long they will let him run amok. They both dread and love what he is accomplishing with his systemic chaos, and they and many others in the wings learn and study in baffled, gleeful admiration, and once they take over, they will be so much more brazen and determined than before Trump to bluff their way into an ever more relentless and radical kleptocracy, ever more pathetically hiding as "democracy".
2
Sadly, the answer to Mr. Mounk's rhetorical question is: No. As with the examples he cited in his article, and as with the people of Venezuela, we'll find that the right is slowly and insidiously eroding our democracy. If we don't recognize that democracy is a precious flower that needs constant attention and protection, we'll find ourselves waking up to the nightmare we're now witnessing in Venezuela.
6
There is much about President Trump I don’t like, to put it mildly. But the fact is, he won the election fair and square. That is how democracy works. Winston Churchill’s famous observation that democracy is the worst form of government except for all other forms very much comes to mind.
There are a number of reasons why Mr. Trump won, though we may disagree about which were the deciding factors. Ms. Clinton, though a brilliant woman, was badly flawed. She promised to work to repeal the first amendment to our Constitution within 30 days of taking office, and was likely to appoint SCOTUS judges that would have been virtual clones of Justice Ginsburg. Such unelected Justices, with lifetime tenure, feel it is within their power to write new law; many of us disagree. Let’s not forget Bill Clinton’s notorious pardons, which his wife fully supported. Ms. Clinton’s disdain for the working class – her notorious “deplorables” comment is emblematic - didn’t help her candidacy. The list goes on.
Further, as the revelations regarding the DNC demonstrate, the process by which Ms. Clinton won the Democratic nomination was hardly a stellar example of democracy at work.
I believe we are going to survive the Trump presidency; whether or not we thrive is still unknown. It would be great if at election time, the Democratic candidate is a strong, honest, moderate. It would also be helpful if the Times and its opinion writers toned down their rather overwrought rhetoric just a bit.
There are a number of reasons why Mr. Trump won, though we may disagree about which were the deciding factors. Ms. Clinton, though a brilliant woman, was badly flawed. She promised to work to repeal the first amendment to our Constitution within 30 days of taking office, and was likely to appoint SCOTUS judges that would have been virtual clones of Justice Ginsburg. Such unelected Justices, with lifetime tenure, feel it is within their power to write new law; many of us disagree. Let’s not forget Bill Clinton’s notorious pardons, which his wife fully supported. Ms. Clinton’s disdain for the working class – her notorious “deplorables” comment is emblematic - didn’t help her candidacy. The list goes on.
Further, as the revelations regarding the DNC demonstrate, the process by which Ms. Clinton won the Democratic nomination was hardly a stellar example of democracy at work.
I believe we are going to survive the Trump presidency; whether or not we thrive is still unknown. It would be great if at election time, the Democratic candidate is a strong, honest, moderate. It would also be helpful if the Times and its opinion writers toned down their rather overwrought rhetoric just a bit.
5
And you think Comey releasing innocuous e mails 10 days before the election was fair..not 1000's of them but a handful.Glad I don't play on your team.
It's justifications like this that enable Trump. Hillary Clinton was deeply unpopular with many on both sides, and certainly flawed in many ways. But she wasn't the one who made Trump the narcissistic , willfully ignorant bully that his is, and that he showed himself to be both before and after the election. Nobody is debating that he won the election. This is about how he is degrading his office and those around him are allowing and enabling it.
2
Alex I am not a big fan of Hillary Clinton, but where did you get the Mad idea that she promised to repeal the 1st Amendment? Even if someone thought that was okay, no politician in their right mind would suggest such a thing. You need to check your facts before you post something like this.
Trump has enablers. They are:
1. Congressional Republicans
2. Fox "News"
3. Conservative media outlets
(talk radio and internet)
4. low information voters who
consume the above-mentioned
propaganda
Something has to be done to stop the propaganda. And Republicans had better start to check this president, or they'll be equally responsible in eroding our democracy.
1. Congressional Republicans
2. Fox "News"
3. Conservative media outlets
(talk radio and internet)
4. low information voters who
consume the above-mentioned
propaganda
Something has to be done to stop the propaganda. And Republicans had better start to check this president, or they'll be equally responsible in eroding our democracy.
8
Reflect for a moment at the charges leveled against Obama as a dictator: he used his phone and his pen; he used executive order to prioritize deportations of undocumented immigrants; he delayed implementation of one part of Obamacare.
Bill Clinton was impeached because he refused to admit adultery, but the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr, was initially supposed to investigate the failed Whitewater land deal – as if that had anything to do with his presidency.
A democracy fails when the rule of law, the concept that justice is blind, falls apart. If the same criteria isn’t used for all leaders, all laws.
Imagine for a moment what would have happened if Chelsea Clinton had sought a secret back-channel to Putin, or if Chelsea had gotten 32 trademarks approved by China in one day, or if Hillary Clinton had fired Comey over an investigation into her emails.
If your judgment pro or con is based on who is committing the act, or who is promoting a law without regard for what will happen when a different administration comes to power, then it should not be supported at all.
Bill Clinton was impeached because he refused to admit adultery, but the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr, was initially supposed to investigate the failed Whitewater land deal – as if that had anything to do with his presidency.
A democracy fails when the rule of law, the concept that justice is blind, falls apart. If the same criteria isn’t used for all leaders, all laws.
Imagine for a moment what would have happened if Chelsea Clinton had sought a secret back-channel to Putin, or if Chelsea had gotten 32 trademarks approved by China in one day, or if Hillary Clinton had fired Comey over an investigation into her emails.
If your judgment pro or con is based on who is committing the act, or who is promoting a law without regard for what will happen when a different administration comes to power, then it should not be supported at all.
11
1
It's obvious that members of Congress must act. But other than writing letters and making phone calls, the rest of us ordinary citizens feel like we are being held hostage. We are exhausted from feeling helpless. I'm not a follower, but we need a leader.
7
Donald Trump is the first US president to put his interests and those of his family above those of the country and our Constitution. He and his supporters are doing the work of our enemies, undermining our Republic and our leadership in the world. We will eventually recover, but we need to recognize how this happened and make sure it never happens again.
8
President Trump has managed to create massive chaos in the WH and around the world. He has already put our Constitution in crisis. If this situation with firing of Scaramoochi, adding General Kelly could lead to more chaotic re-shaping of the administration in the WH tonhis advantage and ultimate firing of Mueller. This will lead to massive protest among the liberal party. Trump continues to lie and cover up/deflect from those responsible for investigation into Trump/Russia scandal. The appointment of his family members to the administration, one with the highest security clearance is abhorrent and illegal. This has never been done in the history of our United States Government. Surrounding himself with people he believes will shield him from criminal charges proves how dishonest and corrupt he is. Too much crazy going on, like we've never seen. I fear for our great country and our constitution and our freedom.
1
What roll does the military have in the assurance that the President and congress behave in such a way as to guarantee that America continues as a Democracy. From the actions that our POTUS has demonstrated this past week and what appears to be a reluctance of our governing bodies to place limits on his behavior, the time may come that the military will have to step in and stop the decline of our democracy! I would hate to see that happen, but there doesn't seem to be much willingness on part of the government to put an end to this gradual decline into authoritarianism!
2
A petulant, impulsive, vindictive, narcissistic, power hungry adolescent who idolizes "strong leaders" - Putin, Erdogan, Duterte, etc. An poorly informed, self-pitying and deluded mass of people who would support him even if he shot someone in full view on a New York street.....? What could possibly go wrong?
7
I attended a liberal-leaning Jesuit college in New England who's theme was "men for others." That was when it was a male only institution but you get the point.
Recently, I visited four friends on the east coast. All are very wealthy or married to very wealthy people. Astonishingly, I discovered that three of them (all Catholic New Englanders whose parents worshiped JFK) voted for Donald Trump.
I didn't have to ask them why. The reason was obvious. They like their money. They want to keep it and keep more of it as the result of potential tax breaks at the expense of, oh, health insurance for millions of less fortunate citizens.
And now look at the state of our democracy. Going to hell in a hand basket due to the unenlightened and selfish decisions of otherwise intelligent people. Sickening.
Recently, I visited four friends on the east coast. All are very wealthy or married to very wealthy people. Astonishingly, I discovered that three of them (all Catholic New Englanders whose parents worshiped JFK) voted for Donald Trump.
I didn't have to ask them why. The reason was obvious. They like their money. They want to keep it and keep more of it as the result of potential tax breaks at the expense of, oh, health insurance for millions of less fortunate citizens.
And now look at the state of our democracy. Going to hell in a hand basket due to the unenlightened and selfish decisions of otherwise intelligent people. Sickening.
13
Foolish delusion. That's like trying to hide in a closet because the house is on fire.
Between the clueless and the venal we are in the danger zone.
3
Great piece. Unfortunately, it avoids use of a seven-letter word that begins with the letter F. I avoid it now because I fear its use will prevent getting posting in the comments section. We are, in fact, with this administration, living a slo-mo American spin on that authoritarian concept from 1930's Germany as mentioned by Mr. Mounk.
3
It seems to me that the president is endowed with too much power. It is almost king-like in some respects. The idea that a president can pardon whomever they want, for example.
4
"Trump is destroying our democracy"
Thank God there is no hyperbole in the New York Times. Then again, Trump didn't spy on his political opponents, lie about the death of an ambassador, use the IRS to punish political opponents, throw reporters in jail, or send free guns to the cartels.
Thank God there is no hyperbole in the New York Times. Then again, Trump didn't spy on his political opponents, lie about the death of an ambassador, use the IRS to punish political opponents, throw reporters in jail, or send free guns to the cartels.
7
The facts as reported by news outlets world wide as well as by literally every single intelligence agency in the US do not agree with your assessment.
1
Particularly disturbing are the # of military bozo is surrounding himself with.Won't be surprised when bozo himself appears in a military uniform of his own design…everyday a step closer to a dictatorship for this crazy,corrupt man and his family.Ivanka's comment this AM that she is looking forward to"working
alongside"Kelly very troubling.Does Jared still have security clearance???Come on congress,show some backbone,we are under attack by our president.
alongside"Kelly very troubling.Does Jared still have security clearance???Come on congress,show some backbone,we are under attack by our president.
11
Democracy is America has been in sick bed for long time and now it is in Intensive Care Unit with life support. Trump and Bannon want to disconnect the life support and doing everything possible to end our democracy. First we have to blame ourselves. 'The leader people get what they deserve' said by some political pundit. The Congress ( both Senate and the House) are really ineffective. Paul Ryan and McConnell are the worst impotent leaders are our history. The nation is highly polarized and divided by big mouth cable TV shows, poisonous toxic talk radio and extreme political organization. Bannon told openly that he wants to dismantle the government piece by piece. Trump started to destroy our democracy from day one. Our congressional leaders can not and will not try to stop him. Trump likes all the dictators in the world like Putin, Dueterte of Philippine, Saddam, Asad, King of Saudi Arabia, Erdogan of Turkey . He wants and loves to be dictator. People have to wake up now and do everything possible to save our democracy.
7
The republicans I talk to are not informed about what the Trumpcare Bill included or what it would have done to their "dependent" kids. They don't follow the news. They're still locked into the Hillary stuff. Unless and until they lose everything and can see that it was the fault of the republicans in a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT, they'll keep voting republican and keep supporting our dictator.
6
Bull's eye!!!
This is one of the most threatening and frustrating problems in our country, Katie...uninformed voters. Like their president, they do not read, they do not want to know, they have trouble understanding, and they operate solely upon racism, misogyny, xenophobia, hatred, and other rigid ideologies. They have no idea that when they do this, they are voting and acting against their own best interests. They do not understand the first thing about health insurance or how it affects them. They only "know" things like NO ABORTION EVER, HILLARY=BAD, and the word liberal sends them into mouth-foaming rants. What is the solution? I don't know; I really don't, and it plagues me...but trump was right when he said: "I LOVE THE UNEDUCATED!" (Why not? They facilitate his agenda, and they also LOVE HIM. He has two groups of voters that support him: SOME of the very wealthy, and MOST of the uneducated. And Hillary was exactly right when she called these people DEPLORABLE. It is DEPLORABLE that they vote without understanding what they are voting for, and then, when their access to health care is threatened, they go: "Oh, but I didn't realize...?" That is why it is imperative to read, to learn, and if you don't understand, discuss with someone who does...and please, dear God, watch something else besides FOX NEWS, because those people are lying to you! FOX NEWS has the same agenda as the republicans and the very wealthy...to make rich people richer, and poor people poorer.
3
I think the author gives Trump too much credit for actually having a playbook or having the intellectual capacity to focus on anything for more than a 30 second commercial break.
Democracy is getting a bloody nose in the US for a good many other things beyond this dump truck. Overwhelming influence of big money in politics, the politicalization of the Supreme Court, and the gross under education of American citizens.
That said, the country was relatively close to effecting a major shift towards a progressive democracy but that was tamped down by big money. My hope is that the US voters wake up and turn out in massive number to elect a House and Senate that will halt this jackass and plug the holes in the US Constitution that does not give explicit instructions on when to throw a president out of office and hold a new election.
Trump is destroying the democracy the way a bottle of Jack Daniels is destroying an alcoholic's liver. You drank it!
Democracy is getting a bloody nose in the US for a good many other things beyond this dump truck. Overwhelming influence of big money in politics, the politicalization of the Supreme Court, and the gross under education of American citizens.
That said, the country was relatively close to effecting a major shift towards a progressive democracy but that was tamped down by big money. My hope is that the US voters wake up and turn out in massive number to elect a House and Senate that will halt this jackass and plug the holes in the US Constitution that does not give explicit instructions on when to throw a president out of office and hold a new election.
Trump is destroying the democracy the way a bottle of Jack Daniels is destroying an alcoholic's liver. You drank it!
10
You got it: Under education is the key failing.
That's why devoss and cutting the budget#####
That's why devoss and cutting the budget#####
2
Our system of government is a liberal and benevolent elite rule, not a democracy. Democracy should empower all. Our system of government empowers some. It is true that Trump's actions undermine this benevolent liberal elite rule. However, it is also true that this system of government is in decline and has weak support among the population. It is increasingly incapable of protecting itself (as the article correctly points out). The only way to protect freedom in this country is to change and work toward true democracy that empowers all. Such system will not be vulnerable.
1
The one big flaw in your column is that you are calling on the very people who have been instigating, enabling, or turning a blind eye to the dissolution of democracy, to save it.
Donald Trump is a newcomer to the dismantling of democracy; Congressional Republicans have been at it for years. (See Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination for a recent example.)
Of course, they haven't been alone. Robber barons, radical and politically motivated religious leaders, anti-government zealots, right wing media, greedy political snake oil salesmen and women have all had a hand in the poisoning of American democracy and the blaming of the victim.
But none of them are the most powerful force in the destruction of democracy; nor is Vladimir Putin.
We are, the American people.
We are the ones who elected Trump.
We are the ones who empowered the anti-democracy extremists.
We are the ones who let the many factions of the radical right control the narrative and we are the ones who bought into it.
We are the ones who turned our hearts and our brains off.
We are the ones who believe Doublespeak and propaganda, not facts.
We are the ones who let fear and bigotry be weaponized against reason and good will.
We are the ones who let the greedy, the radical right, the autocrats, corrupt our political system and then turn us against it and each other.
We are the ones who are destroying our democracy, and only we can save it.
Donald Trump is a newcomer to the dismantling of democracy; Congressional Republicans have been at it for years. (See Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination for a recent example.)
Of course, they haven't been alone. Robber barons, radical and politically motivated religious leaders, anti-government zealots, right wing media, greedy political snake oil salesmen and women have all had a hand in the poisoning of American democracy and the blaming of the victim.
But none of them are the most powerful force in the destruction of democracy; nor is Vladimir Putin.
We are, the American people.
We are the ones who elected Trump.
We are the ones who empowered the anti-democracy extremists.
We are the ones who let the many factions of the radical right control the narrative and we are the ones who bought into it.
We are the ones who turned our hearts and our brains off.
We are the ones who believe Doublespeak and propaganda, not facts.
We are the ones who let fear and bigotry be weaponized against reason and good will.
We are the ones who let the greedy, the radical right, the autocrats, corrupt our political system and then turn us against it and each other.
We are the ones who are destroying our democracy, and only we can save it.
6
The Republican Party is another threat to our democracy. Just as despots game the process to consolidate power, we have the republicans gerrymandering our votes to keep themselves in power. While we hope that enough republicans will step up and serve as a check against Trump's power, we're left to wonder who will keep them in check.
1
Trump has no convictions, unless you call self-preservation/promotion a conviction. The Wall wasn't his idea - and he notoriously injected it into his campaign speeches only when he sensed that audience attention was flagging. He's doing the same thing now with the Hillary Clinton stuff, the Transgender/military stuff - these moves are not actual policy proposals or expressions of deeply held beliefs. They're distractions. Follow the money, catch him in some provably wrong act, and dump him.
In the meantime, a hobbled Trump administration is arguably preferable to a functional Pence adminstration.
In the meantime, a hobbled Trump administration is arguably preferable to a functional Pence adminstration.
1
"In the meantime, a hobbled Trump administration is arguably preferable to a functional Pence administration."
I hate to agree, Diego, but you are probably...not probably...but absolutely right. Although either one is a nightmare.
I hate to agree, Diego, but you are probably...not probably...but absolutely right. Although either one is a nightmare.
I know Trump is bad, but the same warning signs you claim of Trump also hold for Hillary Clinton. She corrupted our election process through the Democratic party. Her operatives had taken control of the party leadership. She violated laws and regulations with her private email server. She deleted 33,000 emails that should have been on a government server after being subpoenaed for those emails. She bypassed FOIA requirements. She violated national security regulations when she refused to take required security training as Secretary of State. Her clearance should have been revoked but it mysteriously wasn't. She failed her duties set out for all cabinet officials in executive order 13526. (read it). She established control of the national press. They did her bidding without even being asked, and still do today. Then there is the very questionable premise of her charitable foundation which solicited and accepted millions of dollars from foreign governments that suddenly stopped donating once she lost the election.
Her destruction of our democratic system of government was more dangerous than the obvious, alarm raising efforts of Donald Trump. It was gradual and insidious.
Her destruction of our democratic system of government was more dangerous than the obvious, alarm raising efforts of Donald Trump. It was gradual and insidious.
4
"She violated laws and regulations with her private email server."
Then why, after SO MUCH investigation, did Mr. Comey find her not guilty of any criminal activity?????
Then why, after SO MUCH investigation, did Mr. Comey find her not guilty of any criminal activity?????
Indeed. Why not? Anyone else in government with a security clearance would have been disciplined, including dismissal, for those same violations of security regulations. Read the executive order 13526. She wasn't declared 'not guilty'. He said they didn't have enough evidence to successfully prosecute. He let her off. The president let her off.
Read Comey's statement again when he announced the results of the investigation. Being declared "extremely careless" in matters concerning classified national security information is a severe condemnation. Perhaps people who have not worked in government with a top secret security clearance don't understand how serious that judgement really is. Another factor not discussed much in the popular media is that in order for a criminal prosecution to proceed classified information contained in those emails would have to be identified and presented in court as evidence. Some of it was Special Access Program (SAP) information, which is highly classified and highly restricted. Notice that later news reports don't mention that very much. The government would prefer people forgot about it.
Read Comey's statement again when he announced the results of the investigation. Being declared "extremely careless" in matters concerning classified national security information is a severe condemnation. Perhaps people who have not worked in government with a top secret security clearance don't understand how serious that judgement really is. Another factor not discussed much in the popular media is that in order for a criminal prosecution to proceed classified information contained in those emails would have to be identified and presented in court as evidence. Some of it was Special Access Program (SAP) information, which is highly classified and highly restricted. Notice that later news reports don't mention that very much. The government would prefer people forgot about it.
"Extremely careless" does not NECESSARILY mean criminal. And it is not even clear to me that she was extremely careless, or that she did anything so different from her predecessors. Also, I believe that if she were truly guilty of something criminal, she would have been brought to task for it; an investigation would have continued. I truly believe that the GOP did everything and anything that they could to try and find her guilty of SOMETHING, but the powers-that-be could not, and did not find any criminal activity on her part. It doesn't matter if there were highly classified and highly restricted material because if that were indeed so, they would have hounded her to the ends of the earth, and I have no doubt that they could have acquired it. If they were holding an investigation into supposed criminal activity by Secretary Clinton, and hoping to find wrong-doing, then the FBI, and the courts, would have certainly been able to access that material, no matter how secret, classified, or restricted. Just like the IRS can get hold of trump's tax returns, and give them to Robert Mueller, unless he has already obtained them. In such an investigation, the government investigators would not be denied access to such information. Believe me, in the ZEAL to persecute and prosecute Secretary Clinton, the GOP would have let nothing get in their way of indicting or vilifying her, so I have to conclude that there was no evidence of criminality, and they could not even invent any.
A very timely and important message: Democracy erodes away little by little. Trump's attacks on the media, courts, etc. must stop now.
4
Sir,
No single person can destroy our democracy. Only all of us can do it!
Voting for the same political parties that kept lying to the entire nation all those decades and promising the things they couldn’t fulfill thus destroying the morality and credibility of the elected office is a sure shortcut in that direction.
Mr. Trump cannot destroy our democracy because we has only ten fingers like all of us.
Only the dozens millions people blindly following and trusting any politician while rejecting all our moral principles and social values can do a trick!
No single person can destroy our democracy. Only all of us can do it!
Voting for the same political parties that kept lying to the entire nation all those decades and promising the things they couldn’t fulfill thus destroying the morality and credibility of the elected office is a sure shortcut in that direction.
Mr. Trump cannot destroy our democracy because we has only ten fingers like all of us.
Only the dozens millions people blindly following and trusting any politician while rejecting all our moral principles and social values can do a trick!
1
Trump did not sack the special prosecutor, nor did he did pardon himself or any of his family or associates and he did not fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions, but he does have a constitutional right to think and speak his mind. I know the left has a serious problem with free speech but claiming that Trump is destroying our democracy or that we have a constitutional crisis based on what Trump speculates about on Twitter is beyond melodramatic and intellectually lazy. The left's favorite rhetorical device is to categorizes opinions that they disagree with in terms that are emotionally incendiary in order to justify dispensing with logic and honest debate and proceeding directly to condemning out of hand both the person and the argument. Also, this one sided opinion by Yascha Mounk ignores the more real threat to our democracy that is posed by the very idea of appointing a special prosecutor to start an investigation against a president for a possible crime for which there is no evidence. This is not rule of law, but the unleashing of a predatory political shark for no other purpose than to end Trump's presidency and overturn the election. This is the danger to democracy. It's no wonder that Trump is considering all his options to protect his family. It is also an affront to our constitution for the Democrats to call for Trumps impeachment despite that no evidence of collusion or any crime exists. This is not thoughtful analysis. This is another example of liberal hysteria.
3
"...but he does have a constitutional right to think and speak his mind."
Does he have the Constitutional right to keep constantly lying? To the American people? Does he have the right to speak his mind if everything that comes out of his mouth is untrue? I suppose he does. But should ANYONE LIKE THIS hold the highest office in the land, or any office? He can consider any options he wants to protect his family, but if they (or he) are found to have engaged in criminal activities I don't know if anything or anyone is going to help him protect them, or himself...although I am well aware that MONEY TALKS...and I am also well aware that YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH MURDER...(So to speak...)
Does he have the Constitutional right to keep constantly lying? To the American people? Does he have the right to speak his mind if everything that comes out of his mouth is untrue? I suppose he does. But should ANYONE LIKE THIS hold the highest office in the land, or any office? He can consider any options he wants to protect his family, but if they (or he) are found to have engaged in criminal activities I don't know if anything or anyone is going to help him protect them, or himself...although I am well aware that MONEY TALKS...and I am also well aware that YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH MURDER...(So to speak...)
Better safe than sorry. Authoritarianism (Trump) needs to go now.
2
This article proceeds from the premise that Trump plans to fire Mueller. A little premature; Trump should be criticized for what he does, not what someone thinks he might do. What Trump said to the boy scouts is boorish, but not a threat to our democracy.
2
"What Trump said to the boy scouts is boorish, but not a threat to our democracy."
YES it is: A threat to our democracy...what is left of it.
AND: trump is the one who wants to get rid of Mueller, which is why he wants to get rid of sessions...but he is scared now, to do what he wants to do. Still, I do not put anything past him. He cannot control himself for long periods of time.
YES it is: A threat to our democracy...what is left of it.
AND: trump is the one who wants to get rid of Mueller, which is why he wants to get rid of sessions...but he is scared now, to do what he wants to do. Still, I do not put anything past him. He cannot control himself for long periods of time.
1
Comparing the U.S. to Hungary. You 100% lost touch with credibility right there. Go back to your academia bubble. The real world is not for you.
4
This has been going on in the Republican party since the Goldwater and Reagan days, and that is the part that current Republicans, the so-called moderates like Jeff Flake, don't get. So they are now a quasi-religion, not a real party.
What we need is a deep retrospection. We need to look all the way back to 1964, to Goldwater, to Roger Ailes, Nixon, and the inception of Fox News, to how Reagan metamorphasized prior to 1980 to make a mean message sound amiable. Until half the country can disavow their jaded and misinformed worship of St. Ronnie, this country will continue to go down the tubes.
The most common mistake humans make is overcorrection to a minor problem, going 180 degrees the other way. If there was a minor liberal bias in the media, which I doubt, the solution was not to allow the elimination of the Fairness Doctrine leading to Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes forming a propaganda network for the alt-right to be beamed into America's living rooms 24/7.
What we need is a deep retrospection. We need to look all the way back to 1964, to Goldwater, to Roger Ailes, Nixon, and the inception of Fox News, to how Reagan metamorphasized prior to 1980 to make a mean message sound amiable. Until half the country can disavow their jaded and misinformed worship of St. Ronnie, this country will continue to go down the tubes.
The most common mistake humans make is overcorrection to a minor problem, going 180 degrees the other way. If there was a minor liberal bias in the media, which I doubt, the solution was not to allow the elimination of the Fairness Doctrine leading to Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes forming a propaganda network for the alt-right to be beamed into America's living rooms 24/7.
4
A metaphor for the Trump presidency and the policies advocated by the Republican majority in the Legislature is this: We are in a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean and those at the top believe that they can survive by drilling a hole in the boat that will only drown those at the bottom. Now some lifeboat occupants are waking up to the reality that this strategy won't work. As a nation, we had better wise up fast and start working together to save our democracy.
1
Seems to be little doubt that the author is crazier than anyone in the current administration ( staffing as of today)+ he is a columnist for Slate (make of that what you will).
2
It's too late. Citizens United plus The Electoral College and gerrymandered congressional districts have already taken our Democracy.
7
"But now that Orban has taken all these steps, the opposition has little chance of ousting him at the next elections."
This is an interesting parallel. In the US, not only are Republicans shamelessly in thrall to Trump's power and putting our democracy in danger, they helped to fortify his castle in advance via relentless gerrymandering. This guarantees their own power and Trump's, since seldom if ever does impeachment come from the President's own party.
I think (and hope) though that they have purchased short term power with the currency of regret, having forgotten that mid-term elections can really hurt.
This is an interesting parallel. In the US, not only are Republicans shamelessly in thrall to Trump's power and putting our democracy in danger, they helped to fortify his castle in advance via relentless gerrymandering. This guarantees their own power and Trump's, since seldom if ever does impeachment come from the President's own party.
I think (and hope) though that they have purchased short term power with the currency of regret, having forgotten that mid-term elections can really hurt.
5
At what point do Americans seriously begin to consider taking up arms against Trump and his Republican cronies and backers (corporations and other dark money)? And if that occurs what will happen to America?
3
I don't know what would happen to America, but I do know what would happen to you.
1
As stated here, any attempt by Trump to get rid of Mueller should be considered the defining historical moment for American Democracy. If Trump is not ousted at that point, then you can say goodbye to our nation as a democracy.
2
"The temptation to delay opposing Mr.Trump until the right moment comes along is understandable. It is also dangerous." Mr. Mounk is right. The alarm must be sounded before a serious attempt is made to fire Mr. Mueller. Here's some comfort, since the GOP Congress offers little: every day that passes is another day that Mueller's crack team is digging up evidence. And don't forget NY AG Eric Schneiderman, who took on Donald Trump on his home turf and won, and who has a considerable store of information about the Trump's shady dealings in New York, and who is likely working with Mueller. If Congress won't impede or impeach, indictments could follow from more than one source.
1
WASHINGTON, DC: April 23, 2018 President Trump announced today that because of the state of emergency created by Russia's military moves into Hungary and Poland, the terror attacks in several cities around the world, and the recent stock market crash, the 2018 Congressional elections will be postponed to a later date, to be determined by the President.
"The country faces too many threats today to be distracted by politics, and its attention must be directed to my personal strategy for solving these problems. A special commission headed by Jared Kushner will study the desirability of canceling the 2020 presidential election. The constitutionality of these measures has been upheld by a majority of the thirteen members of the Supreme Court, as spelled out in an opinion written by Justice Trump Jr. The Senate, led by Arizona Senator Melania Trump (appointed by the Arizona Governor shortly after she announced plans to buy a condominium in the proposed Phoenix Trump Tower), has announced it will not consider any bill of impeachment passed by the House. In addition, members of the military will be required to sign an oath of personal allegiance to me.
"I take these and other actions that have not been publicly announced, for the sake of unifying the country and protecting our vital interests. All Americans would do well to heed my words, and get in line behind my administration.
"Good night, and good luck..."
"The country faces too many threats today to be distracted by politics, and its attention must be directed to my personal strategy for solving these problems. A special commission headed by Jared Kushner will study the desirability of canceling the 2020 presidential election. The constitutionality of these measures has been upheld by a majority of the thirteen members of the Supreme Court, as spelled out in an opinion written by Justice Trump Jr. The Senate, led by Arizona Senator Melania Trump (appointed by the Arizona Governor shortly after she announced plans to buy a condominium in the proposed Phoenix Trump Tower), has announced it will not consider any bill of impeachment passed by the House. In addition, members of the military will be required to sign an oath of personal allegiance to me.
"I take these and other actions that have not been publicly announced, for the sake of unifying the country and protecting our vital interests. All Americans would do well to heed my words, and get in line behind my administration.
"Good night, and good luck..."
6
Where were you when Obama let Republicans put the Constitution in abeyance because it was an "election year"? Obama should have called for an Occupy Washington movement, on top of a general strike. With 5 million people in DC and 50 million people no-shows at work, our corporate overlords would have made a rapid calculation indeed and given their republican lackeys the signal to back down. And without a court nomination on the ticket, millions of normally sane people would never have justified a Trump vote. Our brilliant, Ivy-educated saviors are just a year and a half late...
2
Tax cuts... tax cuts... tax cuts for the wealthy. It's the ONLY reason they tolerate Trump right now. Tax cuts for the wealthy are the GOP's deal with the devil, and they're willing to put up with Trump's antics as a price to pay to get their beloved tax cuts for the wealthy.
The issue of tax cuts for the wealthy are where the Democrats need to draw a firm line in the sand and hold their ground. I believe it's the key to getting rid of Trump. I keep telling the times and Democrats that right now Trump, the GOP and their donors are prepping a massive propaganda campaign and effort to push through their tax cuts for the wealthy, and that campaign will be in full swing starting late summer/early fall. Democrats need to show some grit in standing up to these tax cuts for the wealthy, and need to prepare public messaging of their own (e.g. the wealth/corporations already have record wealth, so another tax cut isn't going to do anything). Then, they should also call the GOP's bluff and propose an alternative tax reform plan of their own, one which exclusively cuts taxes for the middle class and below, and for small business only, while also raising the income caps subject to Social Security and Medicare to make those programs solvent for the next one hundred years.
The issue of tax cuts for the wealthy are where the Democrats need to draw a firm line in the sand and hold their ground. I believe it's the key to getting rid of Trump. I keep telling the times and Democrats that right now Trump, the GOP and their donors are prepping a massive propaganda campaign and effort to push through their tax cuts for the wealthy, and that campaign will be in full swing starting late summer/early fall. Democrats need to show some grit in standing up to these tax cuts for the wealthy, and need to prepare public messaging of their own (e.g. the wealth/corporations already have record wealth, so another tax cut isn't going to do anything). Then, they should also call the GOP's bluff and propose an alternative tax reform plan of their own, one which exclusively cuts taxes for the middle class and below, and for small business only, while also raising the income caps subject to Social Security and Medicare to make those programs solvent for the next one hundred years.
5
Concerns about Trump’s attempts to create a dictatorship are valid. There is a whole litany of examples that we’re all well aware of and don’t bear repeating. Left to his own impulses, he would do just that. However, I’ve taken heart over the last couple of weeks as I’ve seen several instances of Republican spines begin to develop. To wit, the multiple votes on the various iterations of health care legislation revealed to me that there is a small coterie of Republican senators who are not afraid to defy Trump. I’m thinking of McCain, Murkowski and Collins. Sens. Graham, Moran, Johnson, Portman and Alexander gave me hope that they might also stand up to him, but then caved. However, I will give Graham and others credit for telling Trump to back off the public harassing of AG Sessions. The same goes for Sen. Grassley tweeting that his committee would not allow hearings on a replacement for Sessions should he resign. Add to these Republican pushbacks on Trump’s dictatorial behavior the quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts of a group of 40 bi-partisan members of Congress to create a mutually acceptable healthcare bill. All these are signs that the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution are the dikes that will keep the Trump dictatorial tsunami from washing our democracy out to sea. Our job is to keep reinforcing those dikes by our constant phone calls to our legislators and to support opponents to his enablers in 2018 and 2020.
3
The congress consists of shills for industry who routinely ignore the will of the "voters." This is what you're defending as democracy?
4
Gangsterism will destroy democracy. Our constitution "technically permits many things that cannot be made compatible with our system of government -- e.g., self-pardoning presidents, military policy made by tweet, federal immigration authority over law enforcement, presidential arrest of members of congress, state secession, slavery, etc. That document relies on the principle that unfettered democracy will result in natural pressure upon leaders to stay away from forbidden zones out of simple respect for the will of the people and support for the rule of law.
Trump has entered that forbidden zone so many times that he is in fact implanting a new national belief in the power of Russian-style gangsterism. His recent attempts to embrace a sacramental view of presidential pomp don't smack of patriotism so much as they smack of Putin's flunky guards with their bizarre costumes and idiotic postures.
Trump has entered that forbidden zone so many times that he is in fact implanting a new national belief in the power of Russian-style gangsterism. His recent attempts to embrace a sacramental view of presidential pomp don't smack of patriotism so much as they smack of Putin's flunky guards with their bizarre costumes and idiotic postures.
2
Trump calls opposing thinkers his "enemies" and many of his followers believe that they are "traitors". We are in big trouble. Democracy as we knew it is in big trouble.
5
"Republicans are afraid of their own base" -- that is the problem, but not as it is commonly interpreted.
The common interpretation is that the party (either one) must 'play to their base' in order to remain relevant and be viable in the next election. That's true. And it speaks to the real problem: that the party is catering to what 'the people' want.
The more problematic interpretation is that the party is following, not leading. They are not making any effort whatsoever to lead - to convince their supporters that maybe, just maybe, there is a better solution that doesn't demonize the "other guy."
Here's an example: I want plate of pasta at a hamburger shop. But that's not what they serve. What should they do? Start serving pasta? Tell me to leave, go somewhere else? Offer me something they do serve?
The republicans (and democrats) are now Following their base; they aren't leading. They don't represent anything other than what the latest poll shows the voters want. How is that leadership?
If my daughter wants ice cream for dinner, do I tell her 'sure sweetie, chocolate or strawberry?' or do I tell her that she needs to eat her vegetables and she can have some fruit later? I want her to be healthy, so I don't give her ice cream for dinner.
Yes, we elect people to represent us. Yes, they should listen to what we want. But they shouldn't be catering to every gratuitous whim. They should offer something beyond that; they should lead -- that's their job, too.
The common interpretation is that the party (either one) must 'play to their base' in order to remain relevant and be viable in the next election. That's true. And it speaks to the real problem: that the party is catering to what 'the people' want.
The more problematic interpretation is that the party is following, not leading. They are not making any effort whatsoever to lead - to convince their supporters that maybe, just maybe, there is a better solution that doesn't demonize the "other guy."
Here's an example: I want plate of pasta at a hamburger shop. But that's not what they serve. What should they do? Start serving pasta? Tell me to leave, go somewhere else? Offer me something they do serve?
The republicans (and democrats) are now Following their base; they aren't leading. They don't represent anything other than what the latest poll shows the voters want. How is that leadership?
If my daughter wants ice cream for dinner, do I tell her 'sure sweetie, chocolate or strawberry?' or do I tell her that she needs to eat her vegetables and she can have some fruit later? I want her to be healthy, so I don't give her ice cream for dinner.
Yes, we elect people to represent us. Yes, they should listen to what we want. But they shouldn't be catering to every gratuitous whim. They should offer something beyond that; they should lead -- that's their job, too.
2
I don't know who Mounk is or where he or she comes from but this is an hysterical article. I wonder how President Trump is supposed to be stopped in the attempt to 'save democracy?" The reference to "stand idly by" is particularly offensive. This individual should consider moving to Rwanda, permanently.
The president is a blusterer. It takes getting used to.
The president is a blusterer. It takes getting used to.
4
Approximately 37% of Americans still support Trump. Approximately 37% of Germans voted Nazi in the last fair & free election. And how did Hitler become Chancellor? Because the German conservatives thought they could control him by bringing him and his party "inside the tent." And just as back then the German conservatives deep down hated the Wiemar Republic, so many Republicans today hate many of the core values that have evolved within the American Republic. To believe that the modern Republicans will defend "all men are created equal" is simply howling at the moon.
4
A steady, slow erosion of democracy clearly. And my partner and friends throw up their hands asking, "What can we do?" I make phone calls, sign petitions, wear Hillary Clinton t-shirts to events, have bumper stickers plastered on my car, write letters to newspapers, whatever. Bottom line-I risk looking like a fool. I have no pride when it comes to speaking out about the horrifying NOW.
1
This is a worrisome time and we all could potentialy witness permanent damage to our democracy: watching CNN breaking news. That would be a tragedy, now is a time to determine what is the best course of action using social media. When the time will come we should be able to organize 1HR GENERAL STRIKE thought the country to show our resolve in protecting the democracy.
Mr. Mounk's, and to a similar degree, David Brook's, thoughts inspire me, BUT as I think about exactly what to actually DO, where to put my time, money, heart and brain to try to save this beautiful country from this president, I can't find a good answer. Soon, from somewhere, we'll need a leader in whom we can focus our support, and checklist of how to do it..
1
Make no mistake we are not dealing with a political party here. When 49 out of 52 senators vote for a bill that they don't want to pass they are exhibiting cult like behavior. There is no dealing with a cult until the leader is removed. Trump needs to be baited out of his hole and clubbed with lack of attention. He thrives on publicity whether it's good or bad. Remove his name from all articles and refer to him as the "president." Yes small case p and quotes around president will absolutely destroy this guy. He hasn't shown one bit of respect for the office he holds so he doesn't deserve any respect in return. This approach may drive him off the rails to self destruction.
7
It was clear early on how much respect Trump had for the rule of law. What is disconcerting is the people supporting this cretin and his dictatorial tendencies. Does that mean that those people would be happy with a monarch/dictator?
If Kushner indeed helped put his daddy-in-law in power with the help of hedge funds and their algorithms, he should be prosecuted for "Unamerican activities" and attempts to subvert the American government.
If Kushner indeed helped put his daddy-in-law in power with the help of hedge funds and their algorithms, he should be prosecuted for "Unamerican activities" and attempts to subvert the American government.
Roughly every other night, damn Trump appears in one of my dreams or nightmares. During my seven decades of life, presidents never appeared in my dreams, with one notable exception, and that was after the Kennedy assassination. Dreams are my personal gauge about how good or bad things really are. Right now, Trump is causing sleeplessness, and so things must be truly rotten.
I'd rather wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, rather than nervous.
I'd rather wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, rather than nervous.
5
This is really a global issue and "Trump" is just a small element in this disease. Real issue is inner conflicts - see Russia, China, Vietnam, Venezuela, Brazil, EU, USA, etc. Socialism against the "One-Percentage" - or as we say in the US: "Democrats against Republicans." The latter, worldwide, seems to be winning.
2
Destroying our Democracy started before Trump. When the U S Supreme Court ruled on January 10, 2010 in favor of Citizens United V. FEC dealing with campaign spending by organizations, it threw wide open the doors to what we are seeing today. That 5 to 4 ruling (Roberts, Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, Alito in favor and Stevens, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor opposed) has allowed groups like Citizens United to buy and sell politician's and do their will without regard to what is in the best interest of America. Trump, Mitch, Paul and the rest are merely following orders from those with the money and power to keep them in office. The decline and fall of The United States of America is not just Trump, he is merely the tip of the iceberg. Just look below the surface and see the powerful forces at work helping to bring about the destruction.
7
The real tragedy in all of this is that Trump is seen as an outlier of the American political mainstream. He just happened to be celebrity that could avenge the loss of Bobby Riggs to Billie Jean King and re-establish male superiority. He can be forgiven if he behaves like a maverick because he also represents the last white hope that will return the country to its roots of being a segregated society of white male privilege:
The frontiersman, imbued with white manifest destiny, led to the destruction of native Americans.
The plantation owner, spurred by religious belief in capitalism, allowed the subjugation of the African race to slavery for the sake of profit.
The corporate owner, granted ownership of an entity that is not only free from personal financial liability but now endowed with rights to influence democracy far beyond its original charter. (After all, the slogan “What is good for General Motors is good for America” did not originate with Trump.)
Ever since the Second Reconstruction and Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” there has been only one political party that embraces this American heritage of the white privileged male in both foreign and domestic affairs.
It is not enough for the Democratic Party to preach that the white male political choices have led the their own destruction, however true it might be. The Democratic Party must produce a pathway to economic progress that works for everyone and is not funded by the same people it is intended to help.
The frontiersman, imbued with white manifest destiny, led to the destruction of native Americans.
The plantation owner, spurred by religious belief in capitalism, allowed the subjugation of the African race to slavery for the sake of profit.
The corporate owner, granted ownership of an entity that is not only free from personal financial liability but now endowed with rights to influence democracy far beyond its original charter. (After all, the slogan “What is good for General Motors is good for America” did not originate with Trump.)
Ever since the Second Reconstruction and Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” there has been only one political party that embraces this American heritage of the white privileged male in both foreign and domestic affairs.
It is not enough for the Democratic Party to preach that the white male political choices have led the their own destruction, however true it might be. The Democratic Party must produce a pathway to economic progress that works for everyone and is not funded by the same people it is intended to help.
3
This alarm is a bit premature. I think a better comparison could be made with Indira Gandhi, leader of the world's largest democracy, India. How did her relationship with the press and political rivals compare with Trump's? One could argue that she went several steps further than Trump in weakening democratic instructions. (Although democracy in India has survived for the most part). Trump may be authoritarian but he hasn't declared of state of emergency.
1
Premature? I'd say right on time if not a bit late.
4
America is, at present, only a partial democracy, which is one reason we need to see the threat to democratic processes and institutions in complete, stark relief against the background of Trump's almost constant insulting actions to ordinary practice and decency.
The US Senate: not democratically apportioned in order to give more power to individual, smaller states.
The US House: gerrymandered to help ensure a Republican and often radical majority without the support of a majority of citizen voters.
The presidency: marred by the continuance of the Electoral College which has no mechanism to deal with a president "elected" who did not receive a majority of votes.
On top of this is a mountain of money directed to guarantee that the richest among us have vastly more power and influence than the millions without the money to buy it.
The entire tier of southern states, the Civil War south, was not a true, vibrant democracy as long as slavery existed and for at least 100 yrs. afterward. All institutions, including the public media, had to bend to support first slavery and then exclusion of African-Americans from full life. Democracy was limited, attenuated. All of these states vote Republican regularly, giving support to weakening democracy.
Congress, in Republican hands, is compliant to Trump. The courts, the news media and the weak force known as the rule of law stand between us and disastrous destruction of our experiment in rule by citizens.
The US Senate: not democratically apportioned in order to give more power to individual, smaller states.
The US House: gerrymandered to help ensure a Republican and often radical majority without the support of a majority of citizen voters.
The presidency: marred by the continuance of the Electoral College which has no mechanism to deal with a president "elected" who did not receive a majority of votes.
On top of this is a mountain of money directed to guarantee that the richest among us have vastly more power and influence than the millions without the money to buy it.
The entire tier of southern states, the Civil War south, was not a true, vibrant democracy as long as slavery existed and for at least 100 yrs. afterward. All institutions, including the public media, had to bend to support first slavery and then exclusion of African-Americans from full life. Democracy was limited, attenuated. All of these states vote Republican regularly, giving support to weakening democracy.
Congress, in Republican hands, is compliant to Trump. The courts, the news media and the weak force known as the rule of law stand between us and disastrous destruction of our experiment in rule by citizens.
7
Yascha Monck sounds like an alarmist and is exaggerating about the state of America. This is not Venezuela or North Korea. We still have a solid and sound democracy and no one's rights are being taken away. There are still many of us who agree with our president and like what he has accomplished so far. The economy is growing and jobs are being created. We are seeing fewer illegal immigrants crossing our borders and we have not had a terrorist attack since President Trump was elected. He is keeping us safe and out of danger.
Mr. Trump will not fire Robert Mueller but questions the fairness of his investigation. Many of those chosen to be on this council were strong Democratic supporters who also contributed to Hillary Clinton's campaign. This does not seem to be balanced or fair and this needs to be called out and corrected. It was President Trump's choice and decision to let go James Comey as he serves at the pleasure of the president. Other presidents have chosen their own staff without question or inquiry. Why should they criticize him when he is just following the same path as others.
Mr. Monck, you would like to see our president impeached or dismissed but that is unlikely to happen. He has committed no crimes or wrongdoing and there is little chance that President Trump will be charged with collusion in the meddling of the Russians in our election. You are looking for a needle in a haystack and will find none.
Mr. Trump will not fire Robert Mueller but questions the fairness of his investigation. Many of those chosen to be on this council were strong Democratic supporters who also contributed to Hillary Clinton's campaign. This does not seem to be balanced or fair and this needs to be called out and corrected. It was President Trump's choice and decision to let go James Comey as he serves at the pleasure of the president. Other presidents have chosen their own staff without question or inquiry. Why should they criticize him when he is just following the same path as others.
Mr. Monck, you would like to see our president impeached or dismissed but that is unlikely to happen. He has committed no crimes or wrongdoing and there is little chance that President Trump will be charged with collusion in the meddling of the Russians in our election. You are looking for a needle in a haystack and will find none.
3
Proving collusion will be a cinch. Obstruction is obvious as your nose. The question is how many other crimes will he be charged with? Will he resign or be impeached? Will he be jailed or exiled? And how many others and in the administration will be charged? Your analysis is juvenile. You must think Meuller is an idiot.
The big “it” will get worse before it gets better.
But, my hope is that the next president will be a moderate who runs on a platform of restoring decorum, dignity, and honesty to the office of the president and executive branch, promoting true regard for the needs of the American people and the republic, and reestablishing faith in the Constitution.
Fortunately, the next elected president won’t be Pence, because he is tainted by his association with the Trump administration, or Ryan or McConnell, because they, and a host of Congressional Republicans, did not defend their branch of government
But, my hope is that the next president will be a moderate who runs on a platform of restoring decorum, dignity, and honesty to the office of the president and executive branch, promoting true regard for the needs of the American people and the republic, and reestablishing faith in the Constitution.
Fortunately, the next elected president won’t be Pence, because he is tainted by his association with the Trump administration, or Ryan or McConnell, because they, and a host of Congressional Republicans, did not defend their branch of government
1
Hilarious. So many supposed (legends in their own minds) "smart" people and representatives in Washington, etc., and we are worried about the impeachment of a mentally ill President? Republicans are enabling him. Your "oaths of office" are bogus. Patriots? Nope, opportunists.
3
Good column but very late in coming.....we were on the rails for a trainwreck as soon as Trump got into the GOP election cycle. Don't know if even success at the polls for Dems in 2018 and 2020 will preserve our democracy though. So much damage has already been done. I hope so, but I am not optimistic.
2
This man will be gone soon, and whoever takes his place, whether before or after he gets his four years, will be a person with intelligence (Obama, Bill Clinton, George HW) people-skills (Obama, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan) the ability to comprehend complex issues (Obama, Bill Clinton, George HW) and the long national nightmare of the 21st century will come to an end.
Unless the President gets us into a war -and mark mine and everyone else's words, a war is a sure way to get "The People" on your side.
Notice I left W out. Before Trump, he was the worst President since Lyndon Johnson if you include "millions of people maimed and killed" under his watch.
Trump's last desperate move will be to get us into a war. He is senile, paranoid, doesn't read and is a reality TV star. The only reason he is in the White House is because, like me, many people voted for Hilary Clinton not because we thought she'd be a great President, but against the reality TV star who has as much business in the White House as I do playing center for the NY Knicks.
Woe to all of us. But he will be gone and hopefully whoever takes over can undo the daily damage and the joke the US is becoming to others in the world.
Unless the President gets us into a war -and mark mine and everyone else's words, a war is a sure way to get "The People" on your side.
Notice I left W out. Before Trump, he was the worst President since Lyndon Johnson if you include "millions of people maimed and killed" under his watch.
Trump's last desperate move will be to get us into a war. He is senile, paranoid, doesn't read and is a reality TV star. The only reason he is in the White House is because, like me, many people voted for Hilary Clinton not because we thought she'd be a great President, but against the reality TV star who has as much business in the White House as I do playing center for the NY Knicks.
Woe to all of us. But he will be gone and hopefully whoever takes over can undo the daily damage and the joke the US is becoming to others in the world.
2
I agree but I sure don't want Pence in that role either. He's so complicit and therefore just as guilty. He's dangerous in other ways. Seems we are screwed and our democracy is very weak. Weakened also because people can't discuss important issues like this with Trump supporters. I still believe we need to hold a reelection. Meanwhile is anyone working on getting the popular vote the one that counts? Not the electoral college. So much is wrong in our system.
Woe to us!
Woe to us!
3
Think of how we label performers as overnight successes not acknowledging or appreciating the years of effort required to achieve stardom.
Consider our country's descent into authoritarianism not as the result of one action/event but a long, slow purposeful plan being implemented over decades (by American supporters of Hitler in the '30s, the formation of the John Birch Society, Lee Atwater's southern strategy, Reagan's "government is the problem," the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, and weak political leaders putting party and self-interest above the citizens of the country). With Trump, authoritarianism has now become ascendant and very near the pinnacle of complete success. It does not matter that Trump is a buffoon with many failings - he is a useful tool.
As with any authoritarian regime, there are winners and losers. The Trump base (willingly misinformed and unintersted in anything other than Fox, Breitbart, etc.) and the right-wing corporatists (Koch, Mercers, et al.) believe they will be the winners (i.e., deputies and enforcers) in Trump's despotic regime. The rest of us will be the subjugated losers. Trumpians/corporatists don't care if and actively seek to politicize and/or eliminate our country's bedrock respect for the rule of law. They love the rough bluster and demonization/marginalization of the press - all methods to the madness we now find ourselves in.
Consider our country's descent into authoritarianism not as the result of one action/event but a long, slow purposeful plan being implemented over decades (by American supporters of Hitler in the '30s, the formation of the John Birch Society, Lee Atwater's southern strategy, Reagan's "government is the problem," the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, and weak political leaders putting party and self-interest above the citizens of the country). With Trump, authoritarianism has now become ascendant and very near the pinnacle of complete success. It does not matter that Trump is a buffoon with many failings - he is a useful tool.
As with any authoritarian regime, there are winners and losers. The Trump base (willingly misinformed and unintersted in anything other than Fox, Breitbart, etc.) and the right-wing corporatists (Koch, Mercers, et al.) believe they will be the winners (i.e., deputies and enforcers) in Trump's despotic regime. The rest of us will be the subjugated losers. Trumpians/corporatists don't care if and actively seek to politicize and/or eliminate our country's bedrock respect for the rule of law. They love the rough bluster and demonization/marginalization of the press - all methods to the madness we now find ourselves in.
7
Pat of Midlotian-- excellent synopsis!! Thanks!!
Most Republican members of congress have as their primary goal to remain in power, first personally, and then collectively. Ideas such as truth, democracy, the good of the country, the well-being of their constituents, and lately even the rule of law are only sabers that they rattle as needed. Since Reagan, Republicans have had to routinely and increasingly lie to voters, to sell them policies that are bad for most citizens. The presidency of Donald Trump is a logical extension of these trends. The republic is indeed in jeopardy.
3
To those that write here that this overblown and hyperbolic; I think you are missing the forest for the trees. Although I will also contend that this lies squarely at the feet of both parties. The Republicans; because they do not know how to wrest governing control away from their talking head allies. Democrats because they are too busy in-fighting and working to secure big-donor cash. Then along comes a data firm that sees some signal in the noise and learns how to harness that power to get elected a person most unfit for the office; knowing that Congress has become nothing more than a court of motley fools and an electorate that has shown itself to be unevenly engaged; and in some cases gerrymandered in such a manner to render their voice feckless and moot. In short, we have created through reckless profiteering and character assassination combined with thoughtless and careless monitoring of our institutions a vacuum of true democratic leadership leading to a major stress test of our institutions. They are passing for now. But I fear as with any abusive situation there has to be reckoning.
1
There is a little hyperbole here. Our Constitution is still in good shape generally speaking. Frankly, long ago I considered that Trump was going to be impeached and convicted of some significant infraction of his oath of office. My concern is not that Congress would not rise to the occasion when needed but, rather that the President is able to be the Commander and Chief and and conduct Foreign Affairs during an impeachment process up to actual conviction. That is the flaw in the Constitution that disturbs me the most.
1
One would expect more logical thought from a lecturer at Harvard. Obama was much more a threat to "our democracy" than Trump. It is the "progressives" who's strongest desire is to consolidate all economic and political power in Washington DC. Remember Obama's pen and phone? Millions of pages of regulations meant to consolidate power?
Trump and conservatives desire to distribute economic and political power not consolidate it.
Trump and conservatives desire to distribute economic and political power not consolidate it.
1
Whst evidence is there of Trump desiring to distribute power away from himself?
2
What's your evidence for your conclusion? I am seriously asking.
1
Any concrete example of "regulations meant to consolidate power" and that Obama signed into law?
And how did they move us closer to a dictatorship, more concretely?
As to Trump and the GOP: how does using the power of the government to destroy the health insurance of tens of millions Americans all while giving almost a trillion in additional tax cuts to millionaires somehow "distributing economic and political power" rather than consolidating it?
To me, the ideological stance that you're summarizing here seems to be just that: theory, devoid of any facts or real life events ... . But I hope you'll prove me wrong?
And how did they move us closer to a dictatorship, more concretely?
As to Trump and the GOP: how does using the power of the government to destroy the health insurance of tens of millions Americans all while giving almost a trillion in additional tax cuts to millionaires somehow "distributing economic and political power" rather than consolidating it?
To me, the ideological stance that you're summarizing here seems to be just that: theory, devoid of any facts or real life events ... . But I hope you'll prove me wrong?
How can Republicans in Congress stand up to Trump, when their voters have been brainwashed by Fox News, right-wing radio talk show hosts and (since recently) Breitbart for two decades now and continue to be so?
All the "news" that they're hearing is based on lies and makes them believe horrible things about Democrats all while adoring no matter what move Trump makes.
Over at Breitbart for instance, a lot of posters actually support the idea of firing Sessions (even though they've loved him for years and considered him to be one of the few "real" conservatives in Congress). Why did they start to hate Sessions? Simply because Trump's tweets and part of right-wing media, including Breitbart, started to spread the idea that Sessions is a "traitor" of conservatism (and as a consequence, the US) because of the fact that he recused himself from the Russia investigation and isn't going after Hillary Clinton.
If you ask those people what exactly is so "dangerous" about Hillary, all they can come up with (IF they can come up with something, which often even isn't the case) are lies spread by their media (the idea that together with Obama they want to let Iran destroy our country, that she would want to continue Obamacare which is, in the president's recent words, "torturing the American People", etc.).
So the right-wing media are the ones who actually are in full control here. And nothing indicates that they're going to stop lying and start admitting the truth anytime soon ...
All the "news" that they're hearing is based on lies and makes them believe horrible things about Democrats all while adoring no matter what move Trump makes.
Over at Breitbart for instance, a lot of posters actually support the idea of firing Sessions (even though they've loved him for years and considered him to be one of the few "real" conservatives in Congress). Why did they start to hate Sessions? Simply because Trump's tweets and part of right-wing media, including Breitbart, started to spread the idea that Sessions is a "traitor" of conservatism (and as a consequence, the US) because of the fact that he recused himself from the Russia investigation and isn't going after Hillary Clinton.
If you ask those people what exactly is so "dangerous" about Hillary, all they can come up with (IF they can come up with something, which often even isn't the case) are lies spread by their media (the idea that together with Obama they want to let Iran destroy our country, that she would want to continue Obamacare which is, in the president's recent words, "torturing the American People", etc.).
So the right-wing media are the ones who actually are in full control here. And nothing indicates that they're going to stop lying and start admitting the truth anytime soon ...
7
Instead of appeasement, they could start by calling him out on his endless lies. Many years ago folks in Europe failed to seize on a similar opportunity and we know how that turned out.
@ Misterbianco
The problem is that when they do, as McCain did for instance, right-wing media immediately tell their audience that they're clearly "RINOs", Democrats etc. rather than conservatives, and a lot of that audience blindly follows no matter what their media tell them to believe or do.
Frankly, I see only one solution, and that is that "we the people" start engaging in real, serious debates with our friends, neighbors, family, colleagues etc. who still believe the FN lies, to patiently exchange arguments and prove facts.
The centrist and leftist media continue to provide us with detailed arguments and facts, so if we try to be well-informed, and accept that no matter how certain we are about this or that hypothesis or fact, it might always be we ourselves who are wrong and those whom we disagree with who might be right, then we actually still have a lot of power in our own hands, and may be able, over time, to break the spell of the fake news media.
The problem is that when they do, as McCain did for instance, right-wing media immediately tell their audience that they're clearly "RINOs", Democrats etc. rather than conservatives, and a lot of that audience blindly follows no matter what their media tell them to believe or do.
Frankly, I see only one solution, and that is that "we the people" start engaging in real, serious debates with our friends, neighbors, family, colleagues etc. who still believe the FN lies, to patiently exchange arguments and prove facts.
The centrist and leftist media continue to provide us with detailed arguments and facts, so if we try to be well-informed, and accept that no matter how certain we are about this or that hypothesis or fact, it might always be we ourselves who are wrong and those whom we disagree with who might be right, then we actually still have a lot of power in our own hands, and may be able, over time, to break the spell of the fake news media.
1
Trump is the figurehead, but there are people behind him:
1. A significant portion of the Republican leadership, more in the House, and particularly the "Freedom Caucus." Trump is the result of years of obstruction.
2. A still too-wide swath of the public who believes that all of this nonsense is somehow reasonable or justifiable, that the president "talks like them," and that the stream of White House lies and distortions surrounding the Russian mess does not matter.
3. It is not possible to blame all congressional dysfunction on the president. He just feeds the chaos and procrastination.
So yes, Trump is something of a one man wrecking crew, helped along by a substantive swath of our citizenry who don't understand (and hence don't care) what they support.
1. A significant portion of the Republican leadership, more in the House, and particularly the "Freedom Caucus." Trump is the result of years of obstruction.
2. A still too-wide swath of the public who believes that all of this nonsense is somehow reasonable or justifiable, that the president "talks like them," and that the stream of White House lies and distortions surrounding the Russian mess does not matter.
3. It is not possible to blame all congressional dysfunction on the president. He just feeds the chaos and procrastination.
So yes, Trump is something of a one man wrecking crew, helped along by a substantive swath of our citizenry who don't understand (and hence don't care) what they support.
3
The upcoming election in 2018 could be a deciding factor if our democracy survives the republican quagmire we find ourselves in. But Trump is quite adept at angering anyone and everyone he deals with so he is very likely to cross swords with the wrong person(s), if he hasn't done so already.
1
Okay. In order to save democracy the congress should impeach the elected president? And all because of some news stories over the past few weeks? And all necessary as otherwise it will be too late to prevent the demise of democracy?
How about this? How about accepting democracy and conceding and acknowledging that Trump is the duly-elected president? How about affirming democracy by proposing that his opponents look within their platforms, behaviours and principles to see if there is some way one of them can win the next election?
And one of the best ways to start would be to stop making asinine suggestions that a speech to 40,000 enthusiastic boy scouts is somehow evocative of Germany in the 1930s. As for Mr. Mueller and democracy, he was elected by absolutely no one, and does not appear to be accountable to any elected official. Think long and hard about your comments on the Trump administration facing "determined opposition" from courts and news media. Mr. Obama certainly did not. That suggests to me that the problem is also with the other half of your equation, not just with Trump.
How about this? How about accepting democracy and conceding and acknowledging that Trump is the duly-elected president? How about affirming democracy by proposing that his opponents look within their platforms, behaviours and principles to see if there is some way one of them can win the next election?
And one of the best ways to start would be to stop making asinine suggestions that a speech to 40,000 enthusiastic boy scouts is somehow evocative of Germany in the 1930s. As for Mr. Mueller and democracy, he was elected by absolutely no one, and does not appear to be accountable to any elected official. Think long and hard about your comments on the Trump administration facing "determined opposition" from courts and news media. Mr. Obama certainly did not. That suggests to me that the problem is also with the other half of your equation, not just with Trump.
Here's a better idea. How about abolishing the outdated Electoral College and recognizing the popular vote is the true litmus test of any election.
Another thing.
If you don't think Mr. Obama, as the first Black President of the United States, didn't come under intense scrutiny and opposition from everywhere -- you missed half the story.
Another thing.
If you don't think Mr. Obama, as the first Black President of the United States, didn't come under intense scrutiny and opposition from everywhere -- you missed half the story.
5
This is Chicken Little on steroids. Neither Russia, Turkey, nor Hungary ever has had a democratic tradition so the analogy is nonsense. This country will get through this as we got through Nullification, the Civil War, the Red Scares, and other nightmares.
Read Tim Snyder's "On Tyranny". We have a window of opportunity to stop this. Did you ever tell yourself that you would have been more alert than the Germans were during the rise of the National Socialist Party? Prove it.
5
Concerns about Trump’s attempts to create a dictatorship are valid. There is a whole litany of examples that we’re all well aware of and don’t bear repeating. Left to his own impulses, he would do just that. However, I’ve taken heart over the last couple of weeks as I’ve seen several instances of Republican spines begin to develop. To wit, the multiple votes on the various iterations of health care legislation revealed to me that there is a small coterie of Republican senators who are not afraid to defy Trump. I’m thinking of McCain, Murkowski and Collins. Sens. Graham, Moran, Johnson, Portman and Alexander gave me hope that they might also stand up to him, but then caved. However, I will give Graham and others credit for telling Trump to back off the public harassing of AG Sessions. The same goes for Sen. Grassley tweeting that his committee would not allow hearings on a replacement for Sessions should he resign. Add to these Republican pushbacks on Trump’s dictatorial behavior the quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts of a group of 40 bi-partisan members of Congress to create a mutually acceptable healthcare bill.
2
Mr. Mounk has articulated much of what many Americans are seeing or sensing about our government. Don't see any sign of it subsiding though, as long as the Republican congress is unwilling to give up it's power for the public good. Last week's health bill vote provided a glimmer of hope but overall the situation is dire.
1
We never really had a "democracy."
Sure, our system has enabled tremendous advancements and wealth, but it's always been the rich vs. poor. We are not any better off than other industrialized countries. America will be worse off because of Trump and his amoral minions, but we will recover, unless the environment collapses and then it's likely world chaos no matter what form of government is in place.
Sure, our system has enabled tremendous advancements and wealth, but it's always been the rich vs. poor. We are not any better off than other industrialized countries. America will be worse off because of Trump and his amoral minions, but we will recover, unless the environment collapses and then it's likely world chaos no matter what form of government is in place.
1
It is baffling that trump has any support at all, yet 80% of Republicans approve of his actions. This tells us an awful lot about the "values" of the people in the Republican Party. It is as bizarre as if Democrats would have rallied around Anthony Weiner, and made him president - but, they didn't.
Crisis and turmoil challenges the real identities of people - Thank you to those people who are standing up and defending our democracy !
Crisis and turmoil challenges the real identities of people - Thank you to those people who are standing up and defending our democracy !
6
I'm no fan of Donald, but he is really more a symptom than a cause of what's ailing America. I think of him as being more like a patsy than anything else. Looking back, the events of 2000-2003 did more to undermine democracy in America than anything Donald has done so far. A reminder--in 2000, the sitting governor of Florida (Jeb Bush) undoubtedly pulled some shenanigans to insure that the GOP nominee for president (who happened to be his older brother, George W. Bush) won the electoral votes of the state. Watching this happen from their respective presidential palaces in Havana & Caracas, I'm sure Fidel Castro & Hugo Chavez shook their heads in disbelief and realized that their anti-American propagandists would no longer need to write fiction. What happened in real life in Florida was appalling enough.
Then, of course, American democracy went on to more or less fail the test of withstanding the impact of a devastating terrorist attack in 2001. The Patriot Act got passed, far too many Democratic politicians (John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Charles Schumer, John Edwards, etc.) gave George W. Bush the benefit of the doubt by voting in favor of the Iraq resolution in October 2002, and from 2003 the U.S. proceeded to squander untold trillions of dollars on a futile effort to turn Iraq into a docile, Israel-tolerating, pro-American Arab client state a la Saudi Arabia (democratization was never the objective).
Trillions of dollars, gone. No nation can afford that.
Then, of course, American democracy went on to more or less fail the test of withstanding the impact of a devastating terrorist attack in 2001. The Patriot Act got passed, far too many Democratic politicians (John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Charles Schumer, John Edwards, etc.) gave George W. Bush the benefit of the doubt by voting in favor of the Iraq resolution in October 2002, and from 2003 the U.S. proceeded to squander untold trillions of dollars on a futile effort to turn Iraq into a docile, Israel-tolerating, pro-American Arab client state a la Saudi Arabia (democratization was never the objective).
Trillions of dollars, gone. No nation can afford that.
7
Democratic nations live with the risk of falling into the trap of populism. Some 49% of voters, some 80% of Republicans and more than 90% of Republican senators and representatives support Mr. T or regard the show of palace-politik loyalty to Mr. T is more important than service to people in their districts.
Voters decided to elect themselves into the White House, not the leader. Republicans have learned that attacking Obamacare earns them votes.
Clever people within the readership of this quality paper, don't you think the US fell to the populism? Don't you want to know and exercise ways to get out the trap? I do.
Voters decided to elect themselves into the White House, not the leader. Republicans have learned that attacking Obamacare earns them votes.
Clever people within the readership of this quality paper, don't you think the US fell to the populism? Don't you want to know and exercise ways to get out the trap? I do.
3
The Ship of State is steaming inexorably toward an iceberg with a madman at the helm, and the crew is too busy bickering over which course to take to notice. The passengers have finally begun to realize that there are no functioning lifeboats. Now what?
6
These slow, incremental steps towards authoritarianism are indeed worrisome, but they are also an inevitable reaction to decades of liberal hegemony.
Classic conservatives or socialists, regardless of how much popular support they may gather, can hardly make their voices heard and even if they do get into office, they face massive obstructionism at every level. Some of them, and their supporters, will be tempted to turn their back on the current system.
Those proponents of the status quo who thought they were so smart when they torpedoed Bernie Sanders and who still make every imaginable attempt to defame, vilify and prosecute Donald Trump don't seem to realise they are digging their own graves. Liberalism may be very strong at the moment, but it will never win, because in its pure form it always generates the same outcome, where wealth aggregates to a tiny elite and the vast majority end up in severe debt. The options available to counter-balance this, like wealth and income redistribution schemes, or protection of the domestic labour market, must be made available to voters within the framework of democracy, and their choices should be respected.
This will be the only way to counter this most unwanted drift towards authoritarianism.
Classic conservatives or socialists, regardless of how much popular support they may gather, can hardly make their voices heard and even if they do get into office, they face massive obstructionism at every level. Some of them, and their supporters, will be tempted to turn their back on the current system.
Those proponents of the status quo who thought they were so smart when they torpedoed Bernie Sanders and who still make every imaginable attempt to defame, vilify and prosecute Donald Trump don't seem to realise they are digging their own graves. Liberalism may be very strong at the moment, but it will never win, because in its pure form it always generates the same outcome, where wealth aggregates to a tiny elite and the vast majority end up in severe debt. The options available to counter-balance this, like wealth and income redistribution schemes, or protection of the domestic labour market, must be made available to voters within the framework of democracy, and their choices should be respected.
This will be the only way to counter this most unwanted drift towards authoritarianism.
3
Mark Pernice's apocalyptic, Jenga-style Washington Monument is the best visual representation of the Trump administration I've ever seen.
7
The issue of self-pardoning seems to have been made up out of whole cloth. Trump says he has the complete power to pardon and before you know it, CNN is talking about him pardoning himself. Then the rest of the media pipes in. If our democracy is so threatened, the media should be more responsible. Trump and his people say a lot of scary stuff. But can we stick to what they actually say?
2
You correctly point out that about 40 percent of Americans still approve of Trump. How many of that 40 percent will get beyond sound bites, slogans and tweets and read thoughtful editorials like this one? Unfortunately the minority speaks with a louder voice than majority. Through gerrymandering, restrictions on voting and the Electoral College that 40 percent has control over all three branches of our federal government. We are only one Supreme Court appointment away from totally skewing our country from its democratic roots.
6
Bullock , p70 (original: Hitler’s Mein Kampf pp198 -199)
Hitler: “When you lie, tell big lies…It would never come into their (the masses) heads to fabricate colossal untruths and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously…The grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down"
Remind you of anyone who came to power recently by such means...
Hitler: “When you lie, tell big lies…It would never come into their (the masses) heads to fabricate colossal untruths and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously…The grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down"
Remind you of anyone who came to power recently by such means...
4
Trump is the product of the Right and the Left sitting on their hands while the fringe did its best to delegitimize Obama.In the effort to make Obama a one term president the Right made a pack with the fringe.The attacks on Obama's religious beliefs, his manliness, and place of birth paid huge dividends. The right controls The White House, Congress and the majority of the state houses.The saying "Be careful what you pray for because you just might get it" comes to mind. In their quest for power, they have allowed the fringe to take them hostage. It is ironic that party that the professes to love America so much is willing to sit on their hands while the leader of the fringe destroys of Democracy. Time for the right to grow a spine and put their money where their rhetoric is.
6
"They go low, we go high" has been the Democrat's slogan for a few years, or more. What the party needs to do is to fight back as hard as the GOP. They go low, well, hit harder. The pact with the fringe along with the birther and religious nonsense went far and is still in play today.
Dear Leader's constant attack on Ms. Clinton is still getting play, along with the "failed administration" of Obama. Yet, the House of Trump is not populated with saints who have no sin and His administration is ready pickings.
If the Democrats continue to turn the other cheek we are in for one party rule that will be firmly entrenched for years to come.
Dear Leader's constant attack on Ms. Clinton is still getting play, along with the "failed administration" of Obama. Yet, the House of Trump is not populated with saints who have no sin and His administration is ready pickings.
If the Democrats continue to turn the other cheek we are in for one party rule that will be firmly entrenched for years to come.
1
"He [Trump] has implied that policemen should rough up suspects they arrest." Yes, but he later said that this was just a "joke." Jokes with fascist and Nazi themes really crack me up!
Already, I feel much better.
Already, I feel much better.
4
In retrospect, candidate Trump's pitch was right out of the authoritarian playbook.
While de-ligitimizing all of our hallowed democratic institutions, painstakingly built up over centuries, for which our forefathers willingly bled and died, and otherwise sacrificed in ways to numerous to recall, he declared, in so many words, "Only I, Donald J. Trump, can save you. Concentrate all power in my hands and I'll keep you safe, take care of all your needs, and root out corruption. Easy-peasy."
Classic demagoguery.
It's amazing our body politic didn't recognize this fork-toungued rhetoric for what it was, and recoil, collectively -- with a gasp, no less.
For now, the system will hold tho'. Our judiciary is an elite class, with a tradition of high ideals and independence.
Meanwhile, our free press is leading the way in preserving our democratic form of government. These young reporters are really admirable -- the best of us, in fact.
And most ordinary Americans appreciate that there is something amiss. It's all they're talking about, really.
And so, I have hope.
On the other hand, it is concerning that we delivered our sacred Republic to an obvious charlatan, never called him out on his lies and secrets, and acquiesced as far as we did in becoming a nepotistic kakistocracy.
I thought we had more respect for ourselves than that.
RESIST.
While de-ligitimizing all of our hallowed democratic institutions, painstakingly built up over centuries, for which our forefathers willingly bled and died, and otherwise sacrificed in ways to numerous to recall, he declared, in so many words, "Only I, Donald J. Trump, can save you. Concentrate all power in my hands and I'll keep you safe, take care of all your needs, and root out corruption. Easy-peasy."
Classic demagoguery.
It's amazing our body politic didn't recognize this fork-toungued rhetoric for what it was, and recoil, collectively -- with a gasp, no less.
For now, the system will hold tho'. Our judiciary is an elite class, with a tradition of high ideals and independence.
Meanwhile, our free press is leading the way in preserving our democratic form of government. These young reporters are really admirable -- the best of us, in fact.
And most ordinary Americans appreciate that there is something amiss. It's all they're talking about, really.
And so, I have hope.
On the other hand, it is concerning that we delivered our sacred Republic to an obvious charlatan, never called him out on his lies and secrets, and acquiesced as far as we did in becoming a nepotistic kakistocracy.
I thought we had more respect for ourselves than that.
RESIST.
3
Really people, are you listening and reading this stuff. We had a fascist for a President for 8 years and real close in having another one. Is this what you people really want? This man has brought jobs back to the US. He is trying to stopping illegals coming into the US. Now for Obama creating Czars dumping Billions of Dollars into Muslim Brotherhood. Really people, I'm disappointed in all of you. You guys may get your wish someday and have a Hitler running our country. Then what are you going to say? You guys did not have any out cry when cops are being shot down and Obama stands by the shooter. The news is not much better by not telling the whole story of the man's past. Obama and the News has really set up a great practice of divide and conquer to destroy America.
1
The United Failed State of America is already on the trash heap, and authoritarianism is what Americans deserve. Californians, however, deserve better. #calexit
2
Thank you for a well articulated piece; your opinion is right on point and the time is now. This has been clear from at least the inauguration. Congress must act now with strong conviction.
6
Thank you Mr Mounk for a concise and pointed piece. We must all do what we can to encourage our legislators to begin to stand up to this threat. Many will see the threat overblown, but history is not on their side, as you point out. I am comforted that what differentiates the USA from these other countries is the structure of the United States, with the emphasis on "states". These highly independent political entities serves as an critical bulwark against centralized power, as has so often been demonstrated. I have always been somewhat ambivalent about the value of "state's rights", but now I see it is absolutely critical when confronted with this centralized abuse of power.
6
Last night I had a dream - a nightmare - in which I was personally trying to rid the country of Trump, via a "you are doing bad things, you must go" approach. In this dream, I was The Decider and my words were sufficient. I woke up to the reality that I can only do what is in my actual sphere of influence. That means joining in local organizations like Indivisble, the Democratic Party, and even writing letters in this and other forums. The antidote to this opinion's thesis is many more millions of citizen's making our voices heard, drowning out the pitiful bleating of Lindbaugh, Fox News, et. al.
4
Other than wars, Trump is the greatest danger America has ever faced. Congress, six months into this presidency from hell, has yet to put a stop to Trump and the ongoing constitutional crisis he is creating, so we live in fear about what he is going to do to us next.
When are the GOP going to realize, as most Americans already do, not only is the Trump agenda not the agenda of the people, but not necessarily their agenda either.
Trump wants what he wants when he wants it, and he is all about the accumulation of great wealth for his empire, and other billion and trillion dollar industries. They want to profit unchecked by ethics, conscience or rules and regulations placed upon them for our sake, and the sake of our environment.
Americans are under siege by their own administration, the president is a bully, a despot and a narcissist who only addresses his own needs. Despite the pathological lies and campaign rhetoric, Trump does not care for America or Americans at all. He is not a president of the people, or for the people, except for a precious few who know the rules. Agree with him always and genuflect when you are in his presence. A false idol in the WH who demands constant undeserved worship.
When are the GOP going to realize, as most Americans already do, not only is the Trump agenda not the agenda of the people, but not necessarily their agenda either.
Trump wants what he wants when he wants it, and he is all about the accumulation of great wealth for his empire, and other billion and trillion dollar industries. They want to profit unchecked by ethics, conscience or rules and regulations placed upon them for our sake, and the sake of our environment.
Americans are under siege by their own administration, the president is a bully, a despot and a narcissist who only addresses his own needs. Despite the pathological lies and campaign rhetoric, Trump does not care for America or Americans at all. He is not a president of the people, or for the people, except for a precious few who know the rules. Agree with him always and genuflect when you are in his presence. A false idol in the WH who demands constant undeserved worship.
5
Trump is just a puppet for Breitbart and the religious right, the real threats to democracy. Last week on This American Life, an interview in small town America revealed the damage done.
A young man who did not read the news decided to educate himself on immigration. In his lengthy Google search, he discounted any information from 'liberal' publications (nytimes, etc.) and took all of his information from Breitbart and the Gatestone Institute. The word 'liberal' has been ingeniously marketed as a threat to american traditions and middle america wants 'nothing' to do with it.
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/621/transcript
A young man who did not read the news decided to educate himself on immigration. In his lengthy Google search, he discounted any information from 'liberal' publications (nytimes, etc.) and took all of his information from Breitbart and the Gatestone Institute. The word 'liberal' has been ingeniously marketed as a threat to american traditions and middle america wants 'nothing' to do with it.
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/621/transcript
4
The author betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the Republican Party. They are fascists. They just can't say so, and they can't wear armbands and goosestep into Congress. Yet. Bad optics. But the would if they could.
2
The block of Merrick Garland was a crucial turning point. The Democrats -- including, though I hate to say it, President Obama himself -- should not have been so civilized about it. That was the constitutional crisis that wasn't. That's the long-term hijack by the right, and the left laid down and allowed it to happen. And never mind the fact that Garland's nomination was itself an olive branch, he being a moderate, whereas Gorsuch is an extreme right-winger and corporate hand-puppet.
The left-right conflict is always asymmetrical, and it all starts with the fact that the conservative ideology is a magnet for simpletons with black hearts. How do the Republicans get away with it, you ask? Take a good look at the faces in those rally mobs. That's how. There's no such malleable clay on the left, where people read books, have abstract thoughts, and so forth. It amounts to a giant thumb on the scale, for the wrong team.
The left-right conflict is always asymmetrical, and it all starts with the fact that the conservative ideology is a magnet for simpletons with black hearts. How do the Republicans get away with it, you ask? Take a good look at the faces in those rally mobs. That's how. There's no such malleable clay on the left, where people read books, have abstract thoughts, and so forth. It amounts to a giant thumb on the scale, for the wrong team.
5
I call it the "Brazil Disease".
The famous President "Lula" (Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva), purported savior of his country -- supposedly, a wise politician with clean hands, someone above the kleptocracy that rules, and ruins, Brazilian politics and Brazil itself -- turns out to be a fraud.
Surprise!
Lula turned out to be just another grubby pol on the take; recently sentenced to prison for corruption.
But the unusual part of his story is what it took to bring him to account nearly a decade after his crimes: the near total economic, social and political collapse of Brazil itself. Brazilian politics became so rotten the government disintegrated.
That's what it took to bring Lula to account. Otherwise, The System then in place would have continued to protect him long after he stole his country blind, like all the others.
Venezuela, the same.
And here.
I want Trump and his awful crew gone yesterday; investigated, arrested and tried if the evidence warrants it. But I am powerless to do any of it myself because The System is designed to prevent it. It renders me powerless.
Power in a check-&-balance system of government like ours is held by elected and appointed officials. Supposedly, they work in my interest. But most seem more intent on improving their prospects and situations. They find excuses to shirk responsibility, their duty to the Nation itself; to our most vulnerable citizens especially. We The People elected them only to be ignored by them.
The Brazil Disease.
The famous President "Lula" (Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva), purported savior of his country -- supposedly, a wise politician with clean hands, someone above the kleptocracy that rules, and ruins, Brazilian politics and Brazil itself -- turns out to be a fraud.
Surprise!
Lula turned out to be just another grubby pol on the take; recently sentenced to prison for corruption.
But the unusual part of his story is what it took to bring him to account nearly a decade after his crimes: the near total economic, social and political collapse of Brazil itself. Brazilian politics became so rotten the government disintegrated.
That's what it took to bring Lula to account. Otherwise, The System then in place would have continued to protect him long after he stole his country blind, like all the others.
Venezuela, the same.
And here.
I want Trump and his awful crew gone yesterday; investigated, arrested and tried if the evidence warrants it. But I am powerless to do any of it myself because The System is designed to prevent it. It renders me powerless.
Power in a check-&-balance system of government like ours is held by elected and appointed officials. Supposedly, they work in my interest. But most seem more intent on improving their prospects and situations. They find excuses to shirk responsibility, their duty to the Nation itself; to our most vulnerable citizens especially. We The People elected them only to be ignored by them.
The Brazil Disease.
6
If it were Julius Caesar and not some soft, fatuous, incompetent buffoon we would be in real trouble.
1
Careful what you wish for. Pence might be far worse. He will eliminate all government..no public education..for-profit everything. Our government is owned by war-mongering, fossil-fuel-selling capitalists. Right now our country is not a democratic republic- our government is owned and operated by the 1%. I fear Pence would make situation even worse. Check out Pence's views before you call for kicking out Crazy Donnie. The far right, and the money, wants Pence.
6
A really good article -- and a good point.
On the same note, per Amy Siskind's Facebook page, the following list is from a sign that hangs in U.S. Holocaust Museum. It's worth reading and considering.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF FASCISM
1. Powerful and continuing nationalism
2. Disdain for human rights
3. Identification of enemies as a unifying cause
4. Rampant sexism
5. Controlled mass media
6. Obsession with national security
7. Religion and government intertwined
8. Corporate power protected
9. Labor power suppressed
10. Disdain for intellectual and the arts
11. Obsession with crime and punishment
12. Rampant cronyism and corruption
For more information, see Amy Siskind's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/amy.siskind
On the same note, per Amy Siskind's Facebook page, the following list is from a sign that hangs in U.S. Holocaust Museum. It's worth reading and considering.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF FASCISM
1. Powerful and continuing nationalism
2. Disdain for human rights
3. Identification of enemies as a unifying cause
4. Rampant sexism
5. Controlled mass media
6. Obsession with national security
7. Religion and government intertwined
8. Corporate power protected
9. Labor power suppressed
10. Disdain for intellectual and the arts
11. Obsession with crime and punishment
12. Rampant cronyism and corruption
For more information, see Amy Siskind's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/amy.siskind
5
Nevermind Russian hacking of the voting machines. That doesn't explain why nearly half of the electorate has gone stark raving mad. Instead, we should be looking for who dumped the LSD in the drinking water.
6
But if we are to believe that government can't do anything right and that government is the problem...well then chaos in the executive and legislative branches is to be expected and even condoned. This is the Republican solution to control and diminish and even destroy government. How am I wrong here?
2
I honestly believed during the GOP primaries that once the old guard in the Republican Party had enough of Trump, people would get together & find a way to haul him offstage. Trump wasn't a Republican, he used the GOP like a kleenex. Nobody that ran or in the party - except Mitt Romney - really spoke up forcibly against him. They were scared of him.
The problem with Trump is he's willing to bully, threaten & intimidate people & nobody wants to be on the wrong side of that. We have to give Lisa Murkowski credit for blowing off his threat.
Our democracy is worth protecting & keeping but people are going to have to step up now & stop being concerned w/ protecting their hides. Ryan & McConnell are so corrupt they won't do anything but there are supposedly some
moderates in the GOP who could find the courage to say Trump isn't fit to be president & needs to resign.
John McCain is now a man w/ nothing left to lose. Imagine if he summoned the stuff to say this publicly: Trump's unfit & it's time for him to resign for the good of the country. McCain has credibility because he endured years of torture for this country - he's uniquely qualified to speak on this as a man of courage & principle.
My other fantasy is ex presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, Carter, Obama, vice presidents Gore, Biden, & former Secretaries of State Rice, Baker, Albright, Powell, Clinton, Kerry
all hold a press conference saying it's time for Trump to resign.
We can only hope.
The problem with Trump is he's willing to bully, threaten & intimidate people & nobody wants to be on the wrong side of that. We have to give Lisa Murkowski credit for blowing off his threat.
Our democracy is worth protecting & keeping but people are going to have to step up now & stop being concerned w/ protecting their hides. Ryan & McConnell are so corrupt they won't do anything but there are supposedly some
moderates in the GOP who could find the courage to say Trump isn't fit to be president & needs to resign.
John McCain is now a man w/ nothing left to lose. Imagine if he summoned the stuff to say this publicly: Trump's unfit & it's time for him to resign for the good of the country. McCain has credibility because he endured years of torture for this country - he's uniquely qualified to speak on this as a man of courage & principle.
My other fantasy is ex presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, Carter, Obama, vice presidents Gore, Biden, & former Secretaries of State Rice, Baker, Albright, Powell, Clinton, Kerry
all hold a press conference saying it's time for Trump to resign.
We can only hope.
3
Vigilance for democratic principles is always warranted. The author overstates the case. if anything it's remarkable that despite dictatorial intent, Trump has not been able to function as an emperor. Even our flawed institutions have had the resolve to stand up to him despite a democratic minority. Having been raised in Latin America, I learned that the tipping point towards dictatorships and dysfunctional elected governments is the lack of an independent judicial system. Mueller et al are our final hope.
1
"around 40 percent of voters — and some 80 percent of Republicans — approve of his performance" is the scandal here. I suggest to seize illegal profits and to invest them in education. The whole sum!
1
The paradox of course is that democracy put Trump in office. American-style democracy has now effectively disenfranchised millions of liberals and ethnic minorities in the Northeast and on the West Coast, and handed power back to a coalition of Southern and rural states that lost the Civil War and wants to reverse Civil Rights and social insurance in favor of a dogmatic White Christian regime... via the Trojan Horse figure of Donald Trump. That leaves the Platonic challenge: Can "the people" fix the flaws in democracy? Can "the people" act un-democratically? Independent of Fox News, Frank Luntz, the Koch brothers, (and even the New York Times, to be impartial about it) how do "the people" even know who is acting in their best interests?
3
Anyone with any knowledge of 20th-21st Century history has known this for over a year (since he won the nomination). Why has it taken so long for a frank, no punches pulled assessment like this one to appear in the mainstream media? The parallels between Trump's rise and Hitler's become ever more apparent. When will America awaken to this threat? When will Republicans start acting like Americans instead of party puppets?
2
This column certainly should be a wake-up call to all of us. Thank you for writing it. And thanks to the Times for printing it. The parallels you cite are indeed there, and any of us who has any knowledge of how despots rise to power can see "the handwriting on the wall." What you didn't mention and probably couldn't, but I can, is this: Trump is mentally ill. I understand that no psychiatrist has made that call because, of course, no psychiatrist has had an opportunity to do so. But many have said that he has so many characteristics of a very distrubed person. And if something isn't done to get him out of the Oval Office (not that Pence would be much better!), then those who could have done something and didn't will go down in history with huge black marks by their names: the Republicans in Congress!
2
Oh good, more hyperbole from the Paper of Record. Just what the Nation needs!
1
"Mr. Scaramucci was forced out of his post, with the blessing of the president and his family,..."
This appalling statement is from a NYT option piece today which included a picture of Trump not Kelly.
"...and his family"!? Outrageous
When is the NYT going to fulfill its promise to raise its editorial standards?
This appalling statement is from a NYT option piece today which included a picture of Trump not Kelly.
"...and his family"!? Outrageous
When is the NYT going to fulfill its promise to raise its editorial standards?
3
think about it.... one man can shift this country into a dictatorship... Pence... this whole country comes down to one man... horrifying..... 3 Republicans need to wake up and stand firm until we get through this... their jobs are on the line as well.... a dictator is not interested in senators and representatives... he is only interested in sycophants....
1
The last time we had a new administration that was rapidly going nowhere, we got the largest terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil, and every bad idea the president was too weak to even suggest suddenly became real. It's easy to say we won't do that again when there is no unthinkable crisis at hand, but if we end up in that kind of game-change scenario with Trump at the wheel we will surely witness fatal attacks on democracy and all of this talk now will sound cute.
1
There have now been a dozen times when Trump has uttered outrages against rule of law and constitutional rights. Each time, his stooges have called it "just joking" or denied the obvious meaning. The latest is the "roughing up" comment. The media have to step up and take a harder stand. This is a political war against social, legal, and normative behavior. Every 6 year old knows: If you bully a kid using racist words, Mom chews you out. If you claim you were 'kidding'; she slaps you and says "No you weren't, and don't use that cop-out again." Time for the free media to say it like Mom. Oh and don't treat his footsoldiers in Congress or his propaganda outlets as "competitors"; they put him in power and they're running interference for him. If they're enemies of American norms, treat them as such.
2
A sizeable number of progressives sat-out the 2016 elections in a snit.
Their inaction helped enable the madman's rise to power. Surely, they have enough insight into what they wrought?
Their inaction helped enable the madman's rise to power. Surely, they have enough insight into what they wrought?
2
This is all due to the irresponsibility of the rural voter. I'm tired of people trying to understand them. they are a ignorant hateful bunch who will follow this man off a cliff and ruin their own country. Trump wasn't elected because they truly thought he'll make America great again. it was already great just not for them. he was elected because my enemy's enemy is my friend. and the progressives are their enemy. they don't even understand the Russian conflict they don't care
It is almost a foregone conclusion that democracy is already imperiled. When the same party controls the three branches government disregarding public well being, as the assault on Obamacare shows, democracy is a travesty. Only three Republicans cared enough to oppose a mass of subservient institutional men.
Populist presidents that grow out of social resentment preaching violence and hate know that their basis do not care for democracy, but for what they consider is their God Given Adscriptive Privileges. This is how the current disaster in Venezuela started, and this was also the path of Hitler. Naïve and indifferent voters help the process of democratic deconstruction by abstaining and voting for fringe candidates to show puerilely dissatisfaction. A pampered public end up with a totalitarian system. People looking forward to be protected, end up being herded.
Populist presidents that grow out of social resentment preaching violence and hate know that their basis do not care for democracy, but for what they consider is their God Given Adscriptive Privileges. This is how the current disaster in Venezuela started, and this was also the path of Hitler. Naïve and indifferent voters help the process of democratic deconstruction by abstaining and voting for fringe candidates to show puerilely dissatisfaction. A pampered public end up with a totalitarian system. People looking forward to be protected, end up being herded.
The phenomenon of Trumpism is nothing less than a rudest surprise and revelation about the vulnerability of the democracy and is its inability to stop a singular corrupt invidividual from bringing down the structure to ruins. You would think that the robustness of a democratic system of government, with its so-called checks and balances, has built-in safeguards to prevent any person or a small group from complete decimation. For those who have acclaimed the democracy as their god indeed this must be a rude awakening. Apparently we have none or very few who have enough faith in this system to stand up to the existential threats to democracy.
On January 30,1933, Hitler was named Chancellor of Germany with 37% and the largest party in the German congress. With a new election and 44% of the vote on March 5,1933, Hitler got the Congress on March 23,1933 to abolish democracy in Germany and give Hitler the powers of dictatorship by a 2/3 majority.
But in Germany, democracy had been on the ropes for a around a year. And democracy in Germany had a very short his history. But all competing forces, the military, aristocrats, industrialists, and other politicians all thought they could control and mold Hitler to their benefit. They all underestimated Hitler.
Today, out democratic history and institutions are much stronger than in 1930 Germany. But our politics and polarization is similar, unfortunately. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are not much different than the conservative party leadership that voluntarily ended democracy in Germany on March 23, 1933.
But in Germany, democracy had been on the ropes for a around a year. And democracy in Germany had a very short his history. But all competing forces, the military, aristocrats, industrialists, and other politicians all thought they could control and mold Hitler to their benefit. They all underestimated Hitler.
Today, out democratic history and institutions are much stronger than in 1930 Germany. But our politics and polarization is similar, unfortunately. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are not much different than the conservative party leadership that voluntarily ended democracy in Germany on March 23, 1933.
Aaaaand Godwin's Law.
2
Trump is playing us big time. He has smarts for sure. Trump is a psychopath who chooses his victims and uses their weaknesses to control them. When he tires of them he strikes them down. He does this to supporters, friends, family and the American people and the rest of the world. He doesn't need anyone. He just needs the Donald.
The time for gathering the tar and feathers is fast approaching.
1
The frog is slowly simmering.
1
I quoted last week "evil triumphs when good men do nothing". We as a nation are in deep dodo and it's as clear as the noses on our faces and the majority of our politicians are scared, weak babies. Are there any heroes out there in congress because if there are they will surely go down in history as the men and women who saved our country.
Simply put, Putin's plan is in effect, can we stop it? It's obvious to me the meetings with Putin at the G-20 were about this game plan. The entire government should have been outraged that there weren't any other American officials at that table. This takeover has been planned for at least a decade.
All of this greed all over the world it seems will be the undoing of mankind unless the good rise up and rise up now.
Simply put, Putin's plan is in effect, can we stop it? It's obvious to me the meetings with Putin at the G-20 were about this game plan. The entire government should have been outraged that there weren't any other American officials at that table. This takeover has been planned for at least a decade.
All of this greed all over the world it seems will be the undoing of mankind unless the good rise up and rise up now.
So true, very well said. Please spread this around, as this gradual (sort of!) eroding of our democratic norms is what will bring us to the point of no return. Republicans, it really is up to you.
Trump's support among his base will weaken when they realize that his economic plan is geared towards making the wealthy wealthier and the poor desperate. The open question, and I'm fearful of the answer, is do the Democrats have an actual plan to benefit ordinary people and will they ignore lobbiests and actually vote for it. By ordinary people I mean the 2/3rds of Americans that don't have a college education.
This is so LOL! it's not even funny! What does Mr. Mounk think this is? A banana republic? We have a strong system with 50 individual states governments, numerous city, township, and state governments, and the federal government, and a free people from coast to coast and beyond. No one man is ever going to be able to dictate to the American people, and his suggestion that outpr Democracy is about to be destroyed is as laughable as it is hysterical, while playing for effect on the insecurities of those who hate President Trump.
Look, I'm no fan of the president, either, but these daily apocalyptic headlines in the Times have reached comical proportions. You are selling fear with the worst sort of yellow journalism, and crying wolf every other day.
Oh, and I already know there are plenty of you out there who agree with Mr. Mounk - but it's your own fear speaking, and he and the NYT are counting on it to sell copy. So, relax, people. Nothing bad has happened and nothing bad is going to happen. And BTW: this is not Germany of the 1930's, and history really never does repeat itself.
Look, I'm no fan of the president, either, but these daily apocalyptic headlines in the Times have reached comical proportions. You are selling fear with the worst sort of yellow journalism, and crying wolf every other day.
Oh, and I already know there are plenty of you out there who agree with Mr. Mounk - but it's your own fear speaking, and he and the NYT are counting on it to sell copy. So, relax, people. Nothing bad has happened and nothing bad is going to happen. And BTW: this is not Germany of the 1930's, and history really never does repeat itself.
1
So what are we to do? If Trump is impeached then we are stuck with Mike Pence who is equally frightening if for different reasons, and we're still stuck with a Congress and Senate intent on doing nothing for the people.
We persist in our belief that the ideals on which our democracy is based will send the great pretender into a just oblivion. And we wait. But for what exactly? For an American version of Kristallnacht? for our free press to be outlawed? for community police to become paramilitary forces responsible to no one? for children (in scout uniforms?) to rat on their parents for imagined disloyalties? for a bomb to fall on another nation for no sane reason? It’s not imagination or over-reaction. We are in trouble. And we must do something before it’s too late. But what. Resist, they say. Yet, the madness goes on.
The problem is that THIS GOP are greedy and hungry for power and control of their own. They secretly dislike Trump but praise him because he's their ticket for control. They know that he's wrong for our country, but the problem is so are they. The GOP represents less than half of all Americans per voting records and even much less than that in the actual way they affect the average American. This is not your grandmothers GOP folks. This is a Tea-party infused hybrid.
They have had to cheat their way into power (the Presidency twice and in Gerrymandering their own job security).
Given all that does anyone really think the average GOP congressional or Senate member will do the right thing? I think not. WE THE PEOPLE must do the right thing. GO VOTE. Vote in EVERY election, local, midterm and presidency. Don't sit on the sidelines waiting for change - MAKE IT HAPPEN. Use your right to vote and exercise it. You may be surprised. Vote out the GOP and vote for Independent and democratic leaders and see what happens.
http://www.salon.com/2015/12/28/these_5_charts_prove_that_the_economy_do...
They have had to cheat their way into power (the Presidency twice and in Gerrymandering their own job security).
Given all that does anyone really think the average GOP congressional or Senate member will do the right thing? I think not. WE THE PEOPLE must do the right thing. GO VOTE. Vote in EVERY election, local, midterm and presidency. Don't sit on the sidelines waiting for change - MAKE IT HAPPEN. Use your right to vote and exercise it. You may be surprised. Vote out the GOP and vote for Independent and democratic leaders and see what happens.
http://www.salon.com/2015/12/28/these_5_charts_prove_that_the_economy_do...
1
I think the biggest problem is not Trump and his people, but the passivity of the Democratic Party. They have too become aloof and passive.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The word ALOOF contains the same letters as A FOOL. The Democrats have become fools. When Bernie Sanders lost in the primaries, his supporters refused to rally for Hillary Clinton. They were aloof.
Now, Hillary Clinton has a new book, "What Happened." She was clueless, and maybe the book should have a question mark, "What Happened?"
Perhaps ways can be found to measure the effectiveness of political campaigns, as they happen, not just after election losses!
Will the Democratic Party please wake up? Time will tell.
==========================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The word ALOOF contains the same letters as A FOOL. The Democrats have become fools. When Bernie Sanders lost in the primaries, his supporters refused to rally for Hillary Clinton. They were aloof.
Now, Hillary Clinton has a new book, "What Happened." She was clueless, and maybe the book should have a question mark, "What Happened?"
Perhaps ways can be found to measure the effectiveness of political campaigns, as they happen, not just after election losses!
Will the Democratic Party please wake up? Time will tell.
==========================================
1
The Democratic party is doing the right thing.
Right now Trump's asylum is the only story around.
And the more respected newspapers like The Times, The Post stations like NPR and PBS report on the freak show at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue the more rational people will see the Democrats ad the only same choice.
As Napoleon said: "When your enemy is making mistakes, do not interrupt them".
Right now Trump's asylum is the only story around.
And the more respected newspapers like The Times, The Post stations like NPR and PBS report on the freak show at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue the more rational people will see the Democrats ad the only same choice.
As Napoleon said: "When your enemy is making mistakes, do not interrupt them".
Hungary's strongman Orban began his consolidation of power by stacking the country's Electoral Commission. American democracy began to erode with the advent of privatized, concealed, computerized vote counting. Those few of us who forensically examine elections and votecount patterns have been sounding the alarm since 2002. A nation seduced by ease, speed, convenience, and entertainment has not been listening.
It is now later than even Mr. Mounk thinks. We cannot expect Congressional Republicans (or the Republicans that control many key state administrations) to put a brake on Trump or on corporate fascism when they so clearly fear no electoral consequences or retribution for their grossly unpopular actions and behavior. Until we restore public, observable vote counting to our democracy, we might as well be living in Orban's, Erdogan's, or Putin's dictatorships.
It is now later than even Mr. Mounk thinks. We cannot expect Congressional Republicans (or the Republicans that control many key state administrations) to put a brake on Trump or on corporate fascism when they so clearly fear no electoral consequences or retribution for their grossly unpopular actions and behavior. Until we restore public, observable vote counting to our democracy, we might as well be living in Orban's, Erdogan's, or Putin's dictatorships.
Commendable article, but the author fails to explain why Congress should not ALREADY be impeaching Trump for failure to obtain their consent under the Constitution's emoluments clauses.
This is PRECISELY the problem outlined. There are no less than four emoluments clause lawsuits in process, but no talk in Congress whatsoever of enforcing a law the Founding Father's saw as essential to maintaining an independent democratic republic.
This is PRECISELY the problem outlined. There are no less than four emoluments clause lawsuits in process, but no talk in Congress whatsoever of enforcing a law the Founding Father's saw as essential to maintaining an independent democratic republic.
3
This is all well and good. A thoughtful piece. But it ignores one of the most significant aspects of the last forty years of American life. The rise of the .1%, and their subsequent decimation of the American middle class.
The .1%'s power is real. It has gerrymandered a Republican majority in the House even though Democratic congressional candidates receive millions more in votes every election. Their campaign "donations" ensure access to the political winners, and their armies of lobbyists ensure that their will is done.
The societal tension created by the economic disenfranchisement of a large segment of Americans helped bring us Trump. Who is doing his best to impersonate a strongman.
Trump supporters and their needs won't go away as long as the .1% hold power.
Could or would that lead to a fundamental change in American politics? It depends on whether or not everyday Americans are prepared to openly resist.
The jury is still very much out on that one.
The .1%'s power is real. It has gerrymandered a Republican majority in the House even though Democratic congressional candidates receive millions more in votes every election. Their campaign "donations" ensure access to the political winners, and their armies of lobbyists ensure that their will is done.
The societal tension created by the economic disenfranchisement of a large segment of Americans helped bring us Trump. Who is doing his best to impersonate a strongman.
Trump supporters and their needs won't go away as long as the .1% hold power.
Could or would that lead to a fundamental change in American politics? It depends on whether or not everyday Americans are prepared to openly resist.
The jury is still very much out on that one.
3
"Congress must send a clear message that these types of violations won’t be tolerated."
Yeah, sure. After they gut healthcare for the 99% and cut taxes for you-know-who and approve a few more antediluvian justices and confirm a few more inappropriate appointments. When Trump's approval ratings among his zombie voter base reaches 30% maybe??
Yeah, sure. After they gut healthcare for the 99% and cut taxes for you-know-who and approve a few more antediluvian justices and confirm a few more inappropriate appointments. When Trump's approval ratings among his zombie voter base reaches 30% maybe??
1
Are their subtle parallels in what Trump is doing today to the US, and of how a maniac, Hitler, was able to fool German citizens, steal their allegiance and eventually become the Fuhrer that led to world war II and the devastation of not only Germany, but all of Europe as well.
5
As others have said, it is just as important that Fox News and other disinformation media that spread slander and and falsehoods designed to create scapegoats and inspire hatred, be called out and shunned. Until it is shameful for anyone to show Fox News in a public place or publicly acknowledge watching it, we will continue to have dangerously brainwashed fellow citizens living in an alternative reality.
5
EVERYONE needs to watch Trump very closely, and call him out when he threatens democratic norms.
4
Agreed last week was just the worst. I have not been in such a bad mood since the Vietnam War and Nixon. It is just that bad.
2
Before there was Donald Trump, there was George W.Bush. September 11, 2001 resulted in scare tactics that led to the vast loss of Constitutional rights imposed by the Patriot Act. Donald Trump will go even further unless we act.
2
I have a different take, not pie-eyed optimism but strong faith in our Constitution, government and traditions. No one president, especially not Donald J. Trump, can tear down our institutions or destroy our democracy. We are beginning to see signs of life in the Senate with three Republicans nixing their party's bizarre and cruel efforts to reform the ACA. Lindsay Graham threw down the gauntlet threatening Trump with impeachment if he fires Mueller. Congress had stepped up to the plate dramatically with its veto proof sanctions bill.
Soon after the election I observed that our only, and last, line of defense against Trump's bellicose inanity was the thin red line of Republican moderates and true patriots. I believe that line has held and is growing in number.
We have survived worse and we will survive Trump, our liberties intact.
Soon after the election I observed that our only, and last, line of defense against Trump's bellicose inanity was the thin red line of Republican moderates and true patriots. I believe that line has held and is growing in number.
We have survived worse and we will survive Trump, our liberties intact.
1
If 39% of the electorate and 80% of Republicans believe (at some level) that anything but output from Fox News and other ultra right wing propagandizers is "fake news" and that hatred of anyone or anything outside of their tribe is good, we are in a position not too different from Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Trump speaking to the (all white?) police officers encouraging them to treat suspects roughly, expecting and getting cheers from the boy scouts while encouraging allegiance to "trumpism", his emotional outbursts: all ominous reminders of how democracy can and will fail.
Except for a few brave Republicans in the Senate, there is no evidence yet of most elected Rs having the moral courage to put and end to this travesty. It is very hard to convince us that we have been fooled, and perhaps even harder to say, "I was wrong". The white evangelical Trump supporters are the hardest to take for me: they've gone over to the dark side.
Saving our democracy: that should be our goal. I hope we can do it.
Except for a few brave Republicans in the Senate, there is no evidence yet of most elected Rs having the moral courage to put and end to this travesty. It is very hard to convince us that we have been fooled, and perhaps even harder to say, "I was wrong". The white evangelical Trump supporters are the hardest to take for me: they've gone over to the dark side.
Saving our democracy: that should be our goal. I hope we can do it.
10
The oshocked reactions in the comment section of this article and many others remind me of undergrad art school when many of my classmates we're horrified reading Seven Days in the Art World. They still believed in the nobility of their persuits and art as a calling while the successful artists, dealers, auction houses and collectors depicted in the book understood that Art was business.
When will the people understand that politicians especially successful ones operate in a moral vacuum balancing what their egos and interests dictate against what they think the electorate will let them get away with.
Whatever happens it is on us the people, we let them get away with it. Why does such and such country have better healthcare? Maternity leave? Working conditions? Affordable education? Etc etc.. because the citizenry in those countries held their politicians in better check.
So less complaining and more doing. Just because your politicians won office doesn't mean you can hit the snooze button. I am almost glad Trump won because at least more people are waking up.
When will the people understand that politicians especially successful ones operate in a moral vacuum balancing what their egos and interests dictate against what they think the electorate will let them get away with.
Whatever happens it is on us the people, we let them get away with it. Why does such and such country have better healthcare? Maternity leave? Working conditions? Affordable education? Etc etc.. because the citizenry in those countries held their politicians in better check.
So less complaining and more doing. Just because your politicians won office doesn't mean you can hit the snooze button. I am almost glad Trump won because at least more people are waking up.
3
The speech to the Boy Scouts was actually very good, and I am not a Trump supporter. Full of encouragement to the young men who were gathered, and praise to their parents and scout leaders was ample too. It was no campaign rally. Author Mounk should step up on 'their research' and listen to the entire speech, and not just the sound bites supplied by the media, which only captured what they wanted us to hear. Go and listen to it and then try to argue our democracy is in trouble. Nonsense
4
This is what heavily gerrymandered districts have brought us. We have a house whose membership is heavily dependent on the Trump voter. Districts that were fairly drawn would water down the Trump vote, give even Republicans the freedom to push back on this circus.
3
This all started 8 yrs ago with McConnell. The flashing light you say isn't there was the refusal to give Obama his Supreme Court appointment.
9
God's Will is perfect.