Paging Neville Chamberlain ...
11
After Trump's unwillingness today to denounce the Nazi and KKK thugs marching in Nashville, because I'd guess they were mostly Trump voters and supporters, I'd say Trump is indeed a threat to our democracy. And I'm not being hysterical.
18
If you aren't hysterical you aren't paying attention.
22
Want to take a walk through Virginia today and reconsider this peace?
12
"Trump Isn’t a Threat to Our Democracy. Hysteria Is." Really?! No sense of irony about this? Trump is the prime progenitor of hysteria and actively cultivates it among his supporters and everyone else.
20
"Trump isn't a threat to our Democracy. Hysteria is." That's an odd claim because Trump and his deeds icclufing his campaign's collusion with Russia generates hysteria.
I would prefer an observation made by others. Trump's misdeeds are not going to end our democracy, but Congress (or at least the Republicans there) continuing to bow down to Trump will.
I would prefer an observation made by others. Trump's misdeeds are not going to end our democracy, but Congress (or at least the Republicans there) continuing to bow down to Trump will.
8
I am so tired of hearing, "well the American people elected him." NO WE DIDN'T!!! Every poll had Trump at 23 to 28 % at best. WHAT HAPPENED? See SNOWDEN 2014. Why is being American the equivalent of being politically naive. The US Fascist State. "The Experiment" that :Lincoln spoke of and sacrificed for, it gone. YOU MADE IT POSSIBLE, because with every assassination, you were silent. TAKE A BATH IN IT NOW.
7
Is it hysteria that ran down protesters of the KKK?
Is it hysteria that armed nationalists are terrorizing our cities in broad day light and at night marching with torches?
Was it hysteria that shot and killed worshipers in their church?
Is it hysteria to see a once open, excepting country embrace hate and bigotry?
Should we not be alarmed and worried when all four branches or our Democracy and our free news media are now held by liars, grifters and white supremacist?
This is not "hysteria". This is America as it stands today.
To me this Op reads like propaganda.
Is it hysteria that armed nationalists are terrorizing our cities in broad day light and at night marching with torches?
Was it hysteria that shot and killed worshipers in their church?
Is it hysteria to see a once open, excepting country embrace hate and bigotry?
Should we not be alarmed and worried when all four branches or our Democracy and our free news media are now held by liars, grifters and white supremacist?
This is not "hysteria". This is America as it stands today.
To me this Op reads like propaganda.
20
And so is the lesser-of-two-evils-winner-take-all-two-party-system a threat to democracy oh and the Electoral College too.
4
1st, the Cold War Communist threat was both real and exaggerated. It was exploited to protect US corporate power and profit here and abroad. The Southern Whites pretended the Civil Rights mvmnt was Communist inspired, even while their denial of voting rights to Blacks was similar to a dictatorship.
Today’s Gop warnings against ‘ big govt tyranny’ serve to protect corporate power from fair taxes and govt regulations, and to weaken the influence of we the people on our own govt.
It’s a battle for our democracy since both parties need billions from private wealth to run for office. Dems have to listen to big donors’ limits on policy, while campaigning against Trump/Gop. This is schizophrenic.
But Trump is a dangerous, nasty authoritarian, who stepped in to exploit our downward mobility. It’s frustrating that NYT columnists use their space to mostly bash Trump---such easy work. We need some concrete, constructive advocacy and a wider range of solutions from the media, as we lag other democracies.
But where’s an op ed on reversing Citizens United, so we can unblock our lawmakers, so they can work for us? The one candidate who raised small donations and pushed change to benefit us all was soundly dissed and trashed by the media establishment obviously hostile to him.
We need better than Schumer’s ‘better deal’. We need a New Deal and Great Society of FDR/LBJ. That’s the only way to create the conditions to prevent future Tsar Trumps from taking power.
Today’s Gop warnings against ‘ big govt tyranny’ serve to protect corporate power from fair taxes and govt regulations, and to weaken the influence of we the people on our own govt.
It’s a battle for our democracy since both parties need billions from private wealth to run for office. Dems have to listen to big donors’ limits on policy, while campaigning against Trump/Gop. This is schizophrenic.
But Trump is a dangerous, nasty authoritarian, who stepped in to exploit our downward mobility. It’s frustrating that NYT columnists use their space to mostly bash Trump---such easy work. We need some concrete, constructive advocacy and a wider range of solutions from the media, as we lag other democracies.
But where’s an op ed on reversing Citizens United, so we can unblock our lawmakers, so they can work for us? The one candidate who raised small donations and pushed change to benefit us all was soundly dissed and trashed by the media establishment obviously hostile to him.
We need better than Schumer’s ‘better deal’. We need a New Deal and Great Society of FDR/LBJ. That’s the only way to create the conditions to prevent future Tsar Trumps from taking power.
9
One can dismiss this article as drivel when the authors claim without irony that Trump was "democratically elected".
For scholars to make such a sloppy mistake is inexcusable. But it is telling, and warns readers of the level of indoctrination and lack of critical ability on display here.
The effort to equate anti-Trumpism with anti-communism would have embarrassed even the most shameless soviet propaganda agency.
And there is no conflict whatsoever between anti-Trumpism and social progressivism. In fact the two are inseparable.
Every tyrannical take-over has its scholars who are only too willing to defend the tyrant or claim the he isn't really a tyrant and we don't have to worry.
Scholars - especially the ones at the "good school" - generally have a keen sense for the powerful and are eager to perform their function as defenders of those in power.
They engage in what Tim Snyder calls "obeying in advance" - the sine qua non of tyrannical take-overs.
And that's all we have here.
For scholars to make such a sloppy mistake is inexcusable. But it is telling, and warns readers of the level of indoctrination and lack of critical ability on display here.
The effort to equate anti-Trumpism with anti-communism would have embarrassed even the most shameless soviet propaganda agency.
And there is no conflict whatsoever between anti-Trumpism and social progressivism. In fact the two are inseparable.
Every tyrannical take-over has its scholars who are only too willing to defend the tyrant or claim the he isn't really a tyrant and we don't have to worry.
Scholars - especially the ones at the "good school" - generally have a keen sense for the powerful and are eager to perform their function as defenders of those in power.
They engage in what Tim Snyder calls "obeying in advance" - the sine qua non of tyrannical take-overs.
And that's all we have here.
14
Fascinating that this pro-Trump nonsense was printed at a time when Trump can't even unequivocally condemn violence by his White Supremacist supporters which has resulted in one death and scores of injuries. Trump is not only a threat to our democracy, he is a threat to democracies around the world with his support for such authoritarian leaders like Duterte of the Philippines and his lack of self control as demonstrated by his statements about North Korea.
The NYT keeps going out of its way to defend Trump which makes absolutely no sense.
The NYT keeps going out of its way to defend Trump which makes absolutely no sense.
13
I think these two historians have missed the main point of the Donald Trump presidency. Donald Trump doesn't care about social issues, nor do his most of his voters.
Donald Trump and his voters want jobs that let them earn enough to pay for their own health care, to buy a house, to send their children to college or give them a start in a job, and to save for retirement. That's what used to make America great. That's what people want again.
Did some get left out before? Blacks? Women? Of course. And no one is saying that they should be left out again.
Is this dream a pipe dream? Maybe. But that is what Donald Trump is focused on. He hasn't colluded with Russia. He doesn't worry about who is using what toilet. He doesn't plan on an imperial presidency. He won't try to be the leader of the free world.
He wants to focus on jobs and wages. On letting people live their own lives without being dependent on the government and without government running their lives for them.
Too bad so many people refuse to let him do it.
Donald Trump and his voters want jobs that let them earn enough to pay for their own health care, to buy a house, to send their children to college or give them a start in a job, and to save for retirement. That's what used to make America great. That's what people want again.
Did some get left out before? Blacks? Women? Of course. And no one is saying that they should be left out again.
Is this dream a pipe dream? Maybe. But that is what Donald Trump is focused on. He hasn't colluded with Russia. He doesn't worry about who is using what toilet. He doesn't plan on an imperial presidency. He won't try to be the leader of the free world.
He wants to focus on jobs and wages. On letting people live their own lives without being dependent on the government and without government running their lives for them.
Too bad so many people refuse to let him do it.
5
The real message of this piece is absolutely accurate: a return to Clintonism and a continued focus on Russian meddling is unhelpful for the Dems and very bad for the country.
4
Even if our president's unprecedented lack of experience and cruel and unusual temperament were not enough to alarm, the fact is that a president sets the tone for a nation.
Look at what that's done. Nazis in Charlottesville, bullies on the increase in schools, becoming a pariah to our international allies. Whether he will become the threat to our republic he appears to be is still up in the air and up to the Republicans in Congress now. How much of a republic will be left after 4 years of this?
Look at what that's done. Nazis in Charlottesville, bullies on the increase in schools, becoming a pariah to our international allies. Whether he will become the threat to our republic he appears to be is still up in the air and up to the Republicans in Congress now. How much of a republic will be left after 4 years of this?
4
In reading this, one might never imagine that a small group of rich families have most of the Republican politicians on their payroll, and that Trump suits their purposes admirably.
Follow the money. The real threat to our democracy is an unchecked oligarchy, supported by an ignorant and deluded mob.
Follow the money. The real threat to our democracy is an unchecked oligarchy, supported by an ignorant and deluded mob.
10
I have read that Donald was beaten in military boarding school. That would mess you up. I have also read that his father said he was a king who could get whatever he wanted. If true, it explains many of his limitations.
1
I only need a simple rebuttal to the authors' claim of "Tyrannophobia":
Charlottesville 8-12-17.
Empowered by Trump, and shockingly similar to Mussolini's Black Shirts and Hitler's Brown Shirts, KKK, neo-Nazis, and other racist groups came to this quiet university town with the sole aim of causing trouble and striking fear in the hearts of Liberals.
They came armed and armored, with semi-automatic pistols, bandoliers of loaded magazines, assault rifles, bullet-proof vests, helmets (many WWII nazi-style), shields, pepper spray, and clubs.
Following the Nazi tradition they started with an aggressive night-time torchlight parade the same night after this opinion piece was published in the morning.
The next day, a gang of them organized themselves in a line, with their shields and helmets, and charged a group of older, anti-fascist protesters, beginning the siege of violence.
It culminated when, after the police had dispersed most of the white racists, when one of them, all the way from Ohio, deliberately raced his car into a crowd of the anti-s, killing one woman and injuring 19 others. He may well be charged with terrorism.
Reality has proven the authors completely wrong.
Being afraid of tyranny, of nazi-style young street thugs deliberately fomenting violence for their fascist hero, isn't a phobia.
It's a mark of patriotism to oppose the violent movement to end democracy and equality in our nation.
8-12-17 demolished the authors' argument. Fact trumps opinion.
Charlottesville 8-12-17.
Empowered by Trump, and shockingly similar to Mussolini's Black Shirts and Hitler's Brown Shirts, KKK, neo-Nazis, and other racist groups came to this quiet university town with the sole aim of causing trouble and striking fear in the hearts of Liberals.
They came armed and armored, with semi-automatic pistols, bandoliers of loaded magazines, assault rifles, bullet-proof vests, helmets (many WWII nazi-style), shields, pepper spray, and clubs.
Following the Nazi tradition they started with an aggressive night-time torchlight parade the same night after this opinion piece was published in the morning.
The next day, a gang of them organized themselves in a line, with their shields and helmets, and charged a group of older, anti-fascist protesters, beginning the siege of violence.
It culminated when, after the police had dispersed most of the white racists, when one of them, all the way from Ohio, deliberately raced his car into a crowd of the anti-s, killing one woman and injuring 19 others. He may well be charged with terrorism.
Reality has proven the authors completely wrong.
Being afraid of tyranny, of nazi-style young street thugs deliberately fomenting violence for their fascist hero, isn't a phobia.
It's a mark of patriotism to oppose the violent movement to end democracy and equality in our nation.
8-12-17 demolished the authors' argument. Fact trumps opinion.
21
By chance, the timing of this op-ed's publication belies its underlying assumption that there is nothing seriously amiss with this administration. And while it it likely true that some of the policies the administration has adopted would have been adopted by other Republicans I defy the authors to identify a previous Republican administration that appointed so many cabinet secretaries dedicated to undermining everything that preceded it's tenure including the establishment of the department itself. Nor a president so ignorant and impulsive.
21
Matt says, "...democracy did not put Mr. Trump in power. The Electoral College did. Democracy, that is the majority vote of the people, was overridden and defeated. And that is a significant part of the problem."
As a number of commenters pointed out, the Electoral College was written into the original Constitution of the United States in 1776. It has been changed some since but is still an integral part of our electoral system. It could just help us get rid of The Con Don and his operatives in Congress. How, you say?
Here is something the Electoral College article in Wikipedia says about repressing votes: "If any State shall exclude any of her adult male citizens from the elective franchise, or abridge that right, she shall forfeit her right to representation in the same proportion." This was written in the 1800s and in today's America it would refer to any person qualified to vote. Since all the states trying to suppress voter rights are in the south WE must demand that they lose representation in OUR United States House of Representatives. Let's put them in their place, which is OUT of OUR government.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_(United_States)#Original...
As a number of commenters pointed out, the Electoral College was written into the original Constitution of the United States in 1776. It has been changed some since but is still an integral part of our electoral system. It could just help us get rid of The Con Don and his operatives in Congress. How, you say?
Here is something the Electoral College article in Wikipedia says about repressing votes: "If any State shall exclude any of her adult male citizens from the elective franchise, or abridge that right, she shall forfeit her right to representation in the same proportion." This was written in the 1800s and in today's America it would refer to any person qualified to vote. Since all the states trying to suppress voter rights are in the south WE must demand that they lose representation in OUR United States House of Representatives. Let's put them in their place, which is OUT of OUR government.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_(United_States)#Original...
15
The anticommunism of the 1950s finds its current counterpart in St. Ronnie's belief that government was the problem, a belief Trump is implementing by not filling many government positions. The anticommunism was a cover and justification for antilabor and racist policies that left the working class to be preyed on by the more affluent. The hysteria that threatens our democracy is the hysteria that saw Obama as the embodiment of evil, Bill Clinton as the embodiment of immorality, and Hillary as the embodiment of privileged lawbreaking. The counterhysteria about this hysteria is basically healthy, because until this hysteria is banished or shrunk, addressing the country's real problems will be impossible. No-drama Obama fought the hysteria by remaining above it, but this strategy was not very successful
The sort of levelheadedness that can tackle complex technical problems as complex technical problems with inevitable tradeoffs to be negotiated, must somehow prevail, and the most realistic path to it is Democratic supermajorities, the sort we see in California. When Republicans were Democrats lite, they provided a useful counterbalance and the system worked. But they decided to instead live in an alternate reality, a reality in which winning elections by making rational discussion impossible does not have bad results.
The sort of levelheadedness that can tackle complex technical problems as complex technical problems with inevitable tradeoffs to be negotiated, must somehow prevail, and the most realistic path to it is Democratic supermajorities, the sort we see in California. When Republicans were Democrats lite, they provided a useful counterbalance and the system worked. But they decided to instead live in an alternate reality, a reality in which winning elections by making rational discussion impossible does not have bad results.
8
After 3 full paragraphs recounting just some of the ways that the Trump administration poses a real threat to democracy, the authors inexplicably dismiss all attempts to defend our democracy as born out of "paranoia." They then attack a resistance movement that is solely concerned with democracy and ignores social justice -- an obvious straw man, set up to hide the authors' implied view that democracy is not essential to social justice.
When it comes to democratic values, the problem is not too many people rushing to their defense. It's that so few of us even believe in them.
When it comes to democratic values, the problem is not too many people rushing to their defense. It's that so few of us even believe in them.
13
Since Trump was elected by enough of the voters to get enough votes from the Electoral college Americans are a threat to their own democracy. We don't want to fund the government so it can do its job on our behalf. We don't want certain people to receive too much assistance. We don't want to have our children learning about evolution, or reproduction, or how to be critical thinkers. We don't want to pay as much in taxes as Europeans do because we just don't. But we don't look at what they get in return for their taxes. They have access to decent medical care, daycare for children and seniors, better roads and infrastructure, more people who are middle class than we do. But being Americans we don't want to pay for that. We'd rather have a group of bigoted, selfish white men running the show. And we'd rather accuse immigrants, legal or otherwise, of ruining the country. They aren't, we're doing it all by ourselves.
If we want a better country we have to make better choices with respect to our elected officials. That requires paying attention to more than just slogans like "Make America Great Again". If we want a functional government that works on our behalf we must pay attention to who is sponsoring the candidates, what they do once in office, how many outright lies they tell while running for office, and if they have a grasp of the important issues. Trump and the clowns heading up the GOP do not. Hillary Clinton did.
If we want a better country we have to make better choices with respect to our elected officials. That requires paying attention to more than just slogans like "Make America Great Again". If we want a functional government that works on our behalf we must pay attention to who is sponsoring the candidates, what they do once in office, how many outright lies they tell while running for office, and if they have a grasp of the important issues. Trump and the clowns heading up the GOP do not. Hillary Clinton did.
12
I agree with Mr. Moyn and Mr. Priestland. Trump is a symptom. But I fear the underlying disease is much more severe than they indicate.
Am I being hysterical when I ask: Were U.S. citizens, even before the disaster that is Trump, already enmeshed within a system of competitive authoritarian rule?
Competitive authoritarianism is:
~a polarized system in which the two major parties compete for donor dollars and base support and, when in power, impose the policies favored by donors and base on the citizenry as a whole;
~a system wherein the trappings of democracy remain in place, but in which democratic norms are undermined and democratic institutions, primarily through the influence of money in politics, are severely weakened;
~a system wherein government officials, in unprecedented ways, abuse state power to aid their allies and disadvantage their adversaries;
~a system in which the considered preferences of the majority of citizens are ignored and abuses of power go well beyond those associated with traditional patronage.
Far too many American politicians seem to recognize but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of myself, my party, its base and its donors—justifies the means. Too many citizens now rightly or wrongly believe: Since no governmental institution is bigger than the greed and lust for power that drives the person in charge, no institution is to be trusted
Am I being hysterical when I ask: Were U.S. citizens, even before the disaster that is Trump, already enmeshed within a system of competitive authoritarian rule?
Competitive authoritarianism is:
~a polarized system in which the two major parties compete for donor dollars and base support and, when in power, impose the policies favored by donors and base on the citizenry as a whole;
~a system wherein the trappings of democracy remain in place, but in which democratic norms are undermined and democratic institutions, primarily through the influence of money in politics, are severely weakened;
~a system wherein government officials, in unprecedented ways, abuse state power to aid their allies and disadvantage their adversaries;
~a system in which the considered preferences of the majority of citizens are ignored and abuses of power go well beyond those associated with traditional patronage.
Far too many American politicians seem to recognize but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of myself, my party, its base and its donors—justifies the means. Too many citizens now rightly or wrongly believe: Since no governmental institution is bigger than the greed and lust for power that drives the person in charge, no institution is to be trusted
12
Perhaps useful to note re "competitive authoritarianism" the similarities between Venezuela's current circumstances and ours. At the moment our economy is not in the shambles that Venezuela's is but the political similarities are disturbing.
6
The moment we let down our guard and stop defending our democracy is the moment that we lose I it. Trump is a threat. Putin is a threat. Thanks but I choose to remain vigilant.
21
Although this sounds reasonable, the authors don't appear to be paying any attention to what is really happening to Democratic strongholds in red states. Gerrymandering cities to break up their voting power robs citizens of their right to representation. Every Democrat in Texas knows what I am talking about. Almost none of us have anyone in Congress or the state legislature to represent our views and opinions.
Additionally, red state legislatures, which love to bellow about "local control," when it comes to the federal government, are hypocrites when cities try to exert "local control" to free themselves of tyrannical state legislatures' lawmaking. Nobody in Texas with an ounce of sense wants to pass a theocracy-based bathroom, but the theocrats have been manipulating local elections for decades now, so that it's next to impossible to challenge any seat. And if you think that these theocrats aren't tyrannical, you haven't been paying attention to the myriad undemocratic pieces of legislation they often succeed in passing. Voter suppression is alive and well in Texas and elsewhere in the South and Midwest.
Additionally, red state legislatures, which love to bellow about "local control," when it comes to the federal government, are hypocrites when cities try to exert "local control" to free themselves of tyrannical state legislatures' lawmaking. Nobody in Texas with an ounce of sense wants to pass a theocracy-based bathroom, but the theocrats have been manipulating local elections for decades now, so that it's next to impossible to challenge any seat. And if you think that these theocrats aren't tyrannical, you haven't been paying attention to the myriad undemocratic pieces of legislation they often succeed in passing. Voter suppression is alive and well in Texas and elsewhere in the South and Midwest.
9
Try being, like me, a white male Republican in San Francisco and you will see the other side of the fence.
3
Democracy is in danger of being lost, not to the buffoon occupant of the White House, although certainly he possesses autocratic tendencies that have the adolescent quality of egomaniac. Democracy may already be doomed by the ascendance of conservative oligarchs, the Mercers, Kochs, DeVosses and other energy and chemical industry billionaires who have used tax-free trusts to fund a strategy to transform the conservatism of the John Birch Society into mainstream GOP politics. It was Mercer and Steve Bannon who picked the CelebrityPresident candidate as the perfect pawn to capture the White House and poured the billionaire funds into the white supremacist alt-right conservative media campaign of falsehoods, fake news and conspiracy theories that now play across our daily landscape. The party stalwart came on board when they realized that Trump could carry out their agenda; no taxation, no regulation, no government except to increase their wealth through as lucrative government contracts they could garner.
The Koch cabal funded the Citizens United Supreme Court decision and other subsequent ones to allow unlimited campaign financing through superPACs and special interest contributors that far exceeds any political slouch monies in the past; literally trillions of dollars to bring us government by special interests at all levels, from state legislatures to the President. They diluted people into thinking government and minorities makes their lives miserable not corporations.
The Koch cabal funded the Citizens United Supreme Court decision and other subsequent ones to allow unlimited campaign financing through superPACs and special interest contributors that far exceeds any political slouch monies in the past; literally trillions of dollars to bring us government by special interests at all levels, from state legislatures to the President. They diluted people into thinking government and minorities makes their lives miserable not corporations.
7
Does anyone remember that Obama had had a billion to spend in 2012? Does anyone think it was given by a more altruistic set of billionaires? Well actually it seems that all liberal Democrats do. How about that?
7
While it may be wise to curb the hysteria, economic inequality and injustice have led us to this moment of democratic crisis. We might not have an ignoramus president acting was if he is king if our country was better educated, civically involved and less stratified. With so much of the public living paycheck to paycheck, adults have little to no time for civic awareness and involvement. So, power is dangerously concentrated among the very wealthy, and in that reality, democracy fails because it is bought off. Our unfolding history is not all Trump's fault, but it is magical thinking to deny he takes full advantage of the now institutionalized imbalance of power threatening democracy, and us all.
6
It must be comforting to convince oneself that Trump poses no threat to democracy - comforting, but not realistic.
Democracy hinges above all on fair elections, and Trump did not win a fair election - he was abetted by Putin's Russia, whether decisively or not, and it remains to be seen whether anything will be done to prevent a repeat performance.
Trump has tolerated, and even promoted, unequal treatment of our citizens who are not white and Christian. Trump and his Alt Right followers will do what it takes to ensure that American power does not follow American demographics into "majority minority" status.
It is no comfort that judges appointed by previous presidents have for now partially frustrated Trump's Muslim ban. It remains to be seen how the ban will fare in the Supreme Court, in which for the first time a Trump appointee, Neil Gorsuch, will sit in review of it. Trump has already appointed a substantial share of the federal judiciary, and it remains to be seen whether his appointees will side with American constitutional traditions against Trump's bigotry.
Voter suppression initiatives and racial and partisan gerrymandering have been partly blocked by pre-Trump federal judges. But there is no guarantee that Trump appointees will continue even partial protection of constitutional equality in these areas.
When gun rights enjoy more rigorous legal protection than voting rights, fear for democracy is hardly unjustified.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
Democracy hinges above all on fair elections, and Trump did not win a fair election - he was abetted by Putin's Russia, whether decisively or not, and it remains to be seen whether anything will be done to prevent a repeat performance.
Trump has tolerated, and even promoted, unequal treatment of our citizens who are not white and Christian. Trump and his Alt Right followers will do what it takes to ensure that American power does not follow American demographics into "majority minority" status.
It is no comfort that judges appointed by previous presidents have for now partially frustrated Trump's Muslim ban. It remains to be seen how the ban will fare in the Supreme Court, in which for the first time a Trump appointee, Neil Gorsuch, will sit in review of it. Trump has already appointed a substantial share of the federal judiciary, and it remains to be seen whether his appointees will side with American constitutional traditions against Trump's bigotry.
Voter suppression initiatives and racial and partisan gerrymandering have been partly blocked by pre-Trump federal judges. But there is no guarantee that Trump appointees will continue even partial protection of constitutional equality in these areas.
When gun rights enjoy more rigorous legal protection than voting rights, fear for democracy is hardly unjustified.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
18
School is starting, and violent extremists on the right and left flock to Charlottesville and Berkeley. Trump, who openly and repeatedly admires ruthless dictators, including his ally Vladimir Putin, stands to make hay on the ensuing bloodshed. Violent chaos predictably will lead to governmental repression. It also may well inspire our Supreme Court, steadfast defender of corporate free speech, to approve the repression of political free speech.
Inequality and the abandonment of our society's commitments to clean air and clean water are important issues. But so is our democracy. Without vigilance, we will lose our civil liberties, and without those liberties, safeguarding justice will be impossible.
Inequality and the abandonment of our society's commitments to clean air and clean water are important issues. But so is our democracy. Without vigilance, we will lose our civil liberties, and without those liberties, safeguarding justice will be impossible.
10
I agree that Donald Trump is a symptom of class resentment. There must be a way for people to understand how they fit into the world, and to find happiness with it.
A mandatory national service corps could be useful. In addition to being a way for people to met others of all classes it would also serve to delay the time when students enter vocational training or college.
Some extra time right when they need it to consider their choice for a lifelong pursuit while being exposed to the children of mechanics, doctors, coders and plumbers would be an investment in a society where people better understand their own paths and how they fit in to the larger picture.
As the authors of the piece indicate, a more content and less resentful populous should make better decisions at the polls.
A mandatory national service corps could be useful. In addition to being a way for people to met others of all classes it would also serve to delay the time when students enter vocational training or college.
Some extra time right when they need it to consider their choice for a lifelong pursuit while being exposed to the children of mechanics, doctors, coders and plumbers would be an investment in a society where people better understand their own paths and how they fit in to the larger picture.
As the authors of the piece indicate, a more content and less resentful populous should make better decisions at the polls.
4
i find the hysteria is in the article itself, desperately trying to rationalize and normalize a man who breaks any idea of "normal", never mind "normal President of the United States".
Just because you can write something on a piece of paper does not mean it relates to the discussion at hand, which is Trump's obvious, total, incapacitating incompetence on every administrative level.
Just because you can write something on a piece of paper does not mean it relates to the discussion at hand, which is Trump's obvious, total, incapacitating incompetence on every administrative level.
18
Democracy did not put Trump in power. A vicious, racist, xenophobic mob put him in power. As I write this, the governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency, precisely because of this hatred unleashed.
It's interesting that the only people who believe many of us are over-reacting to the Trump presidency are white males. Of course they don't perceive the threat, as they will never be its victims. Simply focusing on Trump as an individual diminishes the very real threat to many of us -- Americans who are religious or ethnic minorities. His tens of millions of supporters would gladly see us put into camps. And the tens of millions of others? Those supposedly decent people? Will they speak out for us? If history is any guide, the answer is "no".
Although I'm a native-born American, I have Middle Eastern (albeit Christian) ancestry. My grandparents survived the Armenian genocide. My spouse's parents and grandparents were Holocaust survivors. We know exactly what we're seeing in this country. We're among the extremely fortunate few who have recently found a home outside the U.S., where we'll be much safer.
But spare me, Mr. Moyn and Mr. Priestland, your assertions that "the sky is not falling and no lights are flashing red." For many millions of us, the alarm sounded on November 9, 2016, and it has only grown louder.
It's interesting that the only people who believe many of us are over-reacting to the Trump presidency are white males. Of course they don't perceive the threat, as they will never be its victims. Simply focusing on Trump as an individual diminishes the very real threat to many of us -- Americans who are religious or ethnic minorities. His tens of millions of supporters would gladly see us put into camps. And the tens of millions of others? Those supposedly decent people? Will they speak out for us? If history is any guide, the answer is "no".
Although I'm a native-born American, I have Middle Eastern (albeit Christian) ancestry. My grandparents survived the Armenian genocide. My spouse's parents and grandparents were Holocaust survivors. We know exactly what we're seeing in this country. We're among the extremely fortunate few who have recently found a home outside the U.S., where we'll be much safer.
But spare me, Mr. Moyn and Mr. Priestland, your assertions that "the sky is not falling and no lights are flashing red." For many millions of us, the alarm sounded on November 9, 2016, and it has only grown louder.
24
"The menace the commander in chief poses to the world, as his impulsive warning to North Korea suggested, may be another matter. " Well, yes. Remember Hitler? Was he a tyrant? Yes. Was it foolish to fear him? No. DT, is he a tyrant? Yes. Is it foolish to fear him? No. Could Hitler and DT both the called crazy? Yes. Maybe our fear is of crazy men instead of tyrants. Expecially crazy men with nuclear weapons in their pockets ("Mine is bigger than yours")
12
If he stops saying stupid stuff, hysteria will go down. It's basic cause and effect.
10
I remember when Dow Chemical, Monsanto and other chemical companies recruited a few gullible enviro groups to join in an urgent media campaign against "Chemophobia," the "irrational fear of chemicals[!]"
This came as the EPA was considering restrictions on toxic chemicals used in consumer products. Previously a chemical leak at a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, killed between 3,800 to 15,000 (India's official estimate), the worst industrial accident in history.
The environmental groups swallowed Chemophobia hook, line & sinker, and eagerly pimped their credibility to the industry's propaganda. (Hefty corporate donations were unrelated.)
The Chemophobia campaign was the template for a tidal wave of corporate disinformation that followed.
You need blackout shades to miss the bright red thread that runs from Chemophobia all the way to Tyrannophobia. Blame the victim, whitewash the villains, and spin fog.
It's not lost on Moyn and Priestland that inventing a fake phobia can be highly lucrative. Dozen of academics lusting wealth over truth are eagerly pursued by industry to serve as shills for a highly paid speech or two and a consulting contract.
In other words, this is a commercial for two academics eager to cash in on the Dark Money/Trump Nation bonanza and the Alt-right talk circuit.
As for their "tyrannophobia" thesis, I'm genuinely embarrassed for their academic colleagues at Yale and Oxford.
The King of Dinosaurs should sue for defamation.
This came as the EPA was considering restrictions on toxic chemicals used in consumer products. Previously a chemical leak at a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, killed between 3,800 to 15,000 (India's official estimate), the worst industrial accident in history.
The environmental groups swallowed Chemophobia hook, line & sinker, and eagerly pimped their credibility to the industry's propaganda. (Hefty corporate donations were unrelated.)
The Chemophobia campaign was the template for a tidal wave of corporate disinformation that followed.
You need blackout shades to miss the bright red thread that runs from Chemophobia all the way to Tyrannophobia. Blame the victim, whitewash the villains, and spin fog.
It's not lost on Moyn and Priestland that inventing a fake phobia can be highly lucrative. Dozen of academics lusting wealth over truth are eagerly pursued by industry to serve as shills for a highly paid speech or two and a consulting contract.
In other words, this is a commercial for two academics eager to cash in on the Dark Money/Trump Nation bonanza and the Alt-right talk circuit.
As for their "tyrannophobia" thesis, I'm genuinely embarrassed for their academic colleagues at Yale and Oxford.
The King of Dinosaurs should sue for defamation.
8
This is a blatant attempt of normalization a fascist take over, that will become irreversible if the military begins to absorb the Trump indoctrination / intweeteration. Exhibit a how that might happen: Turkey under Erdogan.
12
Some of us think it already happened.
5
"Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law, could prove self-defeating."
Only geniuses from Yale and Oxford could produce that sentence. Let's make sure not to focus on the rule of law or basic freedoms that the country was founded on! Had only Moyn and Priestland been present in 1776 to bestow their wisdom to the Founders: "George, Tom, listen, guys, aren't you getting carried away with this protection of individual rights thing?" Their treatise again shows that a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Likewise, academics trying to make their mark with nuance and nonsense is truly irritating.
Only geniuses from Yale and Oxford could produce that sentence. Let's make sure not to focus on the rule of law or basic freedoms that the country was founded on! Had only Moyn and Priestland been present in 1776 to bestow their wisdom to the Founders: "George, Tom, listen, guys, aren't you getting carried away with this protection of individual rights thing?" Their treatise again shows that a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Likewise, academics trying to make their mark with nuance and nonsense is truly irritating.
13
By the way, how dare these men compare the current movement to defend democracy with McCarthyism and red-baiting? Are they not professors of history? Which history are they studying? McCarthyism was an earlier upswell of authoritarianism, and it's no coincidence that the same man, Roy Cohn, closely supported both McCarthy and Trump. The more I think about it, the more dismayed I am that the Times chose to give this blindered piece of rubbish the light of day.
13
NYT, Wilsons comment should be your "Pick".
2
It's a lot easier for progressive leftists to blame everything on Russian conspiracies and to hate rural whites -- many of whom were lifelong Democrats who in desperation voted for Trump tilting the Electoral College towards him as they saw the Democratic Party ignore the collapse of their local economies, the devastation of opioid abuse as these areas lost hope while the Democratic Party seemed to morph into the party of the Hamptons and Palo Alto crowd, more concerned with transgender bathroom rights than the needs the rural working classes -- than to blame itself for nominating their own shady character as their candidate and the blindness created by its own prejudices and echo chambers.
6
Tyrannophobia is all the Democrats have. Please don't make them give that up too...
7
Based upon the overall tone of comments it appears that Democrats are no better off now than they were the day after the election. Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump. I'll guess that it is because it is more of an emotional reaction than anything, one that that was evidently traumatic. It appears to be difficult to accept the notion that not only did they lose, but lost to Trump. In their mind no rational reason can explain it, it can only be due to the Russians, the FBI, gerrymandering (even though it has no impact in Presidential elections except in two states), the Electoral College (even though there have been no changes since the 1880s), everything except political incompetence. Most don't acknowledge the decade long losing streak where almost 1000 state seats, 27 state chambers, the House, Senate, and as a result of everything else the Supreme Court was also lost. The long losing streak is a much greater worry as the country needs a two party system, but instead it is Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump.
This is a classic monkey trap; tie a coconut to a stake, put a hole in the coconut just big enough for monkey to slip his paw in, and visibly put a peanut in the coconut. The monkey will grab the peanut and his clinched fist traps him. Instead of developing a better ground game, a platform that appeals to a wider portion of the country, Democrats just won’t let go of that peanut.
This is a classic monkey trap; tie a coconut to a stake, put a hole in the coconut just big enough for monkey to slip his paw in, and visibly put a peanut in the coconut. The monkey will grab the peanut and his clinched fist traps him. Instead of developing a better ground game, a platform that appeals to a wider portion of the country, Democrats just won’t let go of that peanut.
8
It seems to me that you are the one holding onto the peanut, in the sense that you cannot grasp that none of this is normal, and that your right to live as the citizen of a free country is actually at risk. You have a lot of company.
4
Clearly Trump IS the danger factor. In every aspect of his life, he acts impulsively and insulated from any influence, seeking conflict as a way of getting attention--what he craves most. It's him, not us...or the rest of the world. We really did elect a nut case.
9
The media creates hysteria to sell papers.
6
The authors make the valid point that we need to understand how Donald Trump was elected so we can make sure nothing like it happens again. That’s the duty of both parties.
But their clarion call for complacency is absurd. Donald Trump lies as easily as he breathes, and labels scrutiny from legitimate media “fake news.” That’s not dangerous? He has attacked the Judiciary, Congress, and minorities.
Let’s hope the authors are right, and our democracy can withstand Donald Trump. But why err on the side of complacency? Can’t we be vigilant and also focus on producing better candidates and platforms in upcoming elections? As Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
To label concerns about Trump “tyrannophobia” and “hysteria” is the kind of name calling that Trump himself might use to shut down those who dared question him. Those are amateur and misguided diagnoses that don’t convince, they attempt to stifle dissent. That’s Donald Trump’s method of operation.
But their clarion call for complacency is absurd. Donald Trump lies as easily as he breathes, and labels scrutiny from legitimate media “fake news.” That’s not dangerous? He has attacked the Judiciary, Congress, and minorities.
Let’s hope the authors are right, and our democracy can withstand Donald Trump. But why err on the side of complacency? Can’t we be vigilant and also focus on producing better candidates and platforms in upcoming elections? As Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
To label concerns about Trump “tyrannophobia” and “hysteria” is the kind of name calling that Trump himself might use to shut down those who dared question him. Those are amateur and misguided diagnoses that don’t convince, they attempt to stifle dissent. That’s Donald Trump’s method of operation.
9
This entire article is a pathetic attempt at presenting a reasonable explanation for the undermining of democracy. A response and concern to attacks on the judiciary, the intelligence community, climate, the free press, gerrymandering and voter suppression is NOT hysteria. It is something that should not be discarded as an overreaching liberal position but an unacceptable reality. The authors make no real reference to the Republican Party being hijacked by a minority within or the pattern of incompetence and inconsistency that comes from the White House. These people are detached from factual data and events and try to explain away their positions by beginning each White House press briefing with the boilerplate answer to any question by falling over themselves to say the "President understands and has been consistent." Those are absolute lies that Joseph Goebbels would be proud of. The president doesn't understand and is not in any way consistent. Under these circumstances, specifically the chaos and absence of any coherent policy by the administration along with attacks and the weakening of democratic institutions the country reveres, there is certainly cause for alarm. Downplaying this situation with a word salad is exactly the wrong response to the events now taking place.
11
These guys profoundly don't get it. Trump himself is not the threat. Instead it's anti-democratic animus on the part of millions of people who support Trump and leaders like him throughout the world. That, and a right-wing disinformation machine undermines respect for evidence-based discourse and isn't going away. So, thanks for playing, Professors. Let's hope you wake up soon, so that you can help, rather than hinder the defense of democracy.
10
This is a poor piece of mandarin self importance. But it's better than the threadbare racism shouted out by illa in the wsj where he specifically attacks black prople and abuses them for being killed by police.
4
It seems the authors failed to impress the vast majority of NYT readers. But their point about the underlying cause of the Trump ascendancy is unmistakably correct, and it will require a great deal of time, energy and well-focused effort to correct the problem. Hopefully people will ponder this matter for some time!
1
Professors Moyn and Priestland offer exactly the sort of normalization that critics of Trump feared from the beginning. After only 6 months, Trump thanks Putin for reducing the state department workforce in Russia because it will save money - a stunning comment from a US president - and the story lasts barely half a day on the front page. Jeff Sessions is dragging us back to the lock 'em up "war on drugs," reviving private prisons and "reviewing" (read: developing a pretext to eliminate) consent decrees with police departments due to excessive use of force and biased policing and reversed DOJ's position in suits against Ohio voter roll purges. Despite near unanimous rejection by both Republican and Democratic state election officials, Trump's Commission on Electoral Integrity is still investigating supposed massive voter fraud in the 2016 election. Just today, The Times reported that EPA director Scott Pruitt is secretly gutting regulations and forcing career employees to generate reports with pre-ordained conclusions with no technical or scientific analysis dictated through verbal orders by political appointees (to avoid a paper trail) and stopping data collection on emissions. Trump has yet to appoint diplomats and is slashing the budget for diplomacy while surrounding himself with Generals.
A phobia is an irrational fear. Perhaps the professors can tell us where the line between irrational and rational fears of Trump is so we'll know when it is crossed.
A phobia is an irrational fear. Perhaps the professors can tell us where the line between irrational and rational fears of Trump is so we'll know when it is crossed.
11
Trump has aligned with right wing leaders throughout the world that ignore human rights when confronted with people who oppose them. See his response to actions in Russia, Turkey, Phillipines . He admires their approach and would like to emulate it at every opportunity. The authors of this article confuse hysteria with being observant. A functioning democracy requires large groups of people to maintain vigilance and resistant to attacks on the foundations of democracy.
6
The underlying argument that Tyranny cannot happen here is wrong. The presence of the Alt-Right inspired people on the Executive staff is chilling at best and dangerous at worst. Add in that the nation has a lot of people who subscribe to the idea that the Constitution and Laws no longer work on their behalf and we have a very serious potential for an attempt to turn the USA into a dictatorship.
Yes, we have constitutional safeguards to prevent such an event but they only work if/when Congress and the courts are willing to confront the Executive Branch. There is also the very real possibility of an armed rebellion if/when Congress and the Courts decide to confront the Executive.
It can happen here.
Yes, we have constitutional safeguards to prevent such an event but they only work if/when Congress and the courts are willing to confront the Executive Branch. There is also the very real possibility of an armed rebellion if/when Congress and the Courts decide to confront the Executive.
It can happen here.
10
When did the founding principle of Rule of Law become a liberal position? My high-school government class taught me this Rule of Law concept was a key part of the US Constitution, and was preceded by the Magna Carta.
12
I agree, but then why is it Democrats who are expressing dissatisfaction with the Constitution? They don't like the Senate, the House with the cap of 435 legislators, the electoral College, because they are losing elections. The more they talk about their dissatisfaction the more they will be branded as a party that doesn’t like the US Constitution. They have enough problems without adding this to their image.
Also, why do so many talk about the problem of our government not providing a direct democracy, when it was specifically designed not to do so? Supposedly they are better educated, but many seemed to have skipped jr. high government class. A lot of dissatisfaction revolves around equal protection afforded in 'one person one vote' rulings, why voters in Alaska have better representation than those in California, but most don’t know that it applies at the state level and not at the federal level, otherwise the Supreme Court would have to rule the Constitution as unconstitutional since across the country it is clear that the Senate and the House don’t provide for equal protection due to population differences.
The US is a federal republic, consisting of states, not a direct democracy. The Constitution was designed to prevent a few large states from ruling the country.
Also, why do so many talk about the problem of our government not providing a direct democracy, when it was specifically designed not to do so? Supposedly they are better educated, but many seemed to have skipped jr. high government class. A lot of dissatisfaction revolves around equal protection afforded in 'one person one vote' rulings, why voters in Alaska have better representation than those in California, but most don’t know that it applies at the state level and not at the federal level, otherwise the Supreme Court would have to rule the Constitution as unconstitutional since across the country it is clear that the Senate and the House don’t provide for equal protection due to population differences.
The US is a federal republic, consisting of states, not a direct democracy. The Constitution was designed to prevent a few large states from ruling the country.
2
Thanks a lot for nothing. These ideas refute the fact that my country is being upended by a bunch of hoodlums, ignoramoses, Caligula like creatures, history re-writers, just plain ignorant mostly men who are trying to change everything I trust and believe in. Remember the Jews in WW II who continued to believe that they could not be subjected to Hitler's means to an end. Remember the famous line that "next they will come for you." These are evil people with no moral foundations. We should all be shaking in our boots. Write something else after the nuclear explosions end.
25
The media and its sensationalism creates the hysteria along with the left.
6
Of course, having an unstable, ignorant man in the White House has nothing to do with it.
9
Who is the brains of the Samuel Moyn and David Priestland outfit? Trick question.
Jeeves, bring me my paper, Professors Bluto and Bean have finally published their piece on the fearsome tyrranaphobia in the New York Times, so these hysterical masses can be led to true safety. What a relief!
"Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law, could prove self-defeating...allowing the real disease to fester".
My how ominous! So much better to embrace the Lying Trump and the"Tax Cuts for the Megadonors" GOP, because those 2 doctors say middle America is the ones who are sick.
Jeeves, bring me my paper, Professors Bluto and Bean have finally published their piece on the fearsome tyrranaphobia in the New York Times, so these hysterical masses can be led to true safety. What a relief!
"Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law, could prove self-defeating...allowing the real disease to fester".
My how ominous! So much better to embrace the Lying Trump and the"Tax Cuts for the Megadonors" GOP, because those 2 doctors say middle America is the ones who are sick.
14
The authors glibly and wrongly lump fear of foreign tyrants with fear of domestic tyrants. Until now we've never had a US Pres who was a demagogue (and a wannabee tyrant). There is much to be worried about ... because a sizable portion of our electorate wants an American tyrant to make them safe and secure. Pathetic and scary. And, no, this is not a democracy. Any system (i.e. Electoral College) that nullifies the one-man=one-vote principal, is not a true democracy.
16
If Electoral College is not democratic, would it be more logical to rally against it, not against Trump? If you want to correct the problem, isn't better to target its root, rather than consequences?
1
The electoral college is not democratic in the sense that it creates a system where some votes are more equal than others...this is a completely separate issue from the danger presented by Trump. If Trump had won the popular vote, those dangers would be the same or worse.
3
Do you want to ban elections?
1
I also don't find the analogy to anti-communism convincing. Communism never won an election. Socialism didn't either; at his peak, Eugene Debs, the most successful socialist politician in US history, only got around 5% of the vote. Right-wing nationalism is clearly a bigger threat to US democracy than communism ever was.
I also don't find the call to expanding the social welfare state convincing. In Europe, the countries with the strongest social welfare states have proven the most vulnerable to right-wing populism. Populist parties across Europe use the welfare state as just another cudgel to attack minorities (let's use the money on our national health system instead!). Our relative lack of a social welfare state may explain why we lack as large of a right-wing populist base and why Trump ultimately had to appeal to more conventional Republicans and enact a less dangerous, more conventionally Republican agenda.
I also don't find the call to expanding the social welfare state convincing. In Europe, the countries with the strongest social welfare states have proven the most vulnerable to right-wing populism. Populist parties across Europe use the welfare state as just another cudgel to attack minorities (let's use the money on our national health system instead!). Our relative lack of a social welfare state may explain why we lack as large of a right-wing populist base and why Trump ultimately had to appeal to more conventional Republicans and enact a less dangerous, more conventionally Republican agenda.
1
I found it's funny that European countries with welfare-fueled tendency to be prone to right-wing influence managed to elect sane leaders, and the US that is protected by lack of welfare from such influence managed to elect Trump. Great logic.
4
Dismissal of the very real concerns regarding intemperate and ill-considered statements by the President of the United States, the presence of unqualified family members with unbounded portfolios of issues, the multiple firings of WH staff, and the presence of people with clear links to white supremacist groups as "hysteria" is simply denial or reality. The actions being taken by most people in the Resistance are well within normal parameters for American democracy (e.g. insisting on public accountability from their elected representatives, or non-violent public protests). Is there intemperate speech out there? Of course! There are NRA reps calling for nuclear strikes on the capital of California, and their are others claiming that a fascist takeover of our government is a fait accompli. In both cases, we risk generating more heat than light.
None of that should take away from the facts that the Trump Administration is taking this country down a path that history shows us can lead to very dark places indeed. In the middle of such events, it isn't possible to know how hard we *really* need to fight. We can only struggle to maintain our democracy and our Republic and hope that our best is sufficient.
None of that should take away from the facts that the Trump Administration is taking this country down a path that history shows us can lead to very dark places indeed. In the middle of such events, it isn't possible to know how hard we *really* need to fight. We can only struggle to maintain our democracy and our Republic and hope that our best is sufficient.
15
It seems that rather than Mr. Trump, Americans should be more concerned as threats to our democracy.. ......our 800 plus foreign military bases, much-referenced "seventeen intelligence agencies" which seem beyond anyone's control and becoming increasingly active in domestic politics, secret robotic drone warfare,
endless conflicts and bombing campaigns.
Also, our corrupt billion-dollar presidential political campaigns.
endless conflicts and bombing campaigns.
Also, our corrupt billion-dollar presidential political campaigns.
4
Wow---my daughter is at Columbia. She is home for the summer and she loves the school---"except." The except in her words, "Brilliant people often lack common sense and/or social insight." I am completely lost with the notion that we should be attending to major problems while putting the distractions of Donald on a back shelf in our psyches.
The connotation of "phobia" is that the psychological threat is shallow
and can be ignored. These guys are wrong: Mitch McConnel and Paul Ryan want to shred the social safety net. The Supreme Court moved right with Citizens United and moved further to the corporatist right with the appointment of the last Justice. The environment is severely threatened
and we are being over-reactive?
No. This is simply the most academically arrogant editorial I have read in this great paper. If it was submitted in the "Comments" section in response to a David Brooks or Thomas Friedman column it would get one or two endorsements and die a quiet death.
The connotation of "phobia" is that the psychological threat is shallow
and can be ignored. These guys are wrong: Mitch McConnel and Paul Ryan want to shred the social safety net. The Supreme Court moved right with Citizens United and moved further to the corporatist right with the appointment of the last Justice. The environment is severely threatened
and we are being over-reactive?
No. This is simply the most academically arrogant editorial I have read in this great paper. If it was submitted in the "Comments" section in response to a David Brooks or Thomas Friedman column it would get one or two endorsements and die a quiet death.
62
So what would be practical solution? To depose the President, to disband the Supreme Court, to ban Republicans from election? Is it your proposal? The authors are completely right, hysteria is in way of the rational thinking of improving well-being of American people. ACA is a bad program for many people (it is improvement compare to past, but is still bad), and now instead of improving the program, all efforts directed to keep it in place and to denounce Republicans. I personally would rather see a well-thought proposal how to improve the health care in this country than constantly hear how bad Republicans are. But I guess, thinking about improvements is too academics
3
How about investigations, indictments, and impeachment?
No billionaire should be able to buy the presidency with dark money, unlimited propaganda, and the covert aid of a hostile foreign government.
No billionaire should be able to buy the presidency with dark money, unlimited propaganda, and the covert aid of a hostile foreign government.
4
Priestland is a progressive who loathes communism but adores the promise of the better, fairer, more just world that it aimed to create. No surprise that The Times repeatedly invites him to share his views. How absurd is it to say that Trump presents no threat to democracy simply because it was democracy that brought him to power? Donald Trump has despotic fantasies. Should a mass-casualty attack occur, security measures that undermine our democracy are expected.
Trump's rhetoric, in that he assails all restraints to the unchecked use of executive power, is itself a threat to democracy, particularly in that it undermines respect for our institutions among his followers and sets a precedent, a path for Trump 2.0 to follow. Some of the fear around Trump is hysterical, of course, but dismissing the threat his personality presents is unwise.
I tire, truly, of the repeated attacks on "markets." Market-based policies are usually, though not always, preferable to the contrary. I care about markets because I understand their importance, and I care about incentives because I understand what people are like. I care about workers, too, because I have a heart. These need not be opposed to one another.
Moyn and Priestland claim it is economic inequality driving rightwing populism. Then why did we see it arise when the economy was on the upswing rather than during the recession? What changed since 2012? Rightwing populism was set off primarily by ISIS, by refugees, by Islamophobia.
Trump's rhetoric, in that he assails all restraints to the unchecked use of executive power, is itself a threat to democracy, particularly in that it undermines respect for our institutions among his followers and sets a precedent, a path for Trump 2.0 to follow. Some of the fear around Trump is hysterical, of course, but dismissing the threat his personality presents is unwise.
I tire, truly, of the repeated attacks on "markets." Market-based policies are usually, though not always, preferable to the contrary. I care about markets because I understand their importance, and I care about incentives because I understand what people are like. I care about workers, too, because I have a heart. These need not be opposed to one another.
Moyn and Priestland claim it is economic inequality driving rightwing populism. Then why did we see it arise when the economy was on the upswing rather than during the recession? What changed since 2012? Rightwing populism was set off primarily by ISIS, by refugees, by Islamophobia.
9
Again I found it funny, when people rally against Trump but yet try to defend the system that allowed Trump to get in the power. So, how do these people propose to safe-guard from Trump in future without changes to the system? And inequality is more obvious in economic upswing, when everybody is talking how great economy is doing, but many people are doing exactly like the recession is still here.
Populist pressure has been building since the recession of 2001. When the housing bubble popped in 2008, it had already reached critical mass. When people heard about the banking fraud, they rejected the establishment approved candidate (Hillary). They almost went for the *most* populist candidate (Edwards) before his character issues sunk his candidacy - and elected Obama.
The 2010 Democratic massacre was due to the realization that populist swing voters had been "had". Obama was no populist. He bailed out the banks, but not the economy. He did the ACA, but let the lobbyists write it. Fear of higher ACA "taxes" they can't afford is indeed a populist response - and not totally unjustified. In 2012 Obama won - no one could have appeared less populist than Romney.
2016 - Obama pushed the TPP, when workers have been outraged for decades about having their jobs literally shipped overseas, or being fired and replaced by lower paid H1b's. Hillary represented *more* of these policies.
Trump was - and is - *hugely* unpopular. His primary victory was a series of rejections of every single establishment approved candidate: Bush - rejected. Rubio - rejected. It wasn't that people like Trump: They are rejecting the status quo.
Bernie Sanders is the most popular politician in the nation right now - another sign of economic populism.
The 2010 Democratic massacre was due to the realization that populist swing voters had been "had". Obama was no populist. He bailed out the banks, but not the economy. He did the ACA, but let the lobbyists write it. Fear of higher ACA "taxes" they can't afford is indeed a populist response - and not totally unjustified. In 2012 Obama won - no one could have appeared less populist than Romney.
2016 - Obama pushed the TPP, when workers have been outraged for decades about having their jobs literally shipped overseas, or being fired and replaced by lower paid H1b's. Hillary represented *more* of these policies.
Trump was - and is - *hugely* unpopular. His primary victory was a series of rejections of every single establishment approved candidate: Bush - rejected. Rubio - rejected. It wasn't that people like Trump: They are rejecting the status quo.
Bernie Sanders is the most popular politician in the nation right now - another sign of economic populism.
5
It is always amusing to me how much people believe in market even although pure market is self destructing system. Left unchecked it naturally leads to monopolies that kills the market, so even to function properly market needs a government. By the way who are supposed to provide incentives to businesses and why? Usually the Government and because the pure market could not solve the problem without additional no-market aid. Market is a tool, that works well in some situations and doesn't work in others, but in any case it requires the Government to operate smoothly.
4
Poorly timed opinion, while the entire world is waiting for the "fire and fury" shoe to drop.
No one is waiting for conspiracy theories to unfold : Tyranny, treason and existential threat are here, today!
Neither is anyone "waiting" to act on important issues. It is not a conspiracy theory to recognise the toxicity of this regime. Adults can both recognise and adapt without your disingenuous "advice" to act, thank you very much.
Stop minimising the entirely unprecedented threat this administration is to American democracy and by extension, the world. It's dishonest and unhelpful in finding solutions that can work.
No one is waiting for conspiracy theories to unfold : Tyranny, treason and existential threat are here, today!
Neither is anyone "waiting" to act on important issues. It is not a conspiracy theory to recognise the toxicity of this regime. Adults can both recognise and adapt without your disingenuous "advice" to act, thank you very much.
Stop minimising the entirely unprecedented threat this administration is to American democracy and by extension, the world. It's dishonest and unhelpful in finding solutions that can work.
7
Sorry, but your sunny optimism about the damage that this administration supposedly CAN'T do, doesn't ring true for me. Trump brings us a new crisis of communication every week. Sometimes, more than 1. He's clearly a narcissist and that means that chaos is the norm, now. It will continue, because that's what narcissists do. Do some research. The number of psychiatrists and people who know these sorts of people have confirmed this several times in the media ever since he began his run for the presidency. The weekly chaos only confirms this. THIS IS THE STUFF TYRANTS ARE MADE OF. You undoubtedly know your history. Being afraid of the damage this man can do is a quite logical reaction. Denying this issue is not.
13
I respectfully disagree. Trump and his accolades such as Bannon, Miller
et al are a direct threat to our democracy. Trump has shown through his comments and tweets to have an empty mind. He does not understand
that the office of POTUS is one of service to the nation. It is not meant to
be a fan club for that individual. Trump's so called foreign policy is based
on a perverse sense of jingoism. His verbal blather regarding NK speaks volumes about his lack of comprehending the world. Furthermore his
obsession with all things Obama reveals a serious mental impediment
to dealing with the duties & responsibilities of his office. Trump has
brought into his administration several individuals whose sole function
is to undermine & dismantle the agencies and cabinet departments to
which they in charge of. The anti-science basis of this administration is
beyond comprehension. To add to all of this is that Trump represents
fear over hope and hate over understanding. I read how his supporters agree
with his bombastic tirades about North Korea. I try to understand why think as they do. Yet I cannot help but ponder are they are so oblivious as to
history or does Trump represent something primal within themselves?
Trump's ascendency to the most powerful office is the result of a 30 +
year effort by various special interest groups to tilt the favored few against
the majority. The systematic dismantling of the progressive agenda has
now reached its zenith.
et al are a direct threat to our democracy. Trump has shown through his comments and tweets to have an empty mind. He does not understand
that the office of POTUS is one of service to the nation. It is not meant to
be a fan club for that individual. Trump's so called foreign policy is based
on a perverse sense of jingoism. His verbal blather regarding NK speaks volumes about his lack of comprehending the world. Furthermore his
obsession with all things Obama reveals a serious mental impediment
to dealing with the duties & responsibilities of his office. Trump has
brought into his administration several individuals whose sole function
is to undermine & dismantle the agencies and cabinet departments to
which they in charge of. The anti-science basis of this administration is
beyond comprehension. To add to all of this is that Trump represents
fear over hope and hate over understanding. I read how his supporters agree
with his bombastic tirades about North Korea. I try to understand why think as they do. Yet I cannot help but ponder are they are so oblivious as to
history or does Trump represent something primal within themselves?
Trump's ascendency to the most powerful office is the result of a 30 +
year effort by various special interest groups to tilt the favored few against
the majority. The systematic dismantling of the progressive agenda has
now reached its zenith.
8
Nonsense.
And to compare current concerns re populist/authoritarian rule to 1950's anti-communist hysteria is frankly, obscene.
And to compare current concerns re populist/authoritarian rule to 1950's anti-communist hysteria is frankly, obscene.
9
This is an extremely careful in worst sense and ambiguous article. It stinks of officialdom, control. Its reading of history seems a tangle of confused, twisting ideas, all too much derived from subtleties of law/business/bureaucracy so that a person reading this is I suppose cured of hysteria just by wondering what the writers are talking about. And of course it's hard to tell if the author's prescription leads to loss of freedoms or not, whether they are actually helping us toward freedom or not.
The authors suggest not potential loss of freedoms but hysteria is the problem, but the way the authors write it appears their hoped for course of economic improvement and safety (as they state in last paragraph) is hopelessly entangled with a baffled citizenry, one that has to parse this law entanglement and official pronouncement after that. It seems the modern world really has no cure for extremes of left and right politics today other than constant increase of technology and bureaucracy and law speak and official propaganda. Control of citizenry, improvement of society, by baffling citizens--paralyzing citizenry in thought and action.
Citizens not so much receiving adequate explanation to calm them, remove hysteria, but rather fed so much law, business, bureaucrat speech that they become calm because they are baffled, cannot possible hope to understand. And that I suppose is the message in full: You cannot hope to understand so remain calm and let us, the experts, handle it.
The authors suggest not potential loss of freedoms but hysteria is the problem, but the way the authors write it appears their hoped for course of economic improvement and safety (as they state in last paragraph) is hopelessly entangled with a baffled citizenry, one that has to parse this law entanglement and official pronouncement after that. It seems the modern world really has no cure for extremes of left and right politics today other than constant increase of technology and bureaucracy and law speak and official propaganda. Control of citizenry, improvement of society, by baffling citizens--paralyzing citizenry in thought and action.
Citizens not so much receiving adequate explanation to calm them, remove hysteria, but rather fed so much law, business, bureaucrat speech that they become calm because they are baffled, cannot possible hope to understand. And that I suppose is the message in full: You cannot hope to understand so remain calm and let us, the experts, handle it.
5
Professors of Oxford and Yale wrote this? The elite is finally waking up to reality. Yes, the status quo represented by the likes of Hillary Clinton was untenable. Hardline economic liberalism gives vast differences in income and wealth distribution that tear society apart. We knew it from history and we see it happening now. NYT had a brilliant graph illustrating it just the other day. That is the real threat. If the democratic system can't solve the problem, people may well look elsewhere in their disappointment.
8
Democracy didn't elect this "president" any more than it's elected any other. The will of the people are not served by the Electoral College. It promotes just exactly what it was designed to guard against.
13
After two presidential appointments courtesy the EC in the last 20 yrs installing candidates unfit for the office, one would think there would be a massive effort at amending this flaw---yes, flaw in the Constitution. And....crickets. Given that, we should, at the very least, be getting "hysterical" regarding our own inaction.
7
Tell that to people who know climate change is real and want to get jobs going by converting to clean renewable energy, because our hospitable planet is being poisoned.
Tell that people of color, people who worship differently, women, those who need health care, immigrants and their children, gay people, and just about anyone who cares about anyone but the most wealthy and exploitation.
Tell that to Europe, to eastern Asia, to Cuba, to the victims of the dictators Trump loves.
No. He is a monster, and he is encouraging us all to become less human. He and his people are distorting religion to exclude and hurt and exploit.
I'd love to have a few days without Trump, but in order to do that, Trump has to stop being a monstrous threat to humanity itself. His enablers need to stop thinking they can use him to turn our planet to ashes.
Tell that to all Trump's victims over his lifetime.
Yes, we need other news. But that news is
Tell that people of color, people who worship differently, women, those who need health care, immigrants and their children, gay people, and just about anyone who cares about anyone but the most wealthy and exploitation.
Tell that to Europe, to eastern Asia, to Cuba, to the victims of the dictators Trump loves.
No. He is a monster, and he is encouraging us all to become less human. He and his people are distorting religion to exclude and hurt and exploit.
I'd love to have a few days without Trump, but in order to do that, Trump has to stop being a monstrous threat to humanity itself. His enablers need to stop thinking they can use him to turn our planet to ashes.
Tell that to all Trump's victims over his lifetime.
Yes, we need other news. But that news is
16
The only point I agree with is that the actual tyrannophobia is some kind of exaggerated.
But after this sentence:
"A little more than six months into the Trump presidency, though, it now seems clear that the most frightening threats to ordinary politics in the United States are empty or easily contained."
a comprehensive discussion semms to be not possible any more.
Even from the distance of 4000 km it´s clear to see that
- there is a big stash of important structural problems openly not solved (ACA, dept, infrastructure, environment, to mention only most visible ones)
- workable approaches to tackle these issues are not visible yet, and
- Korean and Venezuelan issue as parts of the presently unvclear global role of USA are on top of this right now.
This should be "empty or easily contained" threats to "!ordinary politic problems"?
Both authors are trying to show there is no use to stick to the tyranny issue when there is something more relevant. Alright. But the way they do it unveils a sightlessness for relevant actual problems in an alarming scale that´s hard to deal with.
What frightens me most is that a Yale and an Oxford professor are making stances you have to read in this article. They are seen as Elite because they should know things better.
Once you ignore a real issue issue you will never be able to fix it because in your mind it isn´t there and what does not exist is not to fix. People thinking a way like this are never able to cope with this.
But after this sentence:
"A little more than six months into the Trump presidency, though, it now seems clear that the most frightening threats to ordinary politics in the United States are empty or easily contained."
a comprehensive discussion semms to be not possible any more.
Even from the distance of 4000 km it´s clear to see that
- there is a big stash of important structural problems openly not solved (ACA, dept, infrastructure, environment, to mention only most visible ones)
- workable approaches to tackle these issues are not visible yet, and
- Korean and Venezuelan issue as parts of the presently unvclear global role of USA are on top of this right now.
This should be "empty or easily contained" threats to "!ordinary politic problems"?
Both authors are trying to show there is no use to stick to the tyranny issue when there is something more relevant. Alright. But the way they do it unveils a sightlessness for relevant actual problems in an alarming scale that´s hard to deal with.
What frightens me most is that a Yale and an Oxford professor are making stances you have to read in this article. They are seen as Elite because they should know things better.
Once you ignore a real issue issue you will never be able to fix it because in your mind it isn´t there and what does not exist is not to fix. People thinking a way like this are never able to cope with this.
6
Mr Hitler was also democratically elected, wasn't he? It's hardly a defense. What it is so hard to come to grips with is how rapidly our system can junked, and become an atavism of its original intents and to such a degree to be unrecognizeable. In less than a year. We no longer have a president as much as a Caesar. It's my belief that it will not be possible to ever reclaim our cherished forms and recover our traditions until the very persons that elevated this gent to office cover him in tar and feathers and ride him and his wrecking crew out of town on a rail, the old-fashioned way.
2
"It is easier to believe that democracy is under siege than to acknowledge that democracy put Mr. Trump in power — and only more economic fairness and solidarity can keep populists like him out."
I disagree with the author that the problems of the Trump administration represent the failure of liberals to understand Trumpism and its propelling economic malaise.
Professors Moyn and Priestland, what you call hysteria is what I call genuine alarm that someone with the mental and moral fiber of Donald J. Trump is leader of this country.
Our government is not a reality show, despite the hard enthusiasm of the hard right to make it so. What Trump represents for me is an anti-intellectualism so fierce as to be harmful in both the domestic and foreign policies he espouses.
The concern of liberals who read the NYT isn't hysteria, nor can we be shoe-horned into a weary comparison to McCarthyism.
What is loosely termed "the resistance" is realistic astonishment that someone with such a history of financial shenanigans, from New York real estate deals built on false valuations to Trump University is governing this nation. And someone who, with similarly-minded associates in the Alt right will invent conspiracy theories ("birtherism" etc,) at a time when we need proven brains in government.
Moreover, the policies proposed by Trump's billionaire cabinet are designed to favor the very sectors and decision makes who created the economic malaise of Trump voters in the first place.
I disagree with the author that the problems of the Trump administration represent the failure of liberals to understand Trumpism and its propelling economic malaise.
Professors Moyn and Priestland, what you call hysteria is what I call genuine alarm that someone with the mental and moral fiber of Donald J. Trump is leader of this country.
Our government is not a reality show, despite the hard enthusiasm of the hard right to make it so. What Trump represents for me is an anti-intellectualism so fierce as to be harmful in both the domestic and foreign policies he espouses.
The concern of liberals who read the NYT isn't hysteria, nor can we be shoe-horned into a weary comparison to McCarthyism.
What is loosely termed "the resistance" is realistic astonishment that someone with such a history of financial shenanigans, from New York real estate deals built on false valuations to Trump University is governing this nation. And someone who, with similarly-minded associates in the Alt right will invent conspiracy theories ("birtherism" etc,) at a time when we need proven brains in government.
Moreover, the policies proposed by Trump's billionaire cabinet are designed to favor the very sectors and decision makes who created the economic malaise of Trump voters in the first place.
13
Just one problem here...it's reasonable at this point to suspect that "Democracy" did NOT put Trump in power. Certainly, anyway, not a "well-functioning" democracy.
14
Nice try , fellows.
But this IS the NYTimes, with its attendant commenters.
You never had a chance.
For some peculiar reason, i have always noticed upswings in the use of particular words -
In the months following Donald Trump's election the words 'terrified' and 'terrifying' have appeared in print way more times the I can count.
I am certain there are people who track this stuff.
Jason chasing me through the forest with his chain saw is terrifying.
( was that Jason?)
Donald Trump and his assorted flunkies can be called a number of things.
'Terrifying' is not one of them.
But this IS the NYTimes, with its attendant commenters.
You never had a chance.
For some peculiar reason, i have always noticed upswings in the use of particular words -
In the months following Donald Trump's election the words 'terrified' and 'terrifying' have appeared in print way more times the I can count.
I am certain there are people who track this stuff.
Jason chasing me through the forest with his chain saw is terrifying.
( was that Jason?)
Donald Trump and his assorted flunkies can be called a number of things.
'Terrifying' is not one of them.
7
Every rational human is terrified of Trump's "locked and loaded fire and fury" shoe to drop.
Do you have a pulse?
Do you have a pulse?
9
This article is foolish rationalization pretending to be wisdom. Aristotle said that there are times when anger is the proper response. There are times when suspicion and fear are proper. This is such a time. What we experienced on Election Day was a fascist coup that succeeded due to a severe flaw in the Constitution, a flaw that leads to the farcical result that the loser wins. Luckily for us, the Trump White House has been, so far, the gang that couldn't shoot straight. More competent fascists would have consolidated power much better in the seven months that have passed, but still, they are working on it. Sessions is working hard on it. Kobach is working on it, Kelly is trying to teach them some discipline. There is the massive fraud of massive voter fraud. The reality is that the bad guys (yes, that is what they are) have the government and thus the upper hand. These are not the Republicans of yore. The only reason we still have a prayer of getting out of this is because they are so fractious and disorganized and Trump keeps burning everyone who helps him. Pray to God that he keeps doing that. Otherwise, if they get their act together, we are lost. You can kiss elections goodbye and when the elections go, all else goes with them.
20
The sky IS falling !!! . Are we going to believe our eyes and ears or are we going to believe you ?. Trump is a real threat to Democracy . Our real sin may be an excessive complacency about our Democratic institutions derived from our success as a Country . They are very good but not perfect and they need our vigilance to work .
16
While we post among ourselves, Sinclair Broadcast group is going from 40% of all TV broadcast stations to 74%-- its a right wing hack job. Bannon made sure that Radio Free Europe and Voice of America is under the direct rule of the President. The taunt the press, put in people into departments whose stated mission is to destroy that department, and they are making a military state be the source of growth, and pushing coal and petroleum, helping us destroy the world quicker. That is not hysteria-- the root of this word is based on women's private parts-- coincidence?
8
A request to these two esteemed scholars. Would Mr. Moyn and Mr. Priestland be good enough to write a follow up piece and define the term "pollyanna" for us?
11
Absolutely free enterprise, ungoverned, is literally diabolical. Look it up.
5
Donald Trump is not, by himself, a threat to our democracy - he is just a mentally unstable man clearly unfit to be president. This was well known long before he became a candidate. The threat to democracy is the Republican Party who allowed him to hijack their primary with his populist appeal, even though he espouses no allegiance to their conservative principles, and in their thirst for power ignored the many warning signs that this man's behaviour is erratic and could not be trusted. There is no fascist ideology Trump employs that is designed to undermine the Constitution and American political norms. There is no grand strategy to anything he thinks about or acts upon. He is not smart enough for that. We can only hope that the democracy we have built has the mechanisms within it that can remove this man in the spirit of national self interest that a majority of citizens at both ends of the political spectrum can support. He must be impeached.
5
This election is just another reminder that the US is culturally segregated at the state level with no popularly elected national official whatsoever.
5
Don't forget there was a lot of hysteria among Trump supporters. During the campaign I talked with many who swore Obama was bringing us an inch away from the end of the world. After all the White House was being occupied by a man who literally FOUNDED the terrorist group, the Islamic State. Horrors! But in the next breath they'd chirp cheerfully about what they were going to bring to the next tailgate party at the college football game! In other words, things were not nearly as gloomy as they were portraying them to be. In fact, life was pretty god!
5
Trump is hysteria personified, so yes, he certainly is a threat.
7
I understand what you are trying to say; however, this article is a little tone deaf. Yes, we have economic inequality that is growing and of great concern. As Janet Yellen stated in 2015, the bottom half of American household's average net worth is $11,000. Their net worth was 50% higher (adjusted for inflation) in 1989. It is a short article which lays out the country's growing income inequality: https://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2014/10/17/5-quotes-from-janet-yellen-on-i...
Donald Trump is incompetent, ignorant, corrupt, unstable and a serial pathological liar. He wasn't hiding who he was during the campaign and 63 million people voted for him anyway. The Republican party has emitted a collective yawn concerning:
1. DT's conflicts of interest and the Emoluments Act
2. Trump's repeated statements, without any evidence, that 3 to 5 million people voted illegally.
3. His statements that the election was rigged unless he won and that he would not accept the results of the election unless he won.
4. His admission of repeated sexual assault.
5. His gleeful encouragement of violence against protesters at his rallies.
6. Possible Russian collusion during the election
Our democracy is in danger because the Republican party has lost its morals and marbles. It has ceded its leadership to the likes of Fox and Friends and Breitbart News where facts and evidence are relative. Cable news is running the nation.
Donald Trump is incompetent, ignorant, corrupt, unstable and a serial pathological liar. He wasn't hiding who he was during the campaign and 63 million people voted for him anyway. The Republican party has emitted a collective yawn concerning:
1. DT's conflicts of interest and the Emoluments Act
2. Trump's repeated statements, without any evidence, that 3 to 5 million people voted illegally.
3. His statements that the election was rigged unless he won and that he would not accept the results of the election unless he won.
4. His admission of repeated sexual assault.
5. His gleeful encouragement of violence against protesters at his rallies.
6. Possible Russian collusion during the election
Our democracy is in danger because the Republican party has lost its morals and marbles. It has ceded its leadership to the likes of Fox and Friends and Breitbart News where facts and evidence are relative. Cable news is running the nation.
8
Whose hysteria are we talking about? Having just read that now Mr. T is ready to take military action in Venezuela because "people are dying there," I have to say that "tryannophobia" isn't at all appropriate. Hysteria, that gyno-centric word, is a nasty little put down of people who might just still able to see the hideous reality that occupy now: at the mercy of a group of white men in power screaming at each other, lying to our faces without a single cogent policy to help Americans get actual educations, find well-paying jobs, receive good health care, and live in what's left of our land. Yes, I am a woman and do not dare call me hysterical.
7
if trump is the result of democracy - then the Chinese are correct in essentially saying whats the big deal about democracy - a looser in all ways is in charge - money based democracy as currently exists in this country is not worth defending and just about not worth participating in any longer - next step is ?????????
4
It was only a matter of time when an article like this would appear to reassure us all, that Trumpism is 'normal'. Seeing this meme appear in the NYT so soon in this most dystopian administration is really scary and should make those that truly love the ideal that is America truly 'grate' again. Trumpism is UnAmerican.
6
Shall we tap you on the shoulder when your name gets on an
"unacceptable voter status" list...with nowhere to go to complain
And, btw, this country doesn't come remotely close to panicking about the prospect
of tyranny.........because we live under the grip of many groups and many super rich individuals who wield power and are steadily making headway
in all kinds of ways and all areas of of our lives.....and for years...without so much
as a peep from the electorate. If our ears are perked up now and we're willing to march....all to the good.
Democracy? Over-heated Capitalism describes this country more faithfully.
and we are well beyond that now.
And now we have a mentally incompetent in the White House "Dump" in love with the
idea that he can gather enough power to play king in what was the greatest experiment in democracy ever and turn it into but best money-making scheme ever.....
Research Germany 1932...33......
Hysterical? I hope so......Truman said "The only thing new is the history you don't know"
"unacceptable voter status" list...with nowhere to go to complain
And, btw, this country doesn't come remotely close to panicking about the prospect
of tyranny.........because we live under the grip of many groups and many super rich individuals who wield power and are steadily making headway
in all kinds of ways and all areas of of our lives.....and for years...without so much
as a peep from the electorate. If our ears are perked up now and we're willing to march....all to the good.
Democracy? Over-heated Capitalism describes this country more faithfully.
and we are well beyond that now.
And now we have a mentally incompetent in the White House "Dump" in love with the
idea that he can gather enough power to play king in what was the greatest experiment in democracy ever and turn it into but best money-making scheme ever.....
Research Germany 1932...33......
Hysterical? I hope so......Truman said "The only thing new is the history you don't know"
5
When a commentator (or more) tag a critical audience with a one-word piece of jargon ("tyrannophobia"). I move on to the next piece.
4
american history is full of hysterical behaviour.
this is the latest incarnation and is dangerous because of social media, niche audiences, a culture which reaches hysteria at the speed of light and the most uninformed populace--both domestically and internationally--of any serious democracy on the planet.
there's a tsunami in japan that kills thousands and the american media does breathless reports on a 6-8 inch 'tsunami' hitting california is big news.
the north korean problem is surreal.
they are loud, they have done despicable things--kidnapping japanese nationals for example.
they have the ability to kill lots of people--including their own--in their part of the world.
the present dear leader is not a nice man, but he must be fairly certain his country, and he personally, would be wiped off the face of the earth if he's stupid.
yet americans seem to think they're likely to be nuked.
this is the latest incarnation and is dangerous because of social media, niche audiences, a culture which reaches hysteria at the speed of light and the most uninformed populace--both domestically and internationally--of any serious democracy on the planet.
there's a tsunami in japan that kills thousands and the american media does breathless reports on a 6-8 inch 'tsunami' hitting california is big news.
the north korean problem is surreal.
they are loud, they have done despicable things--kidnapping japanese nationals for example.
they have the ability to kill lots of people--including their own--in their part of the world.
the present dear leader is not a nice man, but he must be fairly certain his country, and he personally, would be wiped off the face of the earth if he's stupid.
yet americans seem to think they're likely to be nuked.
3
Doublespeak. This article is a backward reach.
Trump is President but an immature self-absorbed hysteric...the definition of narcissism, a silver-spooned man-child acting like a spoiled bully.
Trump is President but an immature self-absorbed hysteric...the definition of narcissism, a silver-spooned man-child acting like a spoiled bully.
2
the democracy that put trump in power - then is on its last legs and will be ending soon
1
distract the population with circuses - while Rome burns ... ?
yeah - I'm thinking with the great marketers employed, the rich Breitbart believers successfully get to keep their billions - which most people are angry about - by simply diverting their anger onto side arguments about fake news and 'is this President crazy !?'
a brilliant use of data as exemplified in http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/03/27/the-reclusive-hedge-fund-ty...
yeah - I'm thinking with the great marketers employed, the rich Breitbart believers successfully get to keep their billions - which most people are angry about - by simply diverting their anger onto side arguments about fake news and 'is this President crazy !?'
a brilliant use of data as exemplified in http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/03/27/the-reclusive-hedge-fund-ty...
The bad guy in the analysis of these two guys is Timothy Snyder, who goes unnamed. Snyder is an expert on the modern history of eastern Europe. He knows how Hitler came to power. His analysis and his views, as presented in his book "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century" is obligatory reading for anyone who would like to know what is likely to come, and, more importantly, how to keep it from happening. We ignore what Timothy Snyder has to say at our peril.
2
The McCarthy crowd is actually the same crowd now in the oval office.
They are Fascists, and they shared an attorney - Roy Cohn
We need to be aware of the threat to our democracy when articulate professors try to reassure us against the threat of Fascist/racist/corporatist elements in our society.
And when they are in charge in the oval office, with nominal control over all three branches of government, we are certainly correct to be concerned.
We must name the threat - corporate fascism. This is the fight of our lives.
They are Fascists, and they shared an attorney - Roy Cohn
We need to be aware of the threat to our democracy when articulate professors try to reassure us against the threat of Fascist/racist/corporatist elements in our society.
And when they are in charge in the oval office, with nominal control over all three branches of government, we are certainly correct to be concerned.
We must name the threat - corporate fascism. This is the fight of our lives.
3
Interesting that so many readers of the NYT share what the authors are sagely calling tyrannophobia. My mailbox is full of recommendations of T. Snyder's 'On Tyranny.' It's a thing. The sources are Hillary/Obama liberals. The tone is definitely hysterical.
Why not focus instead on what needs to be done to win back the traditional Democratic base? Just for starters: real job creation, healthcare for all, free education for those who need it, relief from pernicious student debt.
Why not focus instead on what needs to be done to win back the traditional Democratic base? Just for starters: real job creation, healthcare for all, free education for those who need it, relief from pernicious student debt.
2
Yeah---so obvious and so hard to get there.
2
"The sky is not falling and no lights are flashing red, ..."
Something tells me this column is NOT going to age well.
Something tells me this column is NOT going to age well.
4
It seems to me the most pressing threat we face isn't Trump the authoritarian, but the millions of people who voted for him thinking he might be an authoritarian. It's the white nationalists, professional trolls, gun nuts and Sean Hannitys who will be with us after Trump is gone and whose hunger to crush "liberals" will only grow if a Democrat unseats Trump.
5
The naïve authors should read: One Nation under God and Dark Money.
2
an ignorant narcissist in the white house and he's not a threat to democracy? maybe the evangelicals and wall street pirates and racial nationalists are reassured but this nation is in the worst hands available.
3
Your complacency is profoundly shocking and reflective of your shared ignorance of historical precedent. Recent history provides of examples of elected officials such as Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein who were well received and frequented by the grandees of various self-described democratic powers, including the United States. The Trump phenomenon is something completely different on the American Scene. Any attempt to analyze Trump should include credible parallels with Jim Jones and his notorious suicidal cult in 1978. Trump is in decline in more ways than one. He cannot even rightly consider what he should leave for his posterity, since he won't be around to be personally concerned. In short, he is a miserable misanthrope who wants to take down the maximum number of victims with him when shucking these mortal coils.
2
Trump's hysteria IS the major threat to our democracy.
4
The sky may not be falling, but there are certainly a lot of flashing red lights. This "bumbling hothead of a president" is, nonetheless, the president of the United States. This profoundly unqualified "leader" has already done enormous, unprecedented reputational damage to our nation and, by extension, to our electorate. Our dysfunctional, unbalanced economy is certainly what needs attention, but that is unlikely to be addressed under the lurking tyranny in which we find ourselves inextricably enmeshed. We, the People, deserve better, need better, and should be vociferously demanding better. Where are the best and the brightest today? Not in this White House, I assure you.
BTW: I live in Guam, and I am far more worried about Washington than I am about Pyongyang.
BTW: I live in Guam, and I am far more worried about Washington than I am about Pyongyang.
5
Gentleman,
At the risk of stating the VERY obvious, this piece sounds as if it could have been inspired by something from the 1930's. Just saying.
At the risk of stating the VERY obvious, this piece sounds as if it could have been inspired by something from the 1930's. Just saying.
5
A dysfunctional American economy is real threat? Are you kidding?
The ability of white America to vote in solid majority for unvarnished hate is the threat. It happened. It's real. It is what we are as a country right now. Because this is true - and because we are the most powerful country in the world - the whole world is in danger from us as a people. There is no limit to the evil we are now ready to accept.
The ability of white America to vote in solid majority for unvarnished hate is the threat. It happened. It's real. It is what we are as a country right now. Because this is true - and because we are the most powerful country in the world - the whole world is in danger from us as a people. There is no limit to the evil we are now ready to accept.
2
Using the word "hysteria" to characterize the legitimate concern many of us have that this administration is actually a threat to American democracy is not only widely off the mark, but could also be characterized as sexist. Even when the press was criticizing conservatives for being irrationally anti-Obama, they seldom if ever used the word "hysterical" as an epithet against the political Right. The Right, even when criticized in the opinion columns of media such as the NYT's, were given wide latitude insofar as how seriously to treat their concerns. The Right were "outraged," "fed-up" or "infuriated," which suggests a somewhat more righteous (if misguided) anger. Dismissing those who oppose Trump as simply "hysterical" is using language that I'm sure many women recognize as dismissive, at best, and misogynist, at worst.
And, oh yes, Trump is a threat to American democracy. That because we've managed to muddle through for six months due primarily to his administration's shear incompetence is hardly the best gauge as to where we'll be a few years from now.
And, oh yes, Trump is a threat to American democracy. That because we've managed to muddle through for six months due primarily to his administration's shear incompetence is hardly the best gauge as to where we'll be a few years from now.
6
Moyn and Priesland write about "Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law."
"Excessive" focus on basic freedoms? "Excessive" focus on the rule of law? What the heck does that even mean? How is it possible to focus too much on those things?
These men claim to have studied history. Seriously? They haven't learned much, have they.
"Excessive" focus on basic freedoms? "Excessive" focus on the rule of law? What the heck does that even mean? How is it possible to focus too much on those things?
These men claim to have studied history. Seriously? They haven't learned much, have they.
4
Threats to our democracy posed by Trump: Discrediting the media -- Fake news. Describing the legislative branch as is they all report to Trump. Slandering of the judiciary. Flagrant disregard of conflicts of interest, nepotism and emolument laws. Describing he military as "my generals" and taking credit for successes but blaming his generals for any failures. Disregard of any policy details. Belittling the intelligence agencies, the State Department, and career scientists. Failure to consider limitations on his war powers. I'm sure I can and will come up with more. Anyone else?
5
The authors are apparently arguing that since Putin isn't on his way to seizing power and Trump's worst impulses are meeting resistance, everyone should calm down and focus on economic justice. They mention "status resentment" but imply that economic anxiety was the key to Trump's Electoral College success, despite evidence that racism, xenophobia and the desire for white supremacy were bigger factors. They don't use the word "hysteria" in the article and don't offer evidence that paranoia is widespread.
How about this instead? Much of the country is deeply concerned that Trump is the most unfit, corrupt, ignorant leader we've ever had. We can see that he doesn't understand his role as President and doesn't care if Russia interferes with upcoming elections or if voter suppression becomes more widespread. Now he's threatening to start an unnecessary war on the Korean peninsula. To say he's a loose cannon is an understatement.
Maybe the professors who wrote this article see hysteria and paranoia at Yale and Oxford. What I see is justified concern that there is a dangerous lunatic in the White House and deep anxiety about what he'll do or try to do next.
How about this instead? Much of the country is deeply concerned that Trump is the most unfit, corrupt, ignorant leader we've ever had. We can see that he doesn't understand his role as President and doesn't care if Russia interferes with upcoming elections or if voter suppression becomes more widespread. Now he's threatening to start an unnecessary war on the Korean peninsula. To say he's a loose cannon is an understatement.
Maybe the professors who wrote this article see hysteria and paranoia at Yale and Oxford. What I see is justified concern that there is a dangerous lunatic in the White House and deep anxiety about what he'll do or try to do next.
5
The threat to our democracy is not Donald Trump or his craven abetters in Congress. The threat is the number of potential voters who either do not even register to vote or, if registered, do not bother to vote. Efforts, mostly by the GOP, to make registration and voting more difficult are anti-democratic.
2
The biggest threat to democracy is the electoral college.
3
Reading the comments here, I can see most have not learned anything from the rise of Trump. This bodes very poorly for Democrats (again) in 2018.
Yes, Hillary won the popular vote. But for Democrats to field a candidate so unpopular as to let the most unpopular candidate ever - Trump - get within the electoral margin, is a huge problem.
Yes, a core percentage of Trump voters may have views many liberals would call deplorable. But it was *swing* voters who made the difference, and they vote on jobs and the economy - many having previously voted for Obama.
In Wisconsin (formerly a blue state), I fear Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin will lose in 2018 (despite being a great candidate), because establishment Democrats are associated with bad trade deals, and because workers in WI have been completely turned against the public sector. Republican governor Scott Walker wins huge every time, with taxes and public sector unions the bogeymen.
Wall Street Democrats offer nothing to the precarious middle and working classes except welfare they don't want (and which would never pass), paid for by taxes they can't afford. Democrats could have avoided this situation, by pushing much higher minimum wages and balanced trade - when they had power. Now they are in a bigger hole than they realize.
Yes, Hillary won the popular vote. But for Democrats to field a candidate so unpopular as to let the most unpopular candidate ever - Trump - get within the electoral margin, is a huge problem.
Yes, a core percentage of Trump voters may have views many liberals would call deplorable. But it was *swing* voters who made the difference, and they vote on jobs and the economy - many having previously voted for Obama.
In Wisconsin (formerly a blue state), I fear Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin will lose in 2018 (despite being a great candidate), because establishment Democrats are associated with bad trade deals, and because workers in WI have been completely turned against the public sector. Republican governor Scott Walker wins huge every time, with taxes and public sector unions the bogeymen.
Wall Street Democrats offer nothing to the precarious middle and working classes except welfare they don't want (and which would never pass), paid for by taxes they can't afford. Democrats could have avoided this situation, by pushing much higher minimum wages and balanced trade - when they had power. Now they are in a bigger hole than they realize.
4
If you're saying Clinton lost because she couldn't well capitalize on her unpopularity with really mean slogans like Lock Me Up!, then yeah. But she was a very good candidate. Castigating Clinton says NOTHING about why Trump beat all the other Republican candidates. I think it was mostly about him being the MOST hateful about Clinton and Obama. Take that away and Trump has NO fuel, IMO.
1
Progressives are killing me with their minimum-wage talk. Wages aren't arbitrary. Disconnecting wages from the actual value of the labor performed will have great unintended consequences. Is working for a puny wage lamentable? Yes, but not working at all is worse, and higher minimum wages engender unemployment. A tight labor market and growing productivity, which means taking the latter into account when formulating policy, are better ways to get wages growing again. Why are progressives so averse to topping up the income of working people in ways that DON'T lead to mass unemployment, replacing labor with capital, cutting hours? Reforming the tax code to encourage investment in America, expanding the earned-income tax credit, retraining programs, and better educational opportunities are superior ideas for helping working families, as is http://www.aei.org/events/the-aei-brookings-project-on-paid-family-leave...
The MEDIAN wage in Mississippi is $14.22 per hour, and you think it's a good idea to promote a national $15-an-hour wage? Why should labor be priced the same when the cost of living varies so drastically across the country? There's a better argument for abolishing minimum wages entirely than there is for a $15 one. If progressives see wages as arbitrary, rather than as determined by the marginal productivity of labor, why stop at $15? Why not $30?
The MEDIAN wage in Mississippi is $14.22 per hour, and you think it's a good idea to promote a national $15-an-hour wage? Why should labor be priced the same when the cost of living varies so drastically across the country? There's a better argument for abolishing minimum wages entirely than there is for a $15 one. If progressives see wages as arbitrary, rather than as determined by the marginal productivity of labor, why stop at $15? Why not $30?
2
Certainly full employment driving up wages would be great.
Tax cuts aren't the way to get to a strong economy and full employment. The Kansas experiment has proven that.
Increasing demand is the way to increase output, employment, productivity, and wages. Ways to increase demand include infrastructure spending, elimination of trade deficit, and reduced inequality (increased minimum wage helps reduce inequality). Anyone working 40 hours should be able to thrive without government assistance, which is effectively subsidizing the profits of low wage employers.
Supply side solutions are not needed. Lack of supply is characterized by rising prices, supply shortages, rising wages - which give signals as to where increased supply, or increased training is needed - symptoms absent from our economy. Trying to force feed the economy from the supply side makes no more sense than central planned communist economy - known to be very inefficient. The economy needs to be driven from the demand side, which is key to optimum efficiency in a market economy. Government directed training and supply side tax incentives? Bad idea.
Tax cuts aren't the way to get to a strong economy and full employment. The Kansas experiment has proven that.
Increasing demand is the way to increase output, employment, productivity, and wages. Ways to increase demand include infrastructure spending, elimination of trade deficit, and reduced inequality (increased minimum wage helps reduce inequality). Anyone working 40 hours should be able to thrive without government assistance, which is effectively subsidizing the profits of low wage employers.
Supply side solutions are not needed. Lack of supply is characterized by rising prices, supply shortages, rising wages - which give signals as to where increased supply, or increased training is needed - symptoms absent from our economy. Trying to force feed the economy from the supply side makes no more sense than central planned communist economy - known to be very inefficient. The economy needs to be driven from the demand side, which is key to optimum efficiency in a market economy. Government directed training and supply side tax incentives? Bad idea.
1
It is a threat to our democracy to be cheering on a military coup in the US, as some comments have. It is a threat to our democracy to suggest killing the President, as someone here did today.
Much of the criticism of Trump is justified and well considered. Some isn't. Some goes way over the line.
Sometimes it is a question of balance in judgment. Trump is handling the Korea situation incorrectly, in my opinion. However, the Korea situation deserves discussion as an issue, and not just as "I hate Trump and all he does including this." For too many, comments on North Korea begin and end with investigations of Trump rather than with how to handle North Korea better.
Feeding hysteria sells media, it sells lots of products, and it motivates including motivating donors. It also diverts attention, as from the need "to acknowledge that democracy put Mr. Trump in power — and only more economic fairness and solidarity can keep populists like him out."
Trump diverts attention from himself. Other divert attention from their own failings back onto Trump many manifest failings.
What we need now, what we can do now, what defeat of Hillary allowed, is the rebuilding of the Democratic Party to be what it should have been, so it can win again. Too many don't want that, because they like what it was when it lost, they just want that to win next time.
Much of the criticism of Trump is justified and well considered. Some isn't. Some goes way over the line.
Sometimes it is a question of balance in judgment. Trump is handling the Korea situation incorrectly, in my opinion. However, the Korea situation deserves discussion as an issue, and not just as "I hate Trump and all he does including this." For too many, comments on North Korea begin and end with investigations of Trump rather than with how to handle North Korea better.
Feeding hysteria sells media, it sells lots of products, and it motivates including motivating donors. It also diverts attention, as from the need "to acknowledge that democracy put Mr. Trump in power — and only more economic fairness and solidarity can keep populists like him out."
Trump diverts attention from himself. Other divert attention from their own failings back onto Trump many manifest failings.
What we need now, what we can do now, what defeat of Hillary allowed, is the rebuilding of the Democratic Party to be what it should have been, so it can win again. Too many don't want that, because they like what it was when it lost, they just want that to win next time.
6
I agree with much of what you said, however remember that Hillary won the popular vote. Gerrymandering, the electoral college and other weaknesses in our electoral process allowed Trump and the Republicans to gain control our government. It is not the will of the people. This is no longer a democracy.
I agree that the Democratic Party is not what it should be. However, they would be in power if our vote and democracy were not severely compromised.
I agree that the Democratic Party is not what it should be. However, they would be in power if our vote and democracy were not severely compromised.
2
The hysteria is not just Trump. People are hysterical about micro organisms on their sponges, pesticides, plastics, vaccines, etc. It's illustrative of a collective neurosis, oddly among educated people. Fear is the zeitgeist of our time.
6
I am not at all concerned that we are on a road to dictatorship, the most succinct definition of the word, and have not heard this fear voiced except by a very, very few. This specific fear certainly does not grip the tens of millions of Americans concerned by Trump and his administration. Yet the essay puts tyrannophobia at the center of its argument that we as a country will fail to address "underlying social and economic problems" and the need for "more economic fairness and solidarity." The authors would have better served readers by focusing on those final points and exploring what must be done and what must be avoided to address these important issues, without attributing the failure to a phenomenon that, as far as I can see, doesn't exist. My Jesuit teachers at university would have seen this essay as flawed in that it rested on a false premise.
2
The US does not have continuous tyrannophobia, but it has had many periodic eruptions of it since our beginning. It was said of Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. It was said of groups from Freemasons in early America to Catholics later. And yes, it is a frequent allegation against Trump. If one does not see it, that is because one chooses not to look.
5
It is true that the country's institutional framework, including the system of checks and balances, has been more durable in blunting Trump's more outrageous initiatives than some people, including me, expected. But that framework would quickly collapse in the event of a terrorist attack, whether real or of the Reichstag fire variety, or in the event of an attack by or on North Korea, which Trump seems intent on precipitating. Civil liberties took a beating after 9/11 and would be gutted in the wake of any such events. What the authors call hysteria is an appropriate reaction to an unbalanced commander in chief.
8
Hysteria is a psychological disorder whose symptoms include conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms, selective amnesia, shallow versatile emotions and overdramatic or attention seeking behavior. By that definition, Trump and hysteria are the same.
5
None of the rest of our political life today also meets those definitions? Be serious. The whole crowd is hysterical, it is the state of the DC Bubble today, and of all the media covering it.
3
No, trump is a threat.
The majority voted against him. So much for democracy in America.
The majority voted against him. So much for democracy in America.
13
The score was run up in a few states where the party machine could deliver, as in California where Republicans are near extinct today. That is not the same as winning the Presidency, it never has been, and it should not be.
3
There were a few states that went heavily for Trump - quite a few states that were close, but clearly went for Trump. And those few that were extremely close, but went narrowly for Trump. And quite a few that went for Clinton. The score wasn't run up in a few states, it was run up all over the country; imagine if Trump had won heavily in big states like Pennsylvania. Plenty of votes were there to win, but Trump didn't win them. He squeaked to an electoral college win by a handful of votes in a few states. A technical victory, but not the way "winning the Presidency" should be.
1
This piece of drivel is pure sophistry. There may not be mass hysteria as these naive professors claim, but there is a collective outrage about Trump usurping our Constitutional tenets as well as a blatant grab for power and control. This coupled with his aberrational behavior and impulsive non intellectual decisions, give the populace serious reasons to be concerned about the status of our democracy. What these ivory tower, tunnel visioned professors need to do is talk to the common man because while our democracy is still on firm ground, Trump's tactics are eroding the foundation. This kind of patronizing, meretricious posturing by these two profs makes me angry. We don't need them telling us there is no need to worry.
16
You missed entirely the real threat to our democracy; the Republican Party that has no respect for our democratic institutions and norms and is obsessed with perpetuating themselves in power. It is not tyranny that is imminent, but Plutocracy.
JD
JD
17
It is, but plutocracy was also using the DNC in the last election.
2
"If you can keep your head when all about are losing theirs, it's just possible that you haven't grasped the situation." Actually, gentlemen, democracy really is under siege, and not just in the US.
11
"Actually, gentlemen, democracy really is under siege, and not just in the US."
Yes, and in too many places it was overthrown with the help and approval of the US. From Egypt to Honduras, autocrats have overthrown elected government, and the US has been on the wrong side. That was under Bush and Obama, not Trump.
Yes, and in too many places it was overthrown with the help and approval of the US. From Egypt to Honduras, autocrats have overthrown elected government, and the US has been on the wrong side. That was under Bush and Obama, not Trump.
3
Why is it that progressives who wish to see political and economic change at home are always critical of U.S. foreign policy too? It is a bit odd that you're mentioning the Egyptian military dictatorship when its biggest backer in the Western world resides in the White House. This is a President who repeatedly praises authoritarian killers, from Manila to Moscow.
I'm not sure the U.S. approved of what transpired in Egypt or the WAY the removal of Pres. Zelaya was conducted in Honduras (although Clinton is right that the National Congress and the courts were legally within their rights to remove Zelaya and that this may have averted a war); though let's be honest about what both Morsi and Zelaya were up to. Honduras was going to be in a bad place with or without the coup. Is it always "wrong" to remove governments? If C.I.A. brings about a successful coup in the DPRK, would you be opposed to that?
If we had somehow, for some reason, instigated the removal of Hugo Chavez, people like you would be going nuts (perhaps rightly), but we did not, and look at where his legacy and his chosen successor have left Venezuela. It's sometimes difficult to know, in the context of an unfolding situation, what to do. It's almost always only the removal of LEFTIST governments that draw complaints from the usual suspects (Chomsky et al.), which is telling.
I've long believed that a hatred for American capitalism underlies almost all of the foreign policy criticism. I continue to believe that.
I'm not sure the U.S. approved of what transpired in Egypt or the WAY the removal of Pres. Zelaya was conducted in Honduras (although Clinton is right that the National Congress and the courts were legally within their rights to remove Zelaya and that this may have averted a war); though let's be honest about what both Morsi and Zelaya were up to. Honduras was going to be in a bad place with or without the coup. Is it always "wrong" to remove governments? If C.I.A. brings about a successful coup in the DPRK, would you be opposed to that?
If we had somehow, for some reason, instigated the removal of Hugo Chavez, people like you would be going nuts (perhaps rightly), but we did not, and look at where his legacy and his chosen successor have left Venezuela. It's sometimes difficult to know, in the context of an unfolding situation, what to do. It's almost always only the removal of LEFTIST governments that draw complaints from the usual suspects (Chomsky et al.), which is telling.
I've long believed that a hatred for American capitalism underlies almost all of the foreign policy criticism. I continue to believe that.
1
David L. -- You don't give enough credit to other Americans who want the best for the country we share. Foreign policy mistakes cost us all dearly in blood and money, and perhaps worst of all in lost opportunity costs for what else we could have done instead.
We can want America to do well at home, and still want it to be wiser for our real benefit abroad.
As for "capitalism" that means one thing to greedy "I've got mine" folks, and something quite different to those who work for them. Capitalism is best when there are no monopolies, when markets function freely, when entrepreneurs can advance innovation, and when social costs are compensated as in building roads and other infrastructure used by capitalists.
Abuses of patent law, monopolistic behavior, failure to maintain infrastructure needed for economic progress, and abuse of the present workforce (and students as future workforce) all damage real capitalism. Teddy Roosevelt was a capitalist too, when he was a Trust Buster.
We can want America to do well at home, and still want it to be wiser for our real benefit abroad.
As for "capitalism" that means one thing to greedy "I've got mine" folks, and something quite different to those who work for them. Capitalism is best when there are no monopolies, when markets function freely, when entrepreneurs can advance innovation, and when social costs are compensated as in building roads and other infrastructure used by capitalists.
Abuses of patent law, monopolistic behavior, failure to maintain infrastructure needed for economic progress, and abuse of the present workforce (and students as future workforce) all damage real capitalism. Teddy Roosevelt was a capitalist too, when he was a Trust Buster.
3
Oh curious, there isn't a mention of the Supreme Court in here. Might it be because it woulf fundamentally sabotage Moyn and Priestland's argument? We are a Ginsburg death or a Kennedy retirement away from the last leg of campaign finance law to be declared unconstitutional. The only people who can survive these unfettered elections are those who can "make it rain" or those who line up and crowd like panting supplicants around the billionaires who finance them. It erodes the firmament of the idea of representative democracy. Trump has appointed a cadre of those billionaires who are not concerned by this - some are indeed the architects of this phenomenon. Have some hysteria about that threat to our Democracy.
10
This piece makes a logical error in equating hysterical anticommunism with today’s fear of rising authoritarianism and violation of our liberal values. The authors note that many extreme anticommunists were just as opposed to social justice here as they were anywhere else so to attribute the failure of social legislation to preoccupation with communism contradicts their thesis that the very same hysterical anticommunists were equally opposed to social legislation. It wasn’t as though Republican anticommunists who defeated those measures were like Clark Clifford and regretfully balancing foreign with domestic policy. To understand our Tyrannophobia you only need to look around the world where right wing populist regimes have come to power. A fired prosecutor here, a stacked Supreme Court there, an election delayed over concerns of voter fraud, all policed by Trump endorsing FOP members and backed up by 2nd Amendment militias make a dystopic America all too plausible.
6
This piece is out of touch. And begins with a false bifurcation to boot: it's possible that both Trump and potential responses to Trump are threats to democracy. This isn't to say I agree that concerns about Trump are "hysterical." Not in the least. When people who've spent their lives studying authoritarianism are concerned about Trump (Applebaum, Snyder, Frum, etc.), I don't take it with a grain of salt. Not that Trump will succeed; hopefully our country is robust enough to withstand all of this. At the same time, if our democracy is threatened, which I think it is, perhaps it's because it really wasn't all that robust to begin with. The cracks were already there. Why should it be so easy for a president (any president) to have so much unchecked power? We have a lot to fix. So talking about it, worrying about it, and reading Hannah Arendt isn't hysteria. We are in the midst of a culture war in which a group of people (who only happen to be represented by Trump, who didn't burst fully formed out of nowhere) who think it's perfectly fine to say science is a lie, Christianity should be the law of the land, and Putin is our hero. Is it hysterical to worry about how this horrible man-baby lover of Putin has already caused so much global disruption? Can we have a thriving democracy while simultaneously ignoring facts and watching the world burn, dry, flood, storm, and quake while the Kochs, DeVoses, & Trumps and wealthy whites line their coffers? If that's hysteria, I'll own it.
9
Trump is a threat to Democracy in general because he exemplifies the danger that People make really bad choices. He is a threat to our country because he lacks both intelligence and a sense of responsibility.
Have we survived the last six months? Sure, but his foreign policy has precipitated both our isolation and the perception of weakness that leads to the potential for nuclear conflict, and his domestic achievements are absent which in business terms is a lost-opportunity cost. He is a threat to our future because we need a President who does more than tweet and golf. Our government is barely functioning - and he is indifferent.
But worst, the first major crisis may be our last - that is not a fear of tyranny, but rather the impending ennui of an impotent bystander as we watch the predictable yet unimagined demise of America's greatness.
Have we survived the last six months? Sure, but his foreign policy has precipitated both our isolation and the perception of weakness that leads to the potential for nuclear conflict, and his domestic achievements are absent which in business terms is a lost-opportunity cost. He is a threat to our future because we need a President who does more than tweet and golf. Our government is barely functioning - and he is indifferent.
But worst, the first major crisis may be our last - that is not a fear of tyranny, but rather the impending ennui of an impotent bystander as we watch the predictable yet unimagined demise of America's greatness.
5
A president who lies constantly (as can be easily proven by his barrage of self contradictory statements) is a threat to the rule of law, which is dependent on the meaning of words and a justice department that cares about truth, Trump is a walking constitutional crisis. He has already admitted that he fired the head of the FBI because he wanted to stop the Russia investigation. He already sounds like he wants to for Mueller too. There is a mountain of circumstantial evidence that says he campaign coded with the Russians.
It is not impossible that if people start getting indicted around him, or if he gets impeached, that he could declare martial law, and then we would have to see what or military full of Trump fans would do.
I am not going to wait around until the last second before I mention this to anyone.
Of course there are a lot of important issues to discuss and the Democrats should be pushing hard for a sane social compact that takes care of the People and takes the oligarchs out of politics, but our democracy is under threat.
Meanwhile he is threatening to attack North Korea, and it sounds like he is talking about nuclear war.
By the way, Russia is no longer communist, but a hard corp capitalist country, with only a semblance of democracy. This is not the fifties.
It is not impossible that if people start getting indicted around him, or if he gets impeached, that he could declare martial law, and then we would have to see what or military full of Trump fans would do.
I am not going to wait around until the last second before I mention this to anyone.
Of course there are a lot of important issues to discuss and the Democrats should be pushing hard for a sane social compact that takes care of the People and takes the oligarchs out of politics, but our democracy is under threat.
Meanwhile he is threatening to attack North Korea, and it sounds like he is talking about nuclear war.
By the way, Russia is no longer communist, but a hard corp capitalist country, with only a semblance of democracy. This is not the fifties.
4
Trump and his administration have tested our democracy in ways that no other president has to date. Citizens who speak out regarding this are not "hysterical" and labeling those who do so, only appears as an attempt to discredit and diminish the validity of their concerns and opinions.
9
Plato warned of this kind of democracy, (which a recent op-ed piece dubbed "kakocracy") and Athens got it, and its fall in the form of Alcibiades. Alcibiades, like Trump, was rich and reckless, but at least he had experience as a winning general.
Freedom is what is under threat, along with survival of the planet-- under threat from the very democracy and constitution which created it.
Freedom is what is under threat, along with survival of the planet-- under threat from the very democracy and constitution which created it.
5
The author of this piece has ignored (like Trump's base) Donalds Trumps history of lying and cheating contractors, investors, bankruptcies, and using and abusing the rule of law with impunity to always emerge from his crimes and disasters unscathed. He exhibits a pathological narcissist personality highly susceptible to impulsive self destructive behavior, and he seems unable to discern truth - rather by preference constantly inventing his own. This is NOT someone that should ever be put in the position of power that he has. The main money people who assisted Trumps rise to power are using him as a spearhead to disable our democracy in favor of of an authoritarian corporate free market capitalist plutocracy. Trump and his Republican Congressional enablers/sycophants are engaged on a short and long term assault on the rule of law, and on the administrative state in order to privatize services, and eliminate taxes and regulations that impede their profiteering operations. If they were actually interested in the well being of the middle class and our country, they would be supporting a serious effort to break up all monopolies, get the money out of our political process, and to get full-on behind the green energy revolution addressing climate change/global warming as threat to the future of civilization it is.
5
True.
But to ignore Trump for even 30 seconds could be perilous to not just the U.S,, but the entire world.
Trump keeps showing he has a very itchy trigger finger.
And no self control whatsoever.
But to ignore Trump for even 30 seconds could be perilous to not just the U.S,, but the entire world.
Trump keeps showing he has a very itchy trigger finger.
And no self control whatsoever.
6
You guys are doing some serious graveyard whistling and apparently have done nothing to study how totalitarianism happens. First it is slow - then it is immediate. We, I fear, are standing on a cliff.
7
Very informative to read the 2009 paper on "Tyrannophobia" (to which this article links) in order to get a glimpse into the academic world of Moyn and Priestland. A closing quote from that paper:
"...tyrannophobia today is just another misperception of risk, akin to a fear of genetically modified foods. Indeed, in light of the current evidence on the determinants of democratic stability, tyranny should be at the very bottom of the scale of public concern." Maybe they're back in 2009 or rather, hoping that America is?
"...tyrannophobia today is just another misperception of risk, akin to a fear of genetically modified foods. Indeed, in light of the current evidence on the determinants of democratic stability, tyranny should be at the very bottom of the scale of public concern." Maybe they're back in 2009 or rather, hoping that America is?
2
Their basic premise, it seems to me, is that because it hasn't happened yet, and because in the six short months that Trump has been in office the general democratic, rule-of-law framework has held, that it's irrational to believe that things could change for the worse (much worse) over the next couple of years. Perhaps we'll get lucky, and the authors will be correct. But dismissing the possibility of America becoming authoritarian might not seem so far-fetched if the authors actually visited, for example, the American South, where I live, and where much of Trump's support comes from. They should listen to the actual voters who love Putin, hate Obama/Hillary, believe every word that Trump utters, believes the press is the enemy, would love America to be officially Christian, want very much to ban most immigration and certainly Muslims, and who want to restrict voting rights to about where they were in 1949. Authoritarianism? A wide swath of this country would be fine with it, and they tend to vote in GOP primaries, so it would be a big mistake to expect the GOP to be a long-term check on the dangers of Trumpism.
2
Hysteria and Trump may both be real threats to our democracy however the minority of ignorant voters that placed him in office and continue to support him remain the gravest threat.
5
There is no "new cold war" between democracy and totalitarianism, foolish and feckless authoritarian though Trump may be. There is a cold civil war between remnants of the confederacy--right-wing fanatics--and reasonable people.
6
No, Trump IS a threat to our Democracy. Hysteria isn't.
8
Government over-reach. Regulation gone wild just to add sparkle to the resumes of bureaucrats and politicians. Ossification of federal elected leadership due to Congress and the Senate resting fat and easy in their lifetime perches. State leaders: See previous. Crony capitalism: The oligarchy of government officials and their corporate supplicants united against citizen well-being and safety, and against freedoms and the "crowd-source" wisdom of the marketplace. News media, entertainment and academia unquestioningly supporting the latest claim of victimhood. Advocates of same, throwing tantrums of "think as I do, or else." These realities, my dear writers who don't know the difference between a democracy and a republic, are the problems that led to a man like Trump becoming president.
4
The authors criticize the Democrats' current program as inadequate but fail to offer an alternative. Would be helpful to know what they are advocating.
4
This is the only sane piece of opinion I read in over 18 months. Thank you.
"There is certainly evidence of Russian interference in the election, and the hacking of the Democratic National Committee is serious. "
Sure. Maybe it's time we stop interfering in other country's elections and affairs. It's not that the public doesn't believe it happened, they know we have done it too, and therefore put it in perspective.
"There is certainly evidence of Russian interference in the election, and the hacking of the Democratic National Committee is serious. "
Sure. Maybe it's time we stop interfering in other country's elections and affairs. It's not that the public doesn't believe it happened, they know we have done it too, and therefore put it in perspective.
10
That may be well and good. But at the moment, we're dealing with a president who wasn't elected by the MAJORITY of Americans -- and whose loud mouth (and tweets) is just short of causing a Nuclear Holocaust.
Start there.
Start there.
3
Yes Smith, but our electoral system doesn't require a 'a majority of Americans' voting for the person, they just need to get the majority of the electorate, so it is what it is.
Trump won because too many of us were sick of both parties and wanted to shake things up, even if it meant ending up with a lunatic, because people believed on the checks and balances keeping things under control.
Trump won because too many of us were sick of both parties and wanted to shake things up, even if it meant ending up with a lunatic, because people believed on the checks and balances keeping things under control.
So let me get this straight. President Trump frequently gushes praise for authoritarian leaders like Mussolini, Putin, Erdogan, Duterte and even Kim Jong-un for God's sakes and I should have no cause for alarm?
Then we have GOP congressmen who far too often follow the President's lead about investigating leaks rather than Russian intervention in the election but again I shouldn't be concerned.
We have a voter registration commission and Attorney General who are determined to suppress the votes from people who may not "vote the correct way" but still I shouldn't be concerned.
The real test may have to wait until 2020. How will Trump respond, now with the levers of power at his disposal, if he loses the election despite the above efforts? This is a man who invariably responds to defeat with denial and petulance.
Then we have GOP congressmen who far too often follow the President's lead about investigating leaks rather than Russian intervention in the election but again I shouldn't be concerned.
We have a voter registration commission and Attorney General who are determined to suppress the votes from people who may not "vote the correct way" but still I shouldn't be concerned.
The real test may have to wait until 2020. How will Trump respond, now with the levers of power at his disposal, if he loses the election despite the above efforts? This is a man who invariably responds to defeat with denial and petulance.
18
And let us not forget that he wouldn't even promise to accept the results of the election if Hillary had won, and that was even before he had any real power.
2
NYT #1 comment:
“In fact, gentlemen, democracy did not put Mr. Trump in power. The Electoral College did. Democracy, that is the majority vote of the people, was overridden and defeated. And that is a significant part of the problem.”
Against an opponent like Trump, it shouldn’t have been close enough for the electoral college or other oft-cited factors (e.g., the Comey letter, the Russians) to have made a difference. The Democrats should have won easily and by a landslide. They should have trounced Trump. The close election reflects massive failure by the Democrats. Had they governed all these years and then campaigned in 2016 with conviction, on a strong working people’s platform, the outcome might have been very different.
We ignore issues of economic fairness at our peril; even if we somehow get Trump out of the way, another Trump will soon come along if these issues are not addressed.
“In fact, gentlemen, democracy did not put Mr. Trump in power. The Electoral College did. Democracy, that is the majority vote of the people, was overridden and defeated. And that is a significant part of the problem.”
Against an opponent like Trump, it shouldn’t have been close enough for the electoral college or other oft-cited factors (e.g., the Comey letter, the Russians) to have made a difference. The Democrats should have won easily and by a landslide. They should have trounced Trump. The close election reflects massive failure by the Democrats. Had they governed all these years and then campaigned in 2016 with conviction, on a strong working people’s platform, the outcome might have been very different.
We ignore issues of economic fairness at our peril; even if we somehow get Trump out of the way, another Trump will soon come along if these issues are not addressed.
11
I agree. Democrats are still in denial, blaming all manner of issues for their losses, everything except their political incompetence. They still seem to refuse looking at the problems in the country as a class issue, one driven by inequality. I guess they have too much at stake so it is best not upset the status quo. They are as complicit in the current state of affairs as Republicans, in fact they did their part by implementing Reagan's tax and economic policies when they controlled the House, exporting jobs offshore with NAFTA and other policies, and by not holding Wall Street accountable for the Great Recession. It has been stated that the US has one corporate political party with two wings.
If one or both parties don’t start attending to the middle and working class the situation will continue to degrade, as people will find some perceived solution to their situation.
If one or both parties don’t start attending to the middle and working class the situation will continue to degrade, as people will find some perceived solution to their situation.
2
I am a lifelong Democrat and I couldn't agree more with your comments.
1
These obviously intelligent authors could have written a much better essay. It's not just that I don't agree with their conclusion, it's their arguments and reasons supporting that conclusion.
Trump's attacks on our liberties and values have been of the creeping sort, not (yet) a full scale assault. But, the authors seem to be ignoring that evidence.
They seem to be whistling in the graveyard.
Trump's attacks on our liberties and values have been of the creeping sort, not (yet) a full scale assault. But, the authors seem to be ignoring that evidence.
They seem to be whistling in the graveyard.
15
These academics are living in a very constrained world. Our democracy is on its last legs. The election of Trump is a symptom not a cause. The Russians are a relatively small part of the problem. The big part is that the plutocracy (the Kochs, Robert Mercer etc.) have a propaganda machine that is more effective than Goebbels's was in his heyday. Our democracy is limping to the finish line. We either get money out of politics or we won't need the Russians to finish off our founders' great experiment.
28
You cannot blame the Mercers for practicing defensive politics in this age of "soak the rich" memes. When 10% of the population pays 70% of federal income taxes while 47% pay no federal income tax, the problem is obvious. When every business is expected to ignore profits while forsaking it's fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders in order to override the natural order of wages in free markets, why wouldn't the makers in our society believe they are under attack?
4
And why does that skew exist? Tax policies have not changed much in nearly 40 years?
So what has changed? Income distribution. The top 10% are capturing all the economic gains. Which means they are the ones who get to pay the taxes.
So what has changed? Income distribution. The top 10% are capturing all the economic gains. Which means they are the ones who get to pay the taxes.
10
You know why "10% of the population pays 70% of federal income taxes"? They take in nearly 50% of all income, and own over 75% of wealth. And those figures (c 2014) of course don't include any income hidden in tax shelters or other tax avoidance schemes (which is likely substantial).
The 47% that pay no federal income tax? Households that make less than $35,000/year.
Why do we "soak the rich"? Because that's where the money is.
The 47% that pay no federal income tax? Households that make less than $35,000/year.
Why do we "soak the rich"? Because that's where the money is.
10
Sorry, but as far as I'm concerned complacency is a far greater threat to Democracy than "hysteria" or "tyranophobia." As recent events in Venezuela, Turkey, and across central and eastern Europe demonstrate, democracy is neither inevitable nor permanent. Even democracies that have relatively long histories and robust institutions (on paper, at least) can prove surprisingly delicate and ephemeral. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that I can't think of any point in recent history when the future of liberal democracy around the globe has appeared so tenuous. You would have to go back at least to the 1930's to find an analogue.
15
Yes. And this is why this comment should have been a TPick.
At least someone has a grasp on history, and world events.
At least someone has a grasp on history, and world events.
1
To the authors: you are right, trumpism itself is not a threat to our democracy, and neither in itself is Russian interference in our elections. These are both data points that lie on a curve that trended increasingly upward before trump and the Russians came on the scene in the last couple of years. Home grown threats to our democracy have been alive and well since the Republicans perfected the fine arts of voter suppression (Kris Kobach's Crosscheck, for example), gerrymandering and, I strongly suspect, the rigging of electronic vote counting software which is proprietary, not open source.
So it's questionable to assume that democracy put trump in power. The presidency and, especially, a skewed congress are the results of years of mischief that merely paved the way for a tyrannical result. Even if they come up with best candidates and their most effective message, the Dems have their work cut out for them to overcome a very heavy thumb on the electoral scale.
So it's questionable to assume that democracy put trump in power. The presidency and, especially, a skewed congress are the results of years of mischief that merely paved the way for a tyrannical result. Even if they come up with best candidates and their most effective message, the Dems have their work cut out for them to overcome a very heavy thumb on the electoral scale.
18
Who are the authors of this piece, really?
I would like disclosure on their conflicts of interest--political and personal.
I agree another reader, Robert, that their piece resounds with muddled logic and I would add selective perception--a spin on the real threats the Trumpster brings that minimizes them to protect the neofascists working to indeed subvert our democracy.
I would like disclosure on their conflicts of interest--political and personal.
I agree another reader, Robert, that their piece resounds with muddled logic and I would add selective perception--a spin on the real threats the Trumpster brings that minimizes them to protect the neofascists working to indeed subvert our democracy.
13
Well, Samuel Moyn wrote a somewhat controversial book, The Last Utopia, about the history of human rights, which in various ways punctured holes in the idea of human rights as a utopian ideal. It's not a bad book, really, but IMO overly proud of its contrarianism in places. In this column, I think the "conflict of interest" is the tendency many people have, including but not especially academics, to circle the wagons around their own prior ideas. If you have long thought liberalism got distracted from better aspirations by focusing on "rights," it's hard to see Trump clearly. And for anybody it's difficult to learn from new evidence. So my sense is that this is another example of how people so often just fail to notice that the world has changed around them.
Here's a link to an essay of Moyn's from 2010: https://www.thenation.com/article/human-rights-history/
Here's a link to an essay of Moyn's from 2010: https://www.thenation.com/article/human-rights-history/
5
I think your observations are right on the money.
1
Behind Trump comes Pence who with the support of the Catholic and Evangelical Dominionists the Koch Brothers, the Murdoch fake news media and the revival of Goldwater/John-Birch-Society presents a real danger to the republic.
20
The authors get hysteria in American politics wrong by a hundred and eighty degrees. Hysteria has been building in a large minority of Americans for decades until reaching a point where the alternative reality of Donald Trump was elected by something close to half of the country. Something more than a third of Americans believe in a torrent of conspiracy theories, most of which have a little racial tint. The Republican play to racial divisions in our country can be easily traced to Nixon's Southern Strategy. The Republican Party has been fanning the flames of racial, religious and cultural hysteria in America for fifty years. It may be the longest political campaign in American history and it has been brought to fruition. Donald Trump is it's avatar. As a non-spokesman for the many millions of Americans who appose Trump and all he stands for, I have not been experiencing hysteria. I believe the American people will reverse course in the next few elections to set this country on a saner path toward healthcare, climate and the economy.
27
The word hysteria is from the ancient Greeks, Hippocrates in particular, and means uterus which until the late 20th century was thought to wander about the body causing all sorts of havoc in the lives of women, who of course have them while men do not. Modern neurology arose from the interest of physicians like Charcot in France, who actually put 'hysterical' women on public display at weekly demonstrations of the manifestations of the malady: shortness of breath, dizziness, swooning, paralysis and blindness among others. Freud was a student of Charcot and promoted the view that hysteria was psychological problem, not a physical illness as Charcot believed.
Male concerns about the hysterical tendencies of women to be overly emotional and therefore irrational were at the core of denying women the vote until 1920 as well as ongoing access to educational and professional opportunities, not to mention the ability to control their own reproductive lives.
This male also "believe(s) the American people will reverse course in the next few elections to set this country on a saner path toward healthcare, climate and the economy." And women will lead the way.
Male concerns about the hysterical tendencies of women to be overly emotional and therefore irrational were at the core of denying women the vote until 1920 as well as ongoing access to educational and professional opportunities, not to mention the ability to control their own reproductive lives.
This male also "believe(s) the American people will reverse course in the next few elections to set this country on a saner path toward healthcare, climate and the economy." And women will lead the way.
4
"... the most frightening threats to ordinary politics in the United States are empty or easily contained ... the real warnings of the election: A dysfunctional economy, not lurking tyranny, is what needs attention if recent electoral choices are to be explained ..."
The logic here is muddled. It is correct that the economic problems cited here need to be addressed. I agree that Democrats should not focus on economic progressivism at the expense of ignore social progressivism; that was what I did not like about the Sanders coalition. On the other hand, most credible studies now tell us that the election was mainly not about the economy. For Trump voters, "racial resentment" was more important than economic issues. Moreover, Trump voters were on average relatively well off. Finally, do the authors really believe that the attacks by this administration on the civil rights of women and minorities are "empty" and of little consequence?
The logic here is muddled. It is correct that the economic problems cited here need to be addressed. I agree that Democrats should not focus on economic progressivism at the expense of ignore social progressivism; that was what I did not like about the Sanders coalition. On the other hand, most credible studies now tell us that the election was mainly not about the economy. For Trump voters, "racial resentment" was more important than economic issues. Moreover, Trump voters were on average relatively well off. Finally, do the authors really believe that the attacks by this administration on the civil rights of women and minorities are "empty" and of little consequence?
22
I don't think we are experiencing hysterical paranoia. What we are witnessing is fierce vigilance by an engaged, patriotic nation defending its democracy. The enemy is not Trump. It is the Republican party and its decades-long cynical campaign to hoodwink gullible simpletons into thinking half of their fellow citizens are un-American and the press is untrustworthy. At any given time a nation will have a large population of more simple-minded folk. We must be extra vigilant from now on that no elected official ever incites hate, fear, and division among such people who are not able to tell the difference. We have to protect our less-educated citizens from radicalization by holding politicians and news sources accountable for their rhetoric. The chickens have come home to roost for the Republicans and they now find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place of their own making.
35
KFree, your condescending attitude toward the "simpletons" who elected Trump illustrates exactly what the right wing decries as "Coastal liberal elites who disrespect the citizens in the "flyover states". The danger of populism was exactly why our founders founded a representative republic and not a democracy. Indeed, the electoral college was devised as a way of keeping populists out of the Presidency as well as to buffer the influence of states with high populations. Despite all it's flaws, the college has served the nation well -- until Trump who, to paraphrase Lincoln, fooled (just) enough of the people some of the time to get elected.
2
"A little more than six months into the Trump presidency, though, it now seems clear that the most frightening threats to ordinary politics in the United States are empty or easily contained."
Really?
Have the authors paid any attention to what Trump is doing to the judiciary?
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/08/what-trump-is-actua...
Trump is doing for himself exactly what Silvio Berlusconi spent the better part of two decades doing in Italy: Stuffing the judiciary with "loyal" judges, and making himself as legally immune as possible. And he's also taking care of his fellow criminals.
Trump and the Republicans are indeed Putinizing the United States, to the extent he can, making America safe for Oligarchs.
Hysteria will in fact not help. But action is not hysteria.
Trump alone is not a threat to democracy. Trump, the Republicans and their backers ARE a threat to democracy. The weak to non-existent Democratic response is also a threat.
Really?
Have the authors paid any attention to what Trump is doing to the judiciary?
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/08/what-trump-is-actua...
Trump is doing for himself exactly what Silvio Berlusconi spent the better part of two decades doing in Italy: Stuffing the judiciary with "loyal" judges, and making himself as legally immune as possible. And he's also taking care of his fellow criminals.
Trump and the Republicans are indeed Putinizing the United States, to the extent he can, making America safe for Oligarchs.
Hysteria will in fact not help. But action is not hysteria.
Trump alone is not a threat to democracy. Trump, the Republicans and their backers ARE a threat to democracy. The weak to non-existent Democratic response is also a threat.
41
Wow. Defense of the indefensible. Tyranny comes in many forms and a disruptor of the status quo is the most likeliest to succeed. We have in this Administration a would-be dictator. No question about it. He believes he is owed personal "loyalty" from everyone else in Gov't. It doesn't matter if you are a Federal judge, the FBI director,, the Atty General, the Speaker of the House or the Senate Majority Leader. He also believes as the US President, he should be more important than anyone else in the world (except possibly Putin, but we don't yet know why). When you have that sort of overwhelming ego in a place of awesome power, it lends itself to moving towards dictatorship - tyranny if you will. Fortunately I think Republicans are finally waking up to the danger of this President. The rest of us have been there for a long time.
Until this election I never thought our democracy was "on the precipice" but now it's getting closer every day. I don't think this path will lead to fuller justice and true safety. True safety? That's the catch-phrase of a dictator.
Until this election I never thought our democracy was "on the precipice" but now it's getting closer every day. I don't think this path will lead to fuller justice and true safety. True safety? That's the catch-phrase of a dictator.
23
We live in a country where the votes for the President, Senate, and House of Representatives have been a plurality for Democrats, and a plurality for Democrats who won their elections for the Senate and the House. This has been true for some time. Two of the last 3 presidential "change" elections were "won" by the candidate with fewer votes (and in one case, fewer actual electoral votes(Gore-Florida)).
We also have a minority party that has rejected fact based results or reasoning, but strongly accepted a great many of the tools of tyranny.
As a result, we now have lie based policy making. We are deliberately sabotaging efforts to address the existential threat of climate change based on propaganda from the same minority party.
Corruption of our Congress and Senate, always a risk, appears to be on the rise. Corruption of the process seems to be increasing--but not in the ways advertised by the same minority party who use non-existent in-person voter fraud to justify voter suppression and gerrymandering.
Crime is running at historically low levels, but is being used to justify abuse of those likely to vote against the minority party with highly selective enforcement.
A change to medical insurance that would deprive many millions of care and kill 10's of thousands a year was avoided by one vote in the Senate.
Tyrannophobia is a cool word--but there is more than ample evidence to suggest that the fears may well be understated, not exaggerated.
We also have a minority party that has rejected fact based results or reasoning, but strongly accepted a great many of the tools of tyranny.
As a result, we now have lie based policy making. We are deliberately sabotaging efforts to address the existential threat of climate change based on propaganda from the same minority party.
Corruption of our Congress and Senate, always a risk, appears to be on the rise. Corruption of the process seems to be increasing--but not in the ways advertised by the same minority party who use non-existent in-person voter fraud to justify voter suppression and gerrymandering.
Crime is running at historically low levels, but is being used to justify abuse of those likely to vote against the minority party with highly selective enforcement.
A change to medical insurance that would deprive many millions of care and kill 10's of thousands a year was avoided by one vote in the Senate.
Tyrannophobia is a cool word--but there is more than ample evidence to suggest that the fears may well be understated, not exaggerated.
28
Hysterical was the reaction to 9/11 which has gotten us to where we are now. Instead of acting like the richest country with the largest military in the world, the response to 9/11 was hysterical and immature. The GOP branded opposition to the hysteria around 9/11 unpatriotic. With Trumpism, hysterical over reaction to every minor event is seen by Trump as a personal slight which must be avenged "in the name of the people". When we lose track of who we are as we did with 9/11 or this week with Trump insulting North Korea and then him acting insulted by North Koreas predictable response is when we get into big trouble. I miss Obama so much. He had no of Trumpolinis insecurities and mental problems. He knew who he was and who we are.
13
It seems that the authors have entirely missed the point.
Tyranny is not the issue. In fact, an educated electorate, coequal branches of government, local governmental structures, NGOs both for-profit and non-profit, as well as fourth estate are fairly resilient against a tyrannical putsch. We have seen that an under-educated electorate and a corporate fourth estate are vulnerabilities, but, in fact, a combination of extreme right wing and extreme left wing are able to hold off any planned coronation.
The real fear is incompetence. Incompetence allows the needless acceleration of a nuclear crisis, the squandering of an effort to moderate climate damage, the further destabilization of an ineffective healthcare system, loss of consumer protections and environmental protections.
When a sentient leader is overseeing the clash of individual preferences and goals, appropriate compromises and safeguards can protect the social structure, and allow for gradual formulation of policy with all interested parties represented.
When a functionally absent leader is unwilling or unable to inspect the details of policy, and unable to parse the resulting social impacts, we get a gold rush of those with immediate access and advantage to magnify and solidify their agenda, cementing in dysfunction which then necessitates revoluntionary extirpation.
Tyranny is just the window dressing that hides the incompetence of banana republics.
Tyranny is not the issue. In fact, an educated electorate, coequal branches of government, local governmental structures, NGOs both for-profit and non-profit, as well as fourth estate are fairly resilient against a tyrannical putsch. We have seen that an under-educated electorate and a corporate fourth estate are vulnerabilities, but, in fact, a combination of extreme right wing and extreme left wing are able to hold off any planned coronation.
The real fear is incompetence. Incompetence allows the needless acceleration of a nuclear crisis, the squandering of an effort to moderate climate damage, the further destabilization of an ineffective healthcare system, loss of consumer protections and environmental protections.
When a sentient leader is overseeing the clash of individual preferences and goals, appropriate compromises and safeguards can protect the social structure, and allow for gradual formulation of policy with all interested parties represented.
When a functionally absent leader is unwilling or unable to inspect the details of policy, and unable to parse the resulting social impacts, we get a gold rush of those with immediate access and advantage to magnify and solidify their agenda, cementing in dysfunction which then necessitates revoluntionary extirpation.
Tyranny is just the window dressing that hides the incompetence of banana republics.
10
Professor Moyn's other writings declare that the modern human rights movement did not emerged from the American and French Revolutions, the American Constitution, the anti-slavery movement, the civil rights movement, the gay rights movement, or the women's movement. Instead the modern human rights movement emerged “seemingly from nowhere,”
As the NYT review of his book, The Last Utopia, said, "According to Moyn, human rights in their current form — applicable to all and internationally protected — can be traced not to the Enlightenment, nor to the humanitarian impulses of the 19th century nor to the impact of the Holocaust after World War II. Instead, he sees them as dating from the 1970s, exemplified by President Jimmy Carter’s effort to make human rights a pillar of United States foreign policy."
In his 2015 book, "Christian Human Rights", Moyn argues modern human rights were inspired by a defense of the dignity of the human person that from Christian churches and religious thought in the last European "golden age" for the Christian faith when Western European governments after World War II and their Christian Democratic parties became more tolerant of public expressions of religious piety.
No wonder Moyn isn't concerned that our country is in danger of a crazy man, elected by a minority of Americans with the help of the Russians, is destroying human rights and may be leading us into a horrific war. The "Christians" are in charge so what could go wrong.
As the NYT review of his book, The Last Utopia, said, "According to Moyn, human rights in their current form — applicable to all and internationally protected — can be traced not to the Enlightenment, nor to the humanitarian impulses of the 19th century nor to the impact of the Holocaust after World War II. Instead, he sees them as dating from the 1970s, exemplified by President Jimmy Carter’s effort to make human rights a pillar of United States foreign policy."
In his 2015 book, "Christian Human Rights", Moyn argues modern human rights were inspired by a defense of the dignity of the human person that from Christian churches and religious thought in the last European "golden age" for the Christian faith when Western European governments after World War II and their Christian Democratic parties became more tolerant of public expressions of religious piety.
No wonder Moyn isn't concerned that our country is in danger of a crazy man, elected by a minority of Americans with the help of the Russians, is destroying human rights and may be leading us into a horrific war. The "Christians" are in charge so what could go wrong.
17
I am sure similarly learned Italian professors expressed such thoughts during the two years it took Mussolini to take down Italy's democracy.
The place to deal with this professorial effusion is the last para, where they say "The threat of tyranny can be real enough." True, but if so why write so much supercilious verbiage dismissing it?
The case seems to be based on the notion that Trump is too incompetent to
"make the the trains run on time". But he's succeeding at dismantling many institutions of democracy, fully in the case of the EPA and partially, with the operating version of the Muslim Ban and the dismantling of the State's Department's not so huge bureaucracy.
If he fills the Department of Justice and the courts with Trumpist flunkies, how resistant will America be? Except for dead on strictures against the leadership of our political parties, this assessment belongs in a museum of professorial vanity.
The place to deal with this professorial effusion is the last para, where they say "The threat of tyranny can be real enough." True, but if so why write so much supercilious verbiage dismissing it?
The case seems to be based on the notion that Trump is too incompetent to
"make the the trains run on time". But he's succeeding at dismantling many institutions of democracy, fully in the case of the EPA and partially, with the operating version of the Muslim Ban and the dismantling of the State's Department's not so huge bureaucracy.
If he fills the Department of Justice and the courts with Trumpist flunkies, how resistant will America be? Except for dead on strictures against the leadership of our political parties, this assessment belongs in a museum of professorial vanity.
19
My incredulity mounted with each paragraph I read of this article. No, tyranny is not imminent, it is already here. Trump was not elected through a democratic process as the majority of the people did not vote for him. He was elected through the electoral college, an archaic institution created by our founders principally for two reasons. The first, to give slave holding states an oversized voice in the election of the president. The second, because the founders had such little faith in the intelligence of the average voter that they wanted create a fail safe. The founders knew that the average voter was poorly educated and could be hoodwinked into electing a rogue who would be either incompetent or tyrannical. The electoral college was supposed to prevent that.
This result of this election is clearly the confluence of the failure of each of those concerns. Poorly educated, low intelligence voters in rural (and former slave holding) states were duped into voting for and electing a fraud. The electoral college, which was supposed to prevent that, instead just rubber stamped the result. Not that it mattered, but the electors were threatened by their states that if they did what the constitution actually intended they would be prosecuted. On top of all this, voter suppression and gerrymandering further amplified the voice of this extreme and easily deceived minority.
Tyranny is not imminent. It is already here.
This result of this election is clearly the confluence of the failure of each of those concerns. Poorly educated, low intelligence voters in rural (and former slave holding) states were duped into voting for and electing a fraud. The electoral college, which was supposed to prevent that, instead just rubber stamped the result. Not that it mattered, but the electors were threatened by their states that if they did what the constitution actually intended they would be prosecuted. On top of all this, voter suppression and gerrymandering further amplified the voice of this extreme and easily deceived minority.
Tyranny is not imminent. It is already here.
32
At the time the Electoral College was put into place in 1787, weren't virtually all of the states, north as well as south, slave-holding states?
1
Nearly half of Republicans, according to recent polling, would support postponing the 2020 presidential election on trumps say so. We got the message. We're not hysterical. Trump is the conduit for this illiberal strain of thought, not the originator. Authoritarianism has been metastasizing through conservative politics for a long time. Republican's quiescence in the face of trump's attempts to destroy norms and institutions is the real problem. It's a tell.
28
I beg to disagree. The sky may well be falling. We may be in a nuclear war very soon because Trump says whatever he wants and reacts immediately to any threat verbalized by Kim Jong Un. He ignores his advisors, cannot stand being seen as weak, and may start a nuclear war in order to save face. This is not the way our democracy was designed to work, where the President has unilateral power. Not only is our democracy in danger, but so is our country and the planet.
16
All is well? I think not. Certainly not when you have a man such as Trump who acts precipitously on a whim with no thought to consequences. It isn't hysteria which is fueling concern about the swaggering boasts Trump has made about annihilating North Korea, it is the thought that Trump in a fit of temper or the need to feed his ego might actually push the button that will launch us into a nuclear war. That is a real and present danger right now and represents the oppressive power Trump holds, and has made clear he will use.
As for a functioning democracy, the majority of people in this country did not vote for Trump last fall, and as such are not fully represented by the present administration.
As for a functioning democracy, the majority of people in this country did not vote for Trump last fall, and as such are not fully represented by the present administration.
10
The arguments set forth in this article perfectly embody the apathy and lack of humanity of the Republican Party since about the time of Reagan.
When Republicans have the power and evidence surfaces of incompetence, corruption, and greed before public welfare, they say "everything's fine, don't worry about it." Total apathy toward the common citizen, while answering to large donors and wealthy supporters.
When Democrats try to enact policies that help people live safer, healthier lives, Republicans scream about tyranny and authoritarianism. They are hysterical about "liberal policies and ideas", as if the greatest threat to the people are policies that attempt to help them. How despicable.
I would like to see new versions of the DSM include group diagnoses, because the Republican Party would easily qualify for both Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders. No regard for anybody else, only their own quest for power and money.
When Republicans have the power and evidence surfaces of incompetence, corruption, and greed before public welfare, they say "everything's fine, don't worry about it." Total apathy toward the common citizen, while answering to large donors and wealthy supporters.
When Democrats try to enact policies that help people live safer, healthier lives, Republicans scream about tyranny and authoritarianism. They are hysterical about "liberal policies and ideas", as if the greatest threat to the people are policies that attempt to help them. How despicable.
I would like to see new versions of the DSM include group diagnoses, because the Republican Party would easily qualify for both Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders. No regard for anybody else, only their own quest for power and money.
19
As an admirer of these historians, I'm very disappointed in this essay. The idea that Trump is no big deal because he's being "contained" is astoundingly short-sighted. ICE is gleefully detaining people from homeless shelters, hospitals, and on the basis of tips from their domestic abusers, openly admitting that they are operating the way they are for maximum psychological effect, but the partial failure of the Muslim ban in the courts means we should all chill? I could go on, but this is bizarre reasoning.
The historical analogy with hysterical anti-communism is also strained. Anti-communism involved the defense of free-market liberalism because communism was the enemy of said liberalism. Trumpism is not the enemy of liberalism or centrism, per se. Fighting Trumpism does not, de facto, promote economic inequality or dull the influence of leftism. White male leftists also need to stop convincing themselves that racial and gendered animosities among white Americans will vanish once economic imbalances are taken care of. They will not.
Really, this is all very strange to me. Insofar as the authors' point is "Trump's voters have legitimate economic concerns that stemmed from liberalism, and we need to move left to address them," I agree. But the argument that got them to that point is bewilderingly wrong.
The historical analogy with hysterical anti-communism is also strained. Anti-communism involved the defense of free-market liberalism because communism was the enemy of said liberalism. Trumpism is not the enemy of liberalism or centrism, per se. Fighting Trumpism does not, de facto, promote economic inequality or dull the influence of leftism. White male leftists also need to stop convincing themselves that racial and gendered animosities among white Americans will vanish once economic imbalances are taken care of. They will not.
Really, this is all very strange to me. Insofar as the authors' point is "Trump's voters have legitimate economic concerns that stemmed from liberalism, and we need to move left to address them," I agree. But the argument that got them to that point is bewilderingly wrong.
6
Donald Trump is an incompetent egomaniac, who has no idea how to wield the enormous power of the presidency. In that regard, we are incredibly fortunate. Next time, the burgeoning radical right propaganda apparatus owned and operated by the likes of Robert and Rebekha Mercer, Steven Bannon, Roger Stone, Sinclair Media and Rupert Murdoch might choose to team up with Putin again to promote someone much more formidable, and our democracy could be in extreme danger. We, meaning the people and their Congressional Representatives, need to take strong actions, including political campaign reform that eliminates the enormous and anonymous campaign contributions currently possible because of Citizens United, and to remove at least the Justice and Treasury Departments from the jurisdiction of the Executive, where they are susceptible to abuse of power, and reassign them to report to the Congress or the Judiciary instead.
6
Does anyone remember George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'? I' I am paraphrasing: After all the residents of the supposedly democratic farm were killed or carted away by order of the pigs, who were leaders by promoting themselves as the smartest and best suited, the story ends with the pigs claiming that all are equal, but some (the pigs) are more equal than others.
Sound familiar?
Sound familiar?
5
So you would lecture Thomas Jefferson on his declaration that "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty", is somehow defeatist, and plays into the hands of those who would destroy democracy for the sake of petty self-interest?
Nice try, but this latest attempt to normalize a phenomenon that we've already seen cover the Earth with fire and fury eighty years ago, extinguishing eighty million lives, is just as reprehensible as every other.
Focusing solely on Trump and his ability to destroy democracy is a deliberate red herring. He's too stupid to get out of his own way. It's the people he's brought into government, the people around him, the gang who can't shoot straight, which won't stop them from pulling triggers--and Congressional Republicans, of course, devoid of courage, morals, values, conscience, or concern for their fellow Americans as they are.
It's astonishing the number of Americans who don't realize the Nazis were elected, by a "populist" groundswell that responded to Goebbels' carefully planned and executed propaganda, tailored to issues of nationalist pride, scapegoating of "others", centuries of belief in German "exceptionalism", Hitler's claims to "make Germany great again", and a calculated campaign of lies and misinformation designed to undermine the institutions of the German state.
And you guys would have called the voices raised in alarm "hysterical". For the record, democracy didn't put these monkeys in power--the Electoral College did.
Nice try, but this latest attempt to normalize a phenomenon that we've already seen cover the Earth with fire and fury eighty years ago, extinguishing eighty million lives, is just as reprehensible as every other.
Focusing solely on Trump and his ability to destroy democracy is a deliberate red herring. He's too stupid to get out of his own way. It's the people he's brought into government, the people around him, the gang who can't shoot straight, which won't stop them from pulling triggers--and Congressional Republicans, of course, devoid of courage, morals, values, conscience, or concern for their fellow Americans as they are.
It's astonishing the number of Americans who don't realize the Nazis were elected, by a "populist" groundswell that responded to Goebbels' carefully planned and executed propaganda, tailored to issues of nationalist pride, scapegoating of "others", centuries of belief in German "exceptionalism", Hitler's claims to "make Germany great again", and a calculated campaign of lies and misinformation designed to undermine the institutions of the German state.
And you guys would have called the voices raised in alarm "hysterical". For the record, democracy didn't put these monkeys in power--the Electoral College did.
14
Our fears of tyranny are not irrational. Never before have we elected the likes of our current president who is a mad man. its early in the game . He has made a career of avoiding rules and will masterfully learn how to avoid the checks and balances of our constitution. The checks and balances require the congresses to have some courage to stand up to the tyrant and not be as afraid as they are. Witness the quivering Ryan and McConnell - no check and balance there !! The mad man will soon make the constitution look a like a child's day dream and do it with glee and pride.
He has been drumming up the passions of millions with the fear mongering on Muslims - not unlike Hitler did . Muslims could be the Jews of the 21 st century. Now the North Korea war drum beat. Nothing like building up hatred of enemies and a good war to satisfy the craving for more power death and destruction.
These sociopaths have great powers of persuasion and have superior intuition and play on the innate fears of the common man. My biggest fear is that insightful Americans will sit-by complacently while this mad man gathers more and more power and uses it in evil ways.
Yes the mad man has been modulated thus far but its still early in his game . Moyn and Priestland : please Don't patronize us people who have some rational concerns that keep us up at night as we visualize our grandchildren in a potentially awful world
He has been drumming up the passions of millions with the fear mongering on Muslims - not unlike Hitler did . Muslims could be the Jews of the 21 st century. Now the North Korea war drum beat. Nothing like building up hatred of enemies and a good war to satisfy the craving for more power death and destruction.
These sociopaths have great powers of persuasion and have superior intuition and play on the innate fears of the common man. My biggest fear is that insightful Americans will sit-by complacently while this mad man gathers more and more power and uses it in evil ways.
Yes the mad man has been modulated thus far but its still early in his game . Moyn and Priestland : please Don't patronize us people who have some rational concerns that keep us up at night as we visualize our grandchildren in a potentially awful world
12
Sorry to say it, but on reading this piece, I couldn't help but get the feeling that if these two authors had been around in Germany in the 1930s, they would have urged the German people to stay calm. After all, Hitler was lawfully elected as part of the democratic process in the Weimar Republic: his party won 33% of the vote in 1932. A year later after the German Reichstag was burned (ostensibly by a communist) the Nazis received 43.9% of the vote, which cemented their power.
Seriously, the people who suspected a communist under every bed during the McCarthy era may have been suffering from "tryannophobia," but people who are now genuinely concerned about Trump and the Republicans' attempt to usurp power (see: Merrick Garland and the Republican stealing of a lifelong seat on the Supreme Court) are not being hysterical. They are being good citizens, concerned about the future of our country. Looking away -- and calling for everyone to stay calm -- is not the answer.
Seriously, the people who suspected a communist under every bed during the McCarthy era may have been suffering from "tryannophobia," but people who are now genuinely concerned about Trump and the Republicans' attempt to usurp power (see: Merrick Garland and the Republican stealing of a lifelong seat on the Supreme Court) are not being hysterical. They are being good citizens, concerned about the future of our country. Looking away -- and calling for everyone to stay calm -- is not the answer.
18
These guys got gigs at Yale and Oxford? It's a very stupid, counter-factual piece. Just bad.
9
It is amusing to see this reasoned, logical and mature essay in the New York Times, since the newspaper is clearly the leading source of hysterical, Trump-based Tyrannophobia.
Is Trump a buffoon? Yes. Has the New York Times made the menace he represents much worse with its wailing, cartoonish coverage of every tweet and twitch? Without any doubt.
Is Trump a buffoon? Yes. Has the New York Times made the menace he represents much worse with its wailing, cartoonish coverage of every tweet and twitch? Without any doubt.
2
You underestimate Trump's stupidity and capability to destroy at all our risks.
2
in my book "last refuge of citizens" was November 1216. Shall we really want democracy? or criticized the majority of people that vote? of just want Hillary back at all cost? Shall we wait until little fat boy from North Korea kill a few in Hawaiians or tell them what's coming to them if they do, like the Pres said? Then what's hysteria is?
Thanks for trying to assuage our fears regarding Trump....maybe you're right, Trump is just a blustering baffoon, and none of his words should be taken seriously.
That said, the folks manning our missile defense system cannot do anything but take Trump's words (i.e., orders) seriously. If Trump says jump, they ask 'how high' or else they're fired and put in prison.
To make a long story longer....You are wrong. Trump is a clear and present threat to our democracy, because if he gets flustered enough (and God knows, Trump and diplomacy/delicate negotiations/consideration of others, etc. = flustered and frustration), he'll say: "Enough!" "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead." And, God forbid, 'Launch those Missiles, Officer!"
And if he utters that last clause, not only is Trump a "threat" to our democracy - by starting WW3 with another nuclear power, he'll be the "Destroyer" of our democracy.
That said, the folks manning our missile defense system cannot do anything but take Trump's words (i.e., orders) seriously. If Trump says jump, they ask 'how high' or else they're fired and put in prison.
To make a long story longer....You are wrong. Trump is a clear and present threat to our democracy, because if he gets flustered enough (and God knows, Trump and diplomacy/delicate negotiations/consideration of others, etc. = flustered and frustration), he'll say: "Enough!" "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead." And, God forbid, 'Launch those Missiles, Officer!"
And if he utters that last clause, not only is Trump a "threat" to our democracy - by starting WW3 with another nuclear power, he'll be the "Destroyer" of our democracy.
8
Summary: there is nothing to fear from Chancellor Hitler, return to your homes and stop struggling against him.
This article simply dismisses all liberal concerns out of hand, with no evidence whatsoever. Why did the Times publish it? Some insane urge to "balance" rationality with irrationality?
This article simply dismisses all liberal concerns out of hand, with no evidence whatsoever. Why did the Times publish it? Some insane urge to "balance" rationality with irrationality?
12
I completely disagree with your assertions, I firmly believe there are plenty of serious alarm bells going off that we must heed, or risk losing our democracy. Voter suppression is not tyrannophobia, but real tyranny. What Donald Trump and Kris Kobach and the Republicans are trying to rig the system to have perpetual right wing power, and the disenfranchisement of mainly people of color, and the poor. Gerrymandering is being used by the Republicans to tilt elections in their favor, at the expense of true democratic representation. Citizens United, is the Supreme Court's and the Federalist Society's answer to Barack Obama being elected in 2008, by the people. Donald Trump losing the popular vote by a substantial number of votes, near three million, but "conveniently" getting just enough votes, "conveniently" in the states he needed to win in the arcane Electoral College. The growing evidence of Russian intervention on behalf of Donald Trump, and the questions of what exactly did the Russians hack, which has not, so far, been satisfactorily answered. I think these are only a few, but real
questions, concerns, and threats to our Democracy, and not a case of tyrannophobia. The threat of tyranny in this case is real
questions, concerns, and threats to our Democracy, and not a case of tyrannophobia. The threat of tyranny in this case is real
20
My favorite line: "The menace the commander in chief poses to the world, as his impulsive warning to North Korea suggested, may be another matter," obviously dropped in at the last moment in an essay that probably took weeks to write. Dropped in to try to forestall the obvious objection: that, even as you write, Trump is moving toward a disaster even worse that tyranny. I don't think this is the moment to take a nap.
14
Oh, goody, let's talk history. Donald Trump has all but wrecked NATO with his amateurish and juvenile threats to unleash a pre-emptive strike against North Korea. One need only recall De Gaulle's assessment of US threats during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Here we had a president and his adversary, Khrushchev, locked into a crisis which threatened an exchange of nuclear weapons. Yet Kennedy never consulted with NATO allies, whose national fate could well have been determined by unilateral decisions beyond their control. De Gaulle's response was that if the French nation were to be put at risk, if would be based on a decision made by a Frenchman. He then left NATO. Today's NATO alliance, already on ground shaken by Trump, finds, once again, an American president oblivious of the effects on others of his language and policies. NATO allies need no additional proof that Trump endangers them and the rest of the world. The threat is less domestic tyranny than it is the combination of arrogance, malevolence and stupidity. Is there any national leader in the world who would put the fate of his or her nation in Trump's hands?
8
Don't forget there was a lot of hysteria among Trump supporters. During the campaign I talked with many who swore Obama was bringing us an inch away from the end of the world. After all the White House was being occupied by a man who literally FOUNDED the terrorist group, the Islamic State. Horrors! But in the next breath they'd chirp cheerfully about what they were going to bring to the next tailgate party at the college football game! In other words, things were not nearly as gloomy as they were portraying them to be. In fact, life was pretty good!
4
This article hides behind a banner of "tyranny" and the slick sounding "tyrannophobia" label. And Mr. Trump is described as a populist—"only more economic fairness and solidarity can keep populists like him out".
The profound problem with Donald Trump is not that he is a populist—the problem (which most Americans see and they're not using the word tyranny) is that Donald Trump is mentally ill and is verbally and cognitively challenged.
It is this utter incompetence in the office of President (not "tyrannophobia") that causes great unease in the American people.
The profound problem with Donald Trump is not that he is a populist—the problem (which most Americans see and they're not using the word tyranny) is that Donald Trump is mentally ill and is verbally and cognitively challenged.
It is this utter incompetence in the office of President (not "tyrannophobia") that causes great unease in the American people.
12
We Americans cannot take comfort in the fact that 7 months into Trump's Presidency his frightening threats have not come to pass, outrageous as they are. People get hysterical when their President is way beyond viciously hysterical and they also know absolute power corrupts absolutely. We have our checks and balances. However, there are executive powers which are at the sole discretion of the President - like declaring War. Selling a war is easy to the Senate when it is camouflaged as a dire threat to our Country. GW and Cheney did it. And here is a dangerous President with his dangerous small coterie around him kicking up a storm with a real, crazy tyrant with nukes. This is not hysteria but real fear. And you think, that the sure evidence of Russian interference and hacking of the Democratic Committee is only serious? No, it is quite catastrophic because our very essence of our Country, Democracy is under attack. And the worst part is our President is not even remotely interested or cares. In fact, he wants to suppress all evidence and firing all people who get nearer to the truth, because he can! Sorry, the sky is about to fall and red lights are flashing thanks to a clueless mouth raining fire and brimstone. No sir, it is a justified hysterical fear!
4
'Tyrranophobia' is a bit of a straw man, if it means fear of constitutional overthrow. Nonetheless the Trump administration does threaten democratic process in ways that are quite real, such as:
--broad attacks on the media, restriction of access, threats against broadly construed 'leakers,' etc.
--failure to fill senior positions in the executive, or to consult non-political experts
--failure to regulate presidential access by means of a functional chief of staff
--abandonment of normal standards of financial accountability (e.g. making tax returns public), and unheard of degrees of conflict of interest
--rejection of science advising, and suppression of data on official websites
--bombastic, contradictory declarations on many subjects, most notably foreign policy, causing anxiety particularly among diplomatic partners, for whom the US is fast becoming a rogue state.
I could go on at much greater length. Trump is not (so far) a putschist, but his reckless style is hollowing out the procedures by which our modern presidency has governed, and replacing them with personal whim, abetted by a narrow 'family' of advisors, some actually family and others marginally qualified. In some ways this degradation of the office is worse that an unambiguous putsch, where the authors' hopeful sophistries would hold no sway..
--broad attacks on the media, restriction of access, threats against broadly construed 'leakers,' etc.
--failure to fill senior positions in the executive, or to consult non-political experts
--failure to regulate presidential access by means of a functional chief of staff
--abandonment of normal standards of financial accountability (e.g. making tax returns public), and unheard of degrees of conflict of interest
--rejection of science advising, and suppression of data on official websites
--bombastic, contradictory declarations on many subjects, most notably foreign policy, causing anxiety particularly among diplomatic partners, for whom the US is fast becoming a rogue state.
I could go on at much greater length. Trump is not (so far) a putschist, but his reckless style is hollowing out the procedures by which our modern presidency has governed, and replacing them with personal whim, abetted by a narrow 'family' of advisors, some actually family and others marginally qualified. In some ways this degradation of the office is worse that an unambiguous putsch, where the authors' hopeful sophistries would hold no sway..
8
Trump in manner,voice and nonsensical behavior is the absolute epitomy of hysteria ... And he is doing his ridiculous best to get sane grounded people to come along and join him. Fake crowds and taunting tweets aren't enough so maybe a war will do it. So tell me who is hysterical? ... it's Trump and his sycophant supporters.
7
This article hides behind a banner of "tyranny" and the slick sounding "tyrannophobia" label. And Mr. Trump is described as a populist—"only more economic fairness and solidarity can keep populists like him out".
The profound problem with Donald Trump is not that he is a populist—the problem (which most Americans see and they're not using the word tyranny) is that Donald Trump is mentally ill and is verbally and cognitively challenged. In his months in office he has been shown to be the same old showman, con man, cognitively challenged malignant narcissist he has always been.
It is this utter incompetence in the office of President (not "tyrannophobia") that leads many many Americans to say:
Time for the 25th Amendment—“written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office”.
The profound problem with Donald Trump is not that he is a populist—the problem (which most Americans see and they're not using the word tyranny) is that Donald Trump is mentally ill and is verbally and cognitively challenged. In his months in office he has been shown to be the same old showman, con man, cognitively challenged malignant narcissist he has always been.
It is this utter incompetence in the office of President (not "tyrannophobia") that leads many many Americans to say:
Time for the 25th Amendment—“written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office”.
1
Pray tell me, ye wise white male professors at elite universities, what should I be doing to advance social justice and reduce inequality instead of worrying my pretty head?
While I anxiously await your reply, I'll keep doing what I've been doing, alongside millions of other working people: call my Congressmen. Put my money where my mouth is. Educate myself. Protect my friends. Show up. Listen. Take care of myself, wake up, and do it all over again.
While I anxiously await your reply, I'll keep doing what I've been doing, alongside millions of other working people: call my Congressmen. Put my money where my mouth is. Educate myself. Protect my friends. Show up. Listen. Take care of myself, wake up, and do it all over again.
3
With regard to your thesis, you have no idea what you're talking about. I don't get use the word Pollyanna-ish much (not a word?!) but it describes your thesis. "Fear and trembling"? Please. That works to get an essay into the NYTimes, but overstating what's actually occurring is ridiculous.
Trump's moves to curtail voting, slash environmental protections, attack the integrity of public lands and pass massive tax cuts for top-end is cause for alarm and concerted action. Using the straw man of "hysteria" is an adolescent dodge.
And, let's see, we haven't talked about nuclear war yet, have we?
Wait til the US defaults on its obligations this fall because the so-called Republican party has enough dimwits and reckless chest-pounders who say it won't make a difference. Or because Trump thinks he can do with the US Treasury what he did with his casinos -- pay pennies on the dollar owed.
Go back to your ivory towers if this is all you've got.
Trump's moves to curtail voting, slash environmental protections, attack the integrity of public lands and pass massive tax cuts for top-end is cause for alarm and concerted action. Using the straw man of "hysteria" is an adolescent dodge.
And, let's see, we haven't talked about nuclear war yet, have we?
Wait til the US defaults on its obligations this fall because the so-called Republican party has enough dimwits and reckless chest-pounders who say it won't make a difference. Or because Trump thinks he can do with the US Treasury what he did with his casinos -- pay pennies on the dollar owed.
Go back to your ivory towers if this is all you've got.
8
Of the many condescending, patronizing and simply false statements in this essay, the one that infuriates me most is this: ""The anti-communist politics in the United States of the early 1950s were rooted in assumptions that had much in common with those of anti-Trumpism today." The red scare of the early Cold War years was a concerted effort to drive left-wing politics out of the arena in the US. Anti-Trumpism is a movement to stop the imposition of repressive policies in areas ranging from voting rights to climate change and to halt a reckless and belligerent foreign policy. As someone old enough to remember the red scare and to know friends and extended family members who suffered from it, I find it deeply offensive to be told that opposition to Trump is similar to McCarthyism.
15
"The red scare of the early Cold War years was a concerted effort to drive left-wing politics out of the arena in the US. Anti-Trumpism is a movement to stop the imposition of repressive policies in areas ranging from voting rights to climate change and to halt a reckless and belligerent foreign policy."
Wrong! You completely miss the point. The message is that the "red scare of the early Cold War years was a concerted effort to drive left-wing politics out of the arena in the US," while Trumpism (not anti-Trumpism) "is a movement to impose regressive policies in areas ranging from voting rights to climate change and to halt a reckless and belligerent foreign policy."
If the Democrats had come up by now with a progressive and rational bill that would rectify the defects of Obamacare, they could have drawn a few mavericks from across the aisle and passed a decent bill. The argument that obsession with Trump's megalomania has distracted the left from working on the underlying social issues would then be less persuasive than it is set forth in this essay.
Wrong! You completely miss the point. The message is that the "red scare of the early Cold War years was a concerted effort to drive left-wing politics out of the arena in the US," while Trumpism (not anti-Trumpism) "is a movement to impose regressive policies in areas ranging from voting rights to climate change and to halt a reckless and belligerent foreign policy."
If the Democrats had come up by now with a progressive and rational bill that would rectify the defects of Obamacare, they could have drawn a few mavericks from across the aisle and passed a decent bill. The argument that obsession with Trump's megalomania has distracted the left from working on the underlying social issues would then be less persuasive than it is set forth in this essay.
1
You misquoted me: I said anti-Trumpism is a "movement to _stop_ the imposition of repressive [not regressive, though they're regressive too] policies...." On Obamacare: What distraction are you referring to? The Dems held 100% firm against repeal and blocked it. I'd like them to move on toward single payer--as many of them, not just Bernie, are advocating--but we're not going to win that while the R's control both houses.
Underlying your and their argument, it appears, is the notion that a more populist economic program would save the day for the Dems. I'm in favor of such a program (which is why I voted for Bernie in the primary), but the evidence is overwhelming that Trump voters supported him primarily because of 1) their Republican orientation and/or 2) "social issues" ranging from abortion to guns to racial and religious bias.
Underlying your and their argument, it appears, is the notion that a more populist economic program would save the day for the Dems. I'm in favor of such a program (which is why I voted for Bernie in the primary), but the evidence is overwhelming that Trump voters supported him primarily because of 1) their Republican orientation and/or 2) "social issues" ranging from abortion to guns to racial and religious bias.
2
"Starting with the Trump administration’s original version of the travel ban, the president’s most outrageous policies have been successfully obstructed, leaving largely those that any Republican president would have implemented through executive order."
Isn't it just because of the "resistance" mentality, which is harshly critiqued in this article, that these monstrosities have been obstructed? And don't the attempts themselves speak to a deep-seated desire to enact 45's whims unfettered by constitutional establishment? Further, the authors' premise that Trump doesn't pose a threat to democracy presupposes that a world in which democracy can continue to exist is guaranteed... ie that Climate Change, the environment, the growing threat of rash interventions in North Korea, etc. are all negligible risks to our society. I hope I'm wrong, but this seems quite unrealistically optimistic.
Isn't it just because of the "resistance" mentality, which is harshly critiqued in this article, that these monstrosities have been obstructed? And don't the attempts themselves speak to a deep-seated desire to enact 45's whims unfettered by constitutional establishment? Further, the authors' premise that Trump doesn't pose a threat to democracy presupposes that a world in which democracy can continue to exist is guaranteed... ie that Climate Change, the environment, the growing threat of rash interventions in North Korea, etc. are all negligible risks to our society. I hope I'm wrong, but this seems quite unrealistically optimistic.
5
Americans abreact to any "threat" of tyranny of any kind since deep in the American psyche it is reminiscent of monarchies from which settlers came and totally UnAmerican.Having said that, ignorance frequently coupled with metacognitive deficits but a desire to be in control, make Americans particularly susceptible to all kinds of alarmist nonsense.The remedy to a measured and thoughtful reaction to such threats is education in the real sense, to enable critical thinking based on sound information on matters that today's Americans show little appetite for since they do not include their favorite team or celebrities.
1
I prefer reaction to the threat of tyranny over nonchalance to the threat of tyranny any day of the week. The election of Trump has taught us just how vulnerable this nation is to well designed and executed propaganda. We certainly do need to foster critical thinking and civic engagement among our youth, but we also need to keep open minds about the vulnerabilities of our government.
2
I would say that an absence of critical thinking has led Trump supporters to be susceptible to his alarmist nonsense. And the conclusion that Trump is a dangerous authoritarian threat to democracy can be reached entirely through measured, calm, rational analysis of his own behavior and words.
3
History actually teaches us that it is a failure of the imagination, and a belief that things will remain normal that frequently gives the edge to dictator. Read the NYTimes in the 1930's about any of the awful leaders of those times, and unwillingness to confront evil in the defense of the status quo that benefited the wealthy.
The current times reflect this. Russian sham elections today, Venezuelan sham constitutional bodies, elections with "approved candidates in Russia, Turkey, and many Arab "legislatures".. Always a desire to state that there is nothing to see here.
In the US today, If a gerrymandered system that gives all power to a minority's not cause for concern, if foreign interference at the behest of the Republican candidate and possible collusion with a that power isn't cause for concern, if a Republican Party who has a large number of adherents who are okay with the idea of "postponing" the next presidential election if Trump calls for it isn't cause for concern....
If a country that has removed the ability to vote of a large portion of black men based on a "war on drugs" where members of the Republican Party have stated that this was the goal of those policies...
If the president loves autocrats and idolizes their ability to control their countries...
Yes, we should be concerned. Yes we should be on edge. Vigilance with cause.
The current times reflect this. Russian sham elections today, Venezuelan sham constitutional bodies, elections with "approved candidates in Russia, Turkey, and many Arab "legislatures".. Always a desire to state that there is nothing to see here.
In the US today, If a gerrymandered system that gives all power to a minority's not cause for concern, if foreign interference at the behest of the Republican candidate and possible collusion with a that power isn't cause for concern, if a Republican Party who has a large number of adherents who are okay with the idea of "postponing" the next presidential election if Trump calls for it isn't cause for concern....
If a country that has removed the ability to vote of a large portion of black men based on a "war on drugs" where members of the Republican Party have stated that this was the goal of those policies...
If the president loves autocrats and idolizes their ability to control their countries...
Yes, we should be concerned. Yes we should be on edge. Vigilance with cause.
15
The opinion piece written by professors Moyn and Priestland is a glaring example of ivory tower irrelevance. The professors should look more closely at the damage Trump has already done to the institutions that underpin democracy in the United States. Trump has attacked and weakened the CIA, the National Security Council, the Federal courts, the FBI, the National Security Council, the State Department, and now he is moving to purge the state voter rolls of people who might vote against him. He is clearly determined to eliminate any and all sources of authority, other than his own. It is not an accident that Trump's hero is Vladimir Putin.
10
Isn't the word "phobia" used (by definition) in connection with irrational or greatly exaggerated fears (such as fears of open spaces, etc.) ? What's irrational about fearing tyranny? In any case, Jack Nargundkar in the "Times Picks" section explains exactly why it's sensible to worry about Trump.
3
The threat to the US lies in Tyranny by Incompetence.
By gutting our national institutions and intentionally undermining the effectiveness of government, this administration is laying the groundwork for someone (with a more nuanced understanding of political power) to seize and extend unchecked power.
Trump will not be the one to seize that power (see: Incompetence), but he is creating the perfect incubator for a future American dictator. There are numerous people in Trump's orbit that are watching this all unfold with broad smiles and eager plans.
You choose to ignore this reality at the peril of us all.
By gutting our national institutions and intentionally undermining the effectiveness of government, this administration is laying the groundwork for someone (with a more nuanced understanding of political power) to seize and extend unchecked power.
Trump will not be the one to seize that power (see: Incompetence), but he is creating the perfect incubator for a future American dictator. There are numerous people in Trump's orbit that are watching this all unfold with broad smiles and eager plans.
You choose to ignore this reality at the peril of us all.
5
More dangerous to our democracy is a media that only reports stories that fit their political viewpoint. An example here is DWS' Pakistani IT folks. Notice how the 24 hour non-stop Russia collusion hyperventilating has virtually stopped completely since the Pakistani guy was arrested at the airport? Now, not a peep.
Good old fashioned factual news reporting has gone out the window in favor of whipping up the offended masses,
News channels now offer pundits that hypothesize versus news.
Good old fashioned factual news reporting has gone out the window in favor of whipping up the offended masses,
News channels now offer pundits that hypothesize versus news.
3
Trump's words, actions and demeanor should not be acceptd or tolerated, much less become "normal".
I will continually resist this president until he is out of office.
I suggest the authors look at the negative effects Trump's words regarding North Korea have had on world, particularly Asian stock markets.
Phobic? No. Intensely worried? Absolutely.
I will continually resist this president until he is out of office.
I suggest the authors look at the negative effects Trump's words regarding North Korea have had on world, particularly Asian stock markets.
Phobic? No. Intensely worried? Absolutely.
5
Food for thought, and I agree that this point in our culture's history requires a whole new set of ideas. Unfortunately, Trump bullied his way into the vacuum, and the rise of Trump-Bannon regime is frightening because chaos and destruction seem to be the operating principles without a vision for the future that anyone can sign on to except some out of touch and old people thinking that Immigrants are the devil, and tax cuts for the wealthy Koch brothers and Mercer libertarians are all important so they can spend more money on buying politicians. To what end? What's it all for? So we can live like North Koreans?
3
It's true that the threat to our democracy does not lay solely in the hands of Trump, but hysteria is not the threat either. In fact, it is the total opposite. Apathy and greed are the biggest threats to our democracy right now.
It was people who didn't care enough to vote, politicians who don't care enough to allow people easy access to vote, politicians who supported him in order to retain their own power and incomes, politicians who don't care enough to stop an ignorant and incompetent narcissist from decimating our government agencies and policies that protect us, people who don't care to stand up to the tyranny of the president and elected officials from the local to state levels.
The threat is from the lack of concern for all the problems we now face, growing by the day, and lack of a feeling of responsibility to do something about it.
Right now the entire Republican Party plus many Democrats are locked in a contest of team sport, and most of us citizens are only spectating.
It's not difficult to discern the political leanings of the authors of this article, because they perfectly embody the apathy that defines the Republican Party today as their team leader threatens nuclear war over Twitter while the State Department sits shockingly understaffed.
It was people who didn't care enough to vote, politicians who don't care enough to allow people easy access to vote, politicians who supported him in order to retain their own power and incomes, politicians who don't care enough to stop an ignorant and incompetent narcissist from decimating our government agencies and policies that protect us, people who don't care to stand up to the tyranny of the president and elected officials from the local to state levels.
The threat is from the lack of concern for all the problems we now face, growing by the day, and lack of a feeling of responsibility to do something about it.
Right now the entire Republican Party plus many Democrats are locked in a contest of team sport, and most of us citizens are only spectating.
It's not difficult to discern the political leanings of the authors of this article, because they perfectly embody the apathy that defines the Republican Party today as their team leader threatens nuclear war over Twitter while the State Department sits shockingly understaffed.
5
"Starting with the Trump administration’s original version of the travel ban, the president’s most outrageous policies have been successfully obstructed"
I'm sure we haven't even seen a frustrated and angry president's most outrageous policies yet.
How can any of those have been understood so far, let alone successfully obstructed?
I'm sure we haven't even seen a frustrated and angry president's most outrageous policies yet.
How can any of those have been understood so far, let alone successfully obstructed?
1
Are you saying that, "It can't happen here, because it's never happened here."?
Hate to tell you, but "If the circumstances are right, it can happen here." Rational, clear-thinking citizens, based upon what they're hearing and feeling, have reason to be nervous.
Hate to tell you, but "If the circumstances are right, it can happen here." Rational, clear-thinking citizens, based upon what they're hearing and feeling, have reason to be nervous.
6
This is a selective rewriting of history. The anti-communist hysteria of the early 1950s was not driven by liberals seeking a welfare state. The decision to engage in a long Cold War was not hysterical.
Criticising strategic resistance to tyranny by opponents of 1930s Facist regimes is deeply unfair. They faced real tryants, and those who counseled patience were wrong.
Fear of Trump is not conspiracy thinking. Forces that rally behind him, and that he instigates, are out in the open.
Incompetence does not defuse a potential tryant. Mao, Stalin, and Hitler made huge, bumbling mistakes. But they didn't pay for it in the short term.
No one argues a fifth column exists in America, even though Trump supporters approved of Russian intervention that promoted his victory. What concerns people now is that Russia will do it again, probably better, and the executive doesn't care.
No one is screaming "Russians are coming." Perhaps if Trump was a Democrat, and roles reversed, that might be the case. But this country is skewed right, and opponents to Trump are center-right, centrist, and center-left - not just leftist. Because anti-Trumpism is centrist, and also institutional, it's nothing like the characterization the authors portray.
Criticising strategic resistance to tyranny by opponents of 1930s Facist regimes is deeply unfair. They faced real tryants, and those who counseled patience were wrong.
Fear of Trump is not conspiracy thinking. Forces that rally behind him, and that he instigates, are out in the open.
Incompetence does not defuse a potential tryant. Mao, Stalin, and Hitler made huge, bumbling mistakes. But they didn't pay for it in the short term.
No one argues a fifth column exists in America, even though Trump supporters approved of Russian intervention that promoted his victory. What concerns people now is that Russia will do it again, probably better, and the executive doesn't care.
No one is screaming "Russians are coming." Perhaps if Trump was a Democrat, and roles reversed, that might be the case. But this country is skewed right, and opponents to Trump are center-right, centrist, and center-left - not just leftist. Because anti-Trumpism is centrist, and also institutional, it's nothing like the characterization the authors portray.
4
Trump is definitely not a threat to our democracy ... but he is a threat to our standing in the world. Trump is just one man in the machine of the American government, unfortunately he's the face and voice of that machine so while the machine continues to, more or less, function as it always has, the rest of the world doesn't see us as the "great nation" it's been our privilege to be for decades. The world will never look at us in the same way again, which may be good for them, but not so much for us.
1
Points well taken. The 'buffoon' we have as president is but a symptom of a disease afflicting U.S.'s capitalistic system, and creating a rising inequality -fully supported by a myopic republican party- that will surely come back to bite them and the rest of us...unless the government realizes, for it's own survival, the need to get away from Milton Friedman's 'free market unregulated capitalism'; instead, maintain, or re-introduce, sensible regulations to keep 'greed' at bay. Therefore, as un-hysterical as possible, we must oppose an erratic and highly insecure vulgar bully-in-chief from removing our most precious commodity, the trust in each other. That is politics, the virtue of keeping justice and peace for society's well-being.
Give me a break. From the moment he declared his candidacy and started his uncivil attacks on other candidates and the media, HE has been and is the threat to democracy. He foments hysteria. He loves it. And yes, that is bad for Democracy, but don't look at the chaos he created and disconnect it from the man responsible for it - or the men behind that man. You have not seen anything yet - and this is NOT NORMAL, so don't expect everyone and everything to go back to normalcy. Not until he and the GOP backing him are all gone. New election please.
4
Thanks, but my overwhelming fear which I would not necessary identify as a phobia of Trump being an unstable egomaniac with an astoundingly short fuse and a mind that seems mostly unattached to reality, all of which are readily demonstrated by quotes, actions, and general behavior, has me convinced the primary focus should be to fight his efforts, insist on calling out his lies, resist his attacks on civil liberties, and above all encourage Congress and the Senate to oppose anything that is outwardly unethical or illegal. There is an endless list of examples to cite for the concerns listed above. Thanks, but there is no scenario where I will passively sit by and dismiss my concerns as an irrational fear.
2
Dear Sir,
Common sense is not hysteria.
Toodles,
The Entire World
Common sense is not hysteria.
Toodles,
The Entire World
9
This is an administration stat struck by the military. Directed by an individual desperate for compliant acceptance and animated by the most casual of casuistry. Tell us again that there is no threat to democracy.
3
In this day and age you have to say something outrageous to make it into the public eye, don't you?
3
Very excellent article. Republicans seem to have convinced the majority of Americans that the democrat party is not the part of social and economic justice, but the party of social welfare, lazy people, criminals, misfits, etc. We no longer even have the unions with us.
If you believe that an un-thinking, un-caring, virtual demigod who acts with 100% self-belief in his infallibility, can be good for the country, then let's examine your political motives. If your political persuasions allow you to justify keeping a dangerously unqualified man making daily decisions that affect all our lives, in office, your position is highly suspect. Your vain tactic of calling all of us hysterical who disagree with DT's daily madnesses to keep himself at the center of the news cycle is at best, self-serving political shortsightedness. You have a republican congress that will eagerly buy into your premise to keep their own agendas going. DT is an affront to fundamental human sanity.
3
Excellently written. Instead of reacting with horror to whatever is on news, let's keep calm and carry on.
1
The voting system in the US works in favor of the right by its emphasis on states rights through the US Senate and the electoral college. . The department of Justice is currently working to preserve white wealthy privilege by making it more difficult for liberal leaning voters to exercise their franchise. Republican gerrymandered districts allow a minority party to control the house. Facts are not hysteria.
11
Simplified, the message of this essay is "Trump is our elected president and y'all need to get over it and quit acting like the world is ending. If you don't want him to stay president for the next eight years, nominate someone like Bernie Sanders in 2020, rather than someone like Hillary Clinton." And I could not agree more.
5
"It is easier to believe that democracy is under siege than to acknowledge that democracy put Mr. Trump in power...."
Democracy didn't put Trump in power.
Between the Electoral College, gerrymandering, preventing early votes, purging names from the polls, not to speak of electronic voting machines that are vulnerable to hacking, we no longer have a democracy.
The press should be clamoring about this instead of Trump's latest tweetstorm. We should demand laws to prevent this and to safeguard what little is left of our democracy.
Democracy didn't put Trump in power.
Between the Electoral College, gerrymandering, preventing early votes, purging names from the polls, not to speak of electronic voting machines that are vulnerable to hacking, we no longer have a democracy.
The press should be clamoring about this instead of Trump's latest tweetstorm. We should demand laws to prevent this and to safeguard what little is left of our democracy.
11
I was with you until I got to the line about the calling on the press to pay attention to manipulation of votes "instead of" Trump's flood of tweets. Good grief, we need both!
2
Does anyone remember that when President Obama took office, one of the first things his team did was to ask him to surrender his Blackberry. And he did. Does anyone in Trump's group of boot-lickers have the guts to tell him to disable his Twitter account?
Of course not. They follow the lead of Betsy Devos who was issued an either/or by Trump. She chose to worship him rather than lose her job by sticking to what she thought was right.
Hysteria over the actions of a man who has now issued a nuclear threat? No. It's well-founded fear on steroids.
Of course not. They follow the lead of Betsy Devos who was issued an either/or by Trump. She chose to worship him rather than lose her job by sticking to what she thought was right.
Hysteria over the actions of a man who has now issued a nuclear threat? No. It's well-founded fear on steroids.
3
We do need both, but often the whole front page is Trump Trump Trump. I think the press - the NYTimes included - does this because it garners clicks and revenue. It ends up being a distraction from much that needs attention.
Liberals cannot and will not accept the results of the last election.
To them, Hillary was a goddess and Trump is a buffoon.
It's easier (psychologically) for a liberal to believe in a Russian conspiracy then to admit that Hillary was a lousy candidate and Trump outmaneuvered her and had a message that resonated with enough people in key states to eke out a narrow victory.
This is SOP for liberals. Nixon made a deal with South Vietnam. Reagan won because he made a deal with Iran and stole Carter's debate book. Bush, Sr. won because of Willie Horton. Bush, Jr. stole Florida. Etc.
However, Trump upsets the liberal worldview like none before not being a member of the Establishment.
To them, Hillary was a goddess and Trump is a buffoon.
It's easier (psychologically) for a liberal to believe in a Russian conspiracy then to admit that Hillary was a lousy candidate and Trump outmaneuvered her and had a message that resonated with enough people in key states to eke out a narrow victory.
This is SOP for liberals. Nixon made a deal with South Vietnam. Reagan won because he made a deal with Iran and stole Carter's debate book. Bush, Sr. won because of Willie Horton. Bush, Jr. stole Florida. Etc.
However, Trump upsets the liberal worldview like none before not being a member of the Establishment.
2
No, we can't believe somebody so ignorant, sadistic, self centered, delusional, sexist, arrogant, childish and an all around failure as a human being is president. To know Dummy Donny is to hate Dummy Donny which is why 90% of those living in NYC voted against Dummy Donny.
Funny you mentioned Nixon and Reagan considering how Nixon got caught in Watergate and Reagan should have been impeached over the Iran Contra affair which I am sure he was aware of and when the term plausible deniability came into the lexicon.
Funny you mentioned Nixon and Reagan considering how Nixon got caught in Watergate and Reagan should have been impeached over the Iran Contra affair which I am sure he was aware of and when the term plausible deniability came into the lexicon.
3
Secretary Clinton is no goddess, she is a fairly competent, lifelong public servant/politician. Trump is a buffoon.
I hereby affirm I am not a member of the Establishment.
I hereby affirm I am not a member of the Establishment.
5
@Eric
Let's simplify matters:
Hillary is no Goddess.
And Trump is a buffoon.
Let's simplify matters:
Hillary is no Goddess.
And Trump is a buffoon.
1
Authoritarian tyrants don't have to accomplish anything to be tyrants, they just have to be in power. So I don't buy the argument that because Trump's administration appears incompetent or unable to enact policy, that they aren't a real and present threat.
What seems dangerous to me is that Trump behaves precisely like a dictator (other commenters have enumerated the ways) right in front our eyes, yet through some combination of civic/political/historical ignorance, denial, or decorum, anyone who dares call Trump a dictator or authoritarian is deemed hysterical. Spiteful bashing of Liberals was a successful strategy of the Nazis in their march to power.
I have not forgotten that he told us in stark naked language exactly what he's up to in his thoroughly dystopian Inaugural address: the deconstruction of the "administrative state," and a clash of "the civilized world vs. radical Islam." So, when the POTUS empties out the State Departmet (when he praised Putin for firing our Diplomats, it was because Puitin did his job for him) while floating a budget that slashes all government spending except for a massive military build-up, you better believe that I'm feeling alarmed.
What seems dangerous to me is that Trump behaves precisely like a dictator (other commenters have enumerated the ways) right in front our eyes, yet through some combination of civic/political/historical ignorance, denial, or decorum, anyone who dares call Trump a dictator or authoritarian is deemed hysterical. Spiteful bashing of Liberals was a successful strategy of the Nazis in their march to power.
I have not forgotten that he told us in stark naked language exactly what he's up to in his thoroughly dystopian Inaugural address: the deconstruction of the "administrative state," and a clash of "the civilized world vs. radical Islam." So, when the POTUS empties out the State Departmet (when he praised Putin for firing our Diplomats, it was because Puitin did his job for him) while floating a budget that slashes all government spending except for a massive military build-up, you better believe that I'm feeling alarmed.
13
"Every news story produces fear and trembling"
Sounds like the job at the nytimes is equalling that of Fox during Obama's years.
Plus some choosy summer moderator who is in charge of parsing comment.
Sounds like the job at the nytimes is equalling that of Fox during Obama's years.
Plus some choosy summer moderator who is in charge of parsing comment.
3
I'm always amused that the worst thing Republicans can say about Democrats is that sometimes they behave like Republicans.
4
@Brandshaft
Agree. Especially when they are commenting from outside of the country.
Agree. Especially when they are commenting from outside of the country.
There is a difference between a rational fear, and a phobia, which is an IRRATIONAL fear. So as soon as the authors referred to "tyrannophia" it tells me that they are nothing but right-wing trolls who laughingly describe Liberalism and Progressivism as a "mental illness". They pooh-pooh all the myriad ways Trump has attacked the foundation of our Democratic Republic, from convincing sizable populations that the reliable news is false, but the lies from Breitbart and even Stormfront are real. It is also clear he was planning to fire Jeff Sessions and replace him with a total lackey as a recess appointment (with no ratification from the Senate), which would allow the lackey to fire Mueller and his team, and complete the shutdown of the valid investigation. Sen. Murkowski shut that down using the "McConnell Gambit". Then Trump lied about it, as usual.
He has continued to attack the courts, and encourage alt-right violence by his deafening silence, or sending out neo-nazi insider Gorka to claim it was faked. Racist incidents have increased exponentially. He has tried to undermine the separation of powers and bully Congress. Zinke's attack on Murkowski was ham-handed, blatant and, ultimately, foolish.
Trump has attacked leaders of fellow democracies, while praising some of the most awful dictators in the world--the only dictator getting Trump's rage is Kim Jung Un , and may start an unnecessary war with him.
Am I scared? You bet I am! And it's not a phobia.
He has continued to attack the courts, and encourage alt-right violence by his deafening silence, or sending out neo-nazi insider Gorka to claim it was faked. Racist incidents have increased exponentially. He has tried to undermine the separation of powers and bully Congress. Zinke's attack on Murkowski was ham-handed, blatant and, ultimately, foolish.
Trump has attacked leaders of fellow democracies, while praising some of the most awful dictators in the world--the only dictator getting Trump's rage is Kim Jung Un , and may start an unnecessary war with him.
Am I scared? You bet I am! And it's not a phobia.
8
If you recall, Trump referred to Kim Jung Un as 'a pretty smart cookie'. I wonder what made Trump change his mind about this latest avatar of an entrenched Communist dynasty.....
5
Yup.
It was the announcement of the miniaturized nuke following on the heels of a ballistic missile capable of reaching our shores, with the usual "paper tiger" rhetoric from NK.
It was the announcement of the miniaturized nuke following on the heels of a ballistic missile capable of reaching our shores, with the usual "paper tiger" rhetoric from NK.
Boy, I certainly wish Europe had recognized Naziism for what it was in the 19th century. Instead of standing up to the upcoming onslaught of tyranny, most leaders and people thought it was just a lot of bluster until it was too late. The Nazis were able to make inroads by blaming groups of people for social and economic woes.
In our current situation, if the American people don't become hysterical and stand up against the hate and bigotry spewed forth by those in power, we will turn around one day soon and find we are where the German's found themselves almost a hundred years ago.
In our current situation, if the American people don't become hysterical and stand up against the hate and bigotry spewed forth by those in power, we will turn around one day soon and find we are where the German's found themselves almost a hundred years ago.
9
These are not ordinary times. Trump is a not an ordinary president. And the only way to revert to a more stable political atmsophere may in fact involve extraordinary measures which the US government's fabled 'checks and balances' cannot fulfill.
3
To the authors:
Please be careful with your shiny new term, lest all us "tyrannophobes" get rounded up for our own protection.
Lying blatantly, repeatedly, and publicly on subjects of national concern.
Obstructing the process of justice in fundamental ways and on numerous occasions.
Bragging about the sexual assault of strangers.
A drunken, corrupt merry-go-round for a staff.
Unvetted, unrehearsed inflammatory braggadocio toward a nuclear rogue nation.
Absent the rule of law, any hope for a functioning democracy vanishes.
Please be careful with your shiny new term, lest all us "tyrannophobes" get rounded up for our own protection.
Lying blatantly, repeatedly, and publicly on subjects of national concern.
Obstructing the process of justice in fundamental ways and on numerous occasions.
Bragging about the sexual assault of strangers.
A drunken, corrupt merry-go-round for a staff.
Unvetted, unrehearsed inflammatory braggadocio toward a nuclear rogue nation.
Absent the rule of law, any hope for a functioning democracy vanishes.
10
Every major network and paper "journalist" has been in a state of hysterics since the election. Uncontrolled, visibly shaken, hyperbolic, often foul-mouthed, self- anointed holier-than-thous who were positive they controlled the election results.
Hillary's many corrupt dealings and baggage issues were either ignored, mentioned in passing, or given excuses. She was brilliant, "earned" the WH, we owed it to her. Any Trump supporter was made fun of, piled on and ridiculed out of the studio.
My personal favorite: all the gushing over Hillary's "beautiful, tailored and fashion forward" clothes and then disdain over Melania Trump's appearance.
Those who claim to "care" about democracy only want things THEIR way or the highway. Others who deviate from THEIR views are immediately discounted and made a mockery of. Surely those who dare question anything about the previous administration are nothing but racist imbeciles unworthy of any consideration whatsoever. There is no time for them. They are undeserving of any respect. They live in trailers. They have no teeth. They eat squirrel stew. They are...deplorable.
So little by little media outlets are saying let's take a tiny step back and try to win back some Trump supporters. It's finally dawned on about a dozen or so people on the Left that you can't continue to belittle those you need to win an election.
Gotta go and shoot some more squirrels now. I'm gittin' me a doublewide. Can't wait for some more 'wisdom' from the NYT.
Hillary's many corrupt dealings and baggage issues were either ignored, mentioned in passing, or given excuses. She was brilliant, "earned" the WH, we owed it to her. Any Trump supporter was made fun of, piled on and ridiculed out of the studio.
My personal favorite: all the gushing over Hillary's "beautiful, tailored and fashion forward" clothes and then disdain over Melania Trump's appearance.
Those who claim to "care" about democracy only want things THEIR way or the highway. Others who deviate from THEIR views are immediately discounted and made a mockery of. Surely those who dare question anything about the previous administration are nothing but racist imbeciles unworthy of any consideration whatsoever. There is no time for them. They are undeserving of any respect. They live in trailers. They have no teeth. They eat squirrel stew. They are...deplorable.
So little by little media outlets are saying let's take a tiny step back and try to win back some Trump supporters. It's finally dawned on about a dozen or so people on the Left that you can't continue to belittle those you need to win an election.
Gotta go and shoot some more squirrels now. I'm gittin' me a doublewide. Can't wait for some more 'wisdom' from the NYT.
4
Is what you write an accurate assessment of our politics, @Elizabeth, or an assessment of your emotion? That works for Trump. This thesis is about panic over Trump, and you exhibit panic over an imaginary Left. Did Hillary Clinton really have "many corrupt dealings", @ Elizabeth?
And, @Elizabeth, Trump supporters can be won back, but they have to meet rationality at least half way. We can't build a nation on irrational, emotional behavior. Any piece of effective, rational thought can't be childishly tagged as "elitism". My Goldwater-Reagan father wouldn't put up with that irrationality.
The G.O.P has to be put back together after Trump has destroyed it. And there is no Trump party. His followers aren't capable of forming a political party.
You don't understand what I am saying. You may satirize a false, poor self image of yourself with your "doublewide" image, but you also need to understand that you, and everyone, Right or Left, need to think better. China awaits its rise to the top world power. Demonizing those who can think just doesn't cut it, @Elizabeth.
And, @Elizabeth, Trump supporters can be won back, but they have to meet rationality at least half way. We can't build a nation on irrational, emotional behavior. Any piece of effective, rational thought can't be childishly tagged as "elitism". My Goldwater-Reagan father wouldn't put up with that irrationality.
The G.O.P has to be put back together after Trump has destroyed it. And there is no Trump party. His followers aren't capable of forming a political party.
You don't understand what I am saying. You may satirize a false, poor self image of yourself with your "doublewide" image, but you also need to understand that you, and everyone, Right or Left, need to think better. China awaits its rise to the top world power. Demonizing those who can think just doesn't cut it, @Elizabeth.
3
You're gonna go shoot more squirrels in Chicago? Just what Chicago needs--more gunshots. Enjoy the stew, though.
2
At last, a light in the darkness.
Trump is not the problem.
He will be no more significant than bird droppings, once he leaves power, as he will leave power in 4 to 8 years.
The nation is too diverse, too convinced of the virtue of diversity to ever go back to the bad old days of George Wallace and Bull Connor or Joe McCarthy or Father Coughlin or even Henry Ford or John D. Rockefeller.
The real work is moving from oligarchy and rule by the upper 1% to a more equitable distribution of wealth.
Unfortunately, the Democrats are devoid of champions, voiceless, adrift and leaderless.
Until the Democrats can find a leader, the people will have to lead and as Dr. King said, the leader will have to catch up to his people.
Trump is not the problem.
He will be no more significant than bird droppings, once he leaves power, as he will leave power in 4 to 8 years.
The nation is too diverse, too convinced of the virtue of diversity to ever go back to the bad old days of George Wallace and Bull Connor or Joe McCarthy or Father Coughlin or even Henry Ford or John D. Rockefeller.
The real work is moving from oligarchy and rule by the upper 1% to a more equitable distribution of wealth.
Unfortunately, the Democrats are devoid of champions, voiceless, adrift and leaderless.
Until the Democrats can find a leader, the people will have to lead and as Dr. King said, the leader will have to catch up to his people.
It appears that Obama is coming back to rescue the Democrat Party. And maybe the ACA too. You can bet that the DNC elite will welcome him with open arms, not admitting or realizing that he played a large part in the failure of the party to work with conditions to make it a real alternative to Republicans and Trump.
I am 50. First time I have ever heard of "tyrannyophobia". It's also the first time we have ever had a bald-faced demagogue as president. They glossed over that fact in the first few paragraphs.
8
Moyn and Priestland are nothing but fellow riders for the Trump cultists. They probably keep Ayn Rand on their nightstand for those rare sleepless nights only tenured academics can enjoy in today's stressful times.
1
And who throws gasoline & now threatens to throw nuclear bombs on the hysteria...while the GOP & Fox smirk.
This may be theory in academia but for those who continue to have their rights as citizens removed, their health care threatened and a discussion of the facts that affect our children future ignored, it is the dismantling of our democracy and civil society.
This may be theory in academia but for those who continue to have their rights as citizens removed, their health care threatened and a discussion of the facts that affect our children future ignored, it is the dismantling of our democracy and civil society.
8
Talk about naive! Why don't the authors ask someone from Poland how things were last year Or, ask someone from Turkey or the Philippines how their country has changed in the last few years. Loss of democracy can happen very quickly once certain regressive steps have been taken. Trump is a true authoritarian and his views are shared by several in the Republican Party. In this country look at I.C.E now and a year ago. What will happen with the State Dept. and other government agencies with continued downsizing and failure to attract qualified personnel? Steve Bannon, Steven Miller and Sebastion Gorka could readily lead a Fourth Reich. All it will take is a significant economic downturn or natural disaster for these types to marshal forces in an attempt to further erode our freedoms.
8
Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine' illustrates how governments exploit crises to promote potentially unpalatable policies. Lethal heat waves and a major war represent two convenient crises for the Trump regime to exploit in order to greatly curtail Americans' disappearing rights even more.
2
So the big problem is that we are paranoid? Who are these people? Do they even live in this country and if so how is it that they feel so empowered to make these assertions while the rest of us cower, waiting for the next shoe (or bomb) to drop? EVERYONE I know is freaked out big time by this shape-shifting toad of a so-called president whilst the GOPIggies all (most) bend the knee just because they don't want to "rock the boat". They make me sick to my stomach and I hardly think that is due to paranoia.
6
More relevant than tyrannophobia is regressionphobia. Trump, with the help of the present Congress, can take us back 50 years.
3
The authors write:
"If there is one lesson from the 20th century worth learning, it is that an exclusive focus on the defense of liberal fundamentals against a supposed totalitarian peril often exacerbates the social and international conflicts it seeks to resolve."
This is the ONE lesson from the 20th century worth learning? Geez. I don't know which I find more objectionable--the statement as a whole or the authors' condescension toward the entity they refer to as "liberal fundamentals."
"If there is one lesson from the 20th century worth learning, it is that an exclusive focus on the defense of liberal fundamentals against a supposed totalitarian peril often exacerbates the social and international conflicts it seeks to resolve."
This is the ONE lesson from the 20th century worth learning? Geez. I don't know which I find more objectionable--the statement as a whole or the authors' condescension toward the entity they refer to as "liberal fundamentals."
13
So can the author's write another article, about what pattern of events should would predict a real threat of tyranny? The thought that haunts all of us is that when tyranny is established in a powerful nation, the tools to disrupt it are destroyed as the precursor to tyranny. What will the pattern look like when we still have the power to stop it?
16
If this were pre-WW 2 Germany, would this man be making the same argument? I may be reading him incorrectly, but the anti- communist hysteria in this country was driven by the likes of Joseph McCarthy, a republican determined to punish suspected communist sympathizers (read leftist, liberal, Hollywood.) The so-called "hysteria" the author is referencing is a reaction to the unfolding assaults on our freedoms (I.e. national collection of voter info/fake voter fraud charges.), our safety (I.e. Continuing to advocate violence by supporters against political opposition), our collective health (I.e. Crippling the EPA, environmental deregulation, expanding fossil fuel use), and our financial well-being: huge tax cuts proposed for the most wealthy embedded in the proposed healthcare bill, deregulation of Wall Street, and a host of other measures designed to put more money into the bank accounts of the most wealthy - not to mention his and his own family's accounts. And there is so much more. The author barely touched on the long-term erosion of rights through judicial appointments and the countless other regulatory and staffing appointnemts yet to come, and failed to mention the threats posed by the appointments of totally unqualified heads to cabinet positions, and the power wielded behind the scenes by Steve Bannon. If this is hysteria, it is the panic of those among the lemmings who know the cliff is up ahead.
35
Democracy did not put Mr. Trump in power, it was the Electoral College that did. And the Electoral College was specifically designed to blunt the will of the voters, not to express it. Whatever Trump says, he did lose the popular vote after all, but he won the election anyway, which is not very democratic. Of course economic and social inequality are extremely important problems in our society, and they badly need addressing, but Trump won partly because our system was purpose-built to be less than democratic, and that needs addressing, too.
24
Our version of democracy created in part by Sam Adams. This is a Union of States. Do not forget that. We in 2017 cannot wish away, pretend that our democracy is something different unless we have another Constitutional Convention. Every census, the House of Representatives is allocated based on population in that state. No state has less than two no matter how sparsely populated. Democracy in state elections is based on who wins the popular vote in that state. Electoral votes are determined in an idiosyncratic away, established in that state for that state. So do we believe our founding fathers did not make a democracy? Their view was for states, including the Commonwealth of MA.
3
You are right about the census. What you left out of your comment is the overwhelming gerrymandering that has gone on over the last few years. Where Republican districts were carved out in a way to maintain power not to represent the people of the State. If the congressional districts were drawn in a non partisan way the GOP would not have a super majority and more than likely would not be in control of the House of Representatives.
5
FYI -There are seven states with only one representative: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming.
Tyranny is a strong word. I don't think Trump will be able to install himself as dictator for the rest of his life. But I think the things he is doing are quite alarming enough--enabling voter suppression via the vile Kris Kobach purge of voter rolls; manipulation of voting hours in Republican and Democratic districts (e.g., in Indiana); installation of retrograde judges at all levels of the court system who will enable the destruction of civil rights (e.g., the racist John Bush, who now sits for life on the 6th Circuit); and much, much more. This may not be tyranny as Stalin understood it, but it subverts and undermines our democracy just as effectively.
The NOrth Korean crisis may be the most potentially lethal of the crises we have seen thus far, but others, while lacking the drama and the potential for massive deaths across the globe, will effectively stop the impressive progress we have made in ensuring human rights for all our citizens and ignore all the roadblocks that still exist for so many Americans. This is no time to minimize the damage done and the damage yet to come.
The NOrth Korean crisis may be the most potentially lethal of the crises we have seen thus far, but others, while lacking the drama and the potential for massive deaths across the globe, will effectively stop the impressive progress we have made in ensuring human rights for all our citizens and ignore all the roadblocks that still exist for so many Americans. This is no time to minimize the damage done and the damage yet to come.
16
Ha ha ha ha! 'The impressive progress we have made in ensuring human rights for all our citizens'. EXCEPT if you are black, have the bad taste to be born poor and lack access to acceptable medical coverage and higher education. America's erroneous vision of itself is like life spent in front of the funhouse mirrors.
Whether or not the main theme of the authors opinion in this column is true, and I think there is some merit to those who worry about Trump and his supporters, they have ignored a fundamental reality. America is not a democracy.
There was no mention of democracy in our Constitution. Most of the framers of the Constitution were openly fearful of democracy and structured the Constitution to guard against popular rule. In most of the 13 colonies Jefferson's "we the people" had little or no voice in the adoption of the Constitution. By intent and design the framers gave us a republic, not a democracy - a republic with a sporadic and uneven movement toward establishing a democracy.
In 2013 the population of California was 38,332,521. They have 2 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. The population of the 21 smallest states was 35,607,134. They have 42 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate (27 Republican, 13 Democrat, 2 Independent). President Trump lost the popular vote by 2,865,075 votes. It is hard to find a definition of democracy that reconciles with those numbers.
And, there are many other non-democratic structural realities, like nominating processes in states that favors a small cadre of political operatives over popular sentiment and change; the Citizens United and "money is speech" rulings that that drowns out the people's voice. I would suggest that many of the problems mentioned by the authors would not be problems, or not so serious, if we had a democracy.
There was no mention of democracy in our Constitution. Most of the framers of the Constitution were openly fearful of democracy and structured the Constitution to guard against popular rule. In most of the 13 colonies Jefferson's "we the people" had little or no voice in the adoption of the Constitution. By intent and design the framers gave us a republic, not a democracy - a republic with a sporadic and uneven movement toward establishing a democracy.
In 2013 the population of California was 38,332,521. They have 2 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. The population of the 21 smallest states was 35,607,134. They have 42 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate (27 Republican, 13 Democrat, 2 Independent). President Trump lost the popular vote by 2,865,075 votes. It is hard to find a definition of democracy that reconciles with those numbers.
And, there are many other non-democratic structural realities, like nominating processes in states that favors a small cadre of political operatives over popular sentiment and change; the Citizens United and "money is speech" rulings that that drowns out the people's voice. I would suggest that many of the problems mentioned by the authors would not be problems, or not so serious, if we had a democracy.
12
You should read up on the House of Representatives. It was created to balance your concern. It has a greater swing to republicans.
3
And you, JDG, need to read up on the duties of the Senate. Perhaps then you'll understand Don Carder's argument.
Of course, hysteria is never a good adviser. But someone with the powers of the president of the United States of America, who has demostrated so often that he does not understand the institutions and procedures/processes of a state (to be) governed by the rule of law (or does not care about) to rate as "no threat to democracy" seems careless to me. There are historic examples (and even current ones) where democracy and the rule of law (which are twins in my opinion) are endangered by leaders who came to power through democratic mechanisms.
9
This article is absolutely wrong. Americans are not alarmed enough.
President Trump has brought conflicts of interest, self-dealing, and nepotism to the White House. He has attacked the legitimacy of the media, and the legitimacy of facts themselves. He has openly courted a foreign power to influence our elections. He refuses to release his taxes, or verify compliance with the emoluments clause. President Trump created a sham commission restrict the franchise, under the guise of investigating voter fraud.
All of these things, by themselves would have elicited outrage among Americans, in the not too distant past. But now, we have people in the New York Times telling us not to overreact. Do these authors even realize how far we have already fallen? Tyranny may not be the next evolution in American governance. But anyone who is not worried about the Republic is either not paying attention, or is too self interested to acknowledge the danger.
President Trump has brought conflicts of interest, self-dealing, and nepotism to the White House. He has attacked the legitimacy of the media, and the legitimacy of facts themselves. He has openly courted a foreign power to influence our elections. He refuses to release his taxes, or verify compliance with the emoluments clause. President Trump created a sham commission restrict the franchise, under the guise of investigating voter fraud.
All of these things, by themselves would have elicited outrage among Americans, in the not too distant past. But now, we have people in the New York Times telling us not to overreact. Do these authors even realize how far we have already fallen? Tyranny may not be the next evolution in American governance. But anyone who is not worried about the Republic is either not paying attention, or is too self interested to acknowledge the danger.
63
I agree that there are some serious things wrong with our society, that MUST be addressed, but to suggest that tRump is not a threat to our democracy is disingenuous, in other words, wrong.
25
To put it mildly.
Every night on the political talk shows a panel of guest reflect upon and venture explanations for Trump's unusual behaviors for a President and amongst them are some who have explanations which assert that he is wise and farsighted rather than a silly numbskull. Discussion of the issues and the way we can approach them is totally ignored. We become wrapped up in discussing Trump with far greater energy and time than anyone before. One can name a number of American leaders whose importance to America and the world are highly regarded and not one has received the detailed attention devoted to Trump. Part of this is just the kind of attitude that makes one focus on tabloid magazine covers in the supermarket lines. Part of it is the largess of advertising revenues that covering Trump has brought to news and pundits in the mass media. But the distraction from serious issues weakens our ability to participate intelligently in our democratic institutions and actually furthers the efforts of Trump and other phonies to become famous with elected office. Trump is a contributing factor but the kind of attention he is receiving is the bigger problem.
5
You are ignoring the fact that the present administration is supported by the one tenth of a percent, or the wealthiest people in the US. Their agenda is to privatize everything, get richer while ignoring the environmental repercussions, undo worker safety protections, destroy unions, wreak havoc with health care, remove the minimum wage and take back funding for the poor, the sick, the disabled, the elderly, LGBT. The rights of women and minorities are falling victim to the rights of privileged white men who actually feel they are suffering from discrimination.. It will take decades to recover from the morass. No, it is not hysteria. Clearly not you, or anyone close to you is being dragged into this pit.
17
You make the authors' point for them very well!
The ironic thing-- Moyn and Priestland are representative of the intellectual élite Trump purports to hate. Oddly enough, they view him with indulgence, as just a passing fad for populists to enjoy.
1
interesting take on this phenomenon gripping the country. the media seems more intent on whipping up this hysteria to generate more viewers and readers than the actual hysteria exists with the exception of the two coasts meaning much of it is scripted and staged and not really spontaneous.
5
You're in denial. True, for some on both sides it is hysteria. But for a very large number of thoughtful people, it is an eyes-wide-open reaction to a dangerous assault on the American people -,except for the very wealthy white people, of course.
2
Hysteria and narcissim in a chief executive afflicts a nation through its body politic wrenching the very decency from its citizenry and its viability as a sovereign nation.
6
I disagree strongly with the notion that we do not need to be concerned about our democracy. Trump is destroying norms that have served as its outer defenses at a frightening rate. He is pitting us against each other. Yes, we can all agree that he is off the charts stupid, but that only provides a temporary defense. The next Trump will be smarter and will probably come prepared with some paramilitary help. The notion that it cannot happen here is absurd. Trump was elected at a time of relative peace and prosperity. Our vulnerability will be much greater during an economic crisis. From all I have read, the votes for Trump were more about social status (hatred of the elites) than economic concern. Yes - we do have a problem that some in our society have difficulty competing in a moderately capitalistic society and we should thoughtfully search for solutions - but we should not let down our defenses. All thoughtful people of good will regardless of ideology should come together to agree that we put aside insults and mendacity.
9
After slogging through this clumsy and obscure piece, I scrolled back to the title to make sure I understood the writers' premise. Yep, I did - and I reject it. I read history too, and I see a lot of parallels there that do not bode well for the state of our republic. I suggest, with calm and composure, that the writers must be blind if they cannot see the flashing red lights.
14
I am sure they live in gated communities, enjoy the services of cooks and a cleaning crew. Get their groceries home delivered. No, they really do not know how the other half lives. Sad.
1
Could it be that both propositions are true at the same time? That Trump is a danger and economic inequality is a danger as well?
Just because your pet issue is on the back burner doesn't mean that the front-burner issue must be mere "paranoia." If Trump gets rid of Mueller, this opinion piece will seem quaint.
Just because your pet issue is on the back burner doesn't mean that the front-burner issue must be mere "paranoia." If Trump gets rid of Mueller, this opinion piece will seem quaint.
7
If if you wonder why George Orwell's books are selling at high rates now, just check out Trump and the Republican Party messages of the day. Remember Newspeak? Today's Whitehouse spokespeople certainly carry a huge whiff of Newspeak. White is black and black is white. The spin is constant and mostly untruthful. I am not hysterical about it but I certainly am concerned that our president lies more than he tells the truth, and that his Republican cohorts constantly spin his lies to make them sound plausible. Defending Trump is a full time job because he constantly tweets and makes self-destructive comments. I hope the sky isn't falling but I feel the need to prop it up!
11
We are not hysterical. We are instead very concerned and dismayed over the lying buffoon and his gang of rank amateurs (tea party) who have wormed their way into positions of power in all three branches of government by means of voter suppression, gerrymandering, Citizens United, and Fox News (there's your hysteria).
16
These clearly knowledgable writers have given us a profoundly disappointing essay. The first 6 paragraphs build a strawman of "tyrannophobia" -- not really the critical fire in the current moment. Then in the 7th paragraph, make their key -- and supremely valuable statements -- about the need to focus on social justice to actually protect rule of law and basic freedoms. Then they use the rest of their time to outline some historical precedents, and reiterate their strawman argument. Sadly, they don't address what so many commenters here have noted: that we are watching a symptomatic festering of 40 years worth of active and aggressive work to undermine the balanced function of our nation, which in turn prohibits our ability to address, improve on, or craft vision for broader social justice. You can't bake a cake if all you have to work with is rotten eggs and a pan with holes in it.
It isn't tyranny that is causing fear in America; it is populist authoritarian action (which is quite different), coming at a time when a deeply divided populace all believe from their own differing vantage points that the basic values of their own lives and cultures are profoundly threatened.
This article promotes nothing to help that situation, nor do its authors provide a historical narrative to support a vision for successful movement forward. Disappointing, coming from two clearly insightful and intelligent historians.
It isn't tyranny that is causing fear in America; it is populist authoritarian action (which is quite different), coming at a time when a deeply divided populace all believe from their own differing vantage points that the basic values of their own lives and cultures are profoundly threatened.
This article promotes nothing to help that situation, nor do its authors provide a historical narrative to support a vision for successful movement forward. Disappointing, coming from two clearly insightful and intelligent historians.
159
Perhaps they have read and written a bunch of books. But these two have got a hidden agenda to protect -- namely, defend the interests of the one-percenters by blaming Trump's critics.
5
I live in Seattle, where rents are soaring. So is the cost of my employer-provided health insurance and car insurance, which reflects the high cost of health care required by car accidents and more accidents in a city where the roads are clogged and deteriorating. My rent goes up about 10% every year.
Meanwhile, after 3 special sessions, the state budget that was passed included a 2.3% increase in my pay, which is not very high to start with (adjunct community college instructor). When I listen to my legislators, I believe they tried hard to make the best deal they could, but the cold reality is that's simply not good enough. Many are leaving my profession. Many are leaving Seattle and the communities around it, where rent also soars.
I don't live where hope is in short supply. I have choices I can make because I received a good affordable education (though age discrimination is an obstacle). What do the really rich people envision? I would think they don't want the horrible damage we're seeing even now from inadequately addressed climate change. Do they want the wars that come with drought, water shortages, so many people who can't meet needs for themselves and their families, crime that comes with drug addition and inadequate pay, hungry children? Surely, even they have to drive on the roads and cross deteriorating bridges sometimes.
A cry for help went out in November. It isn't being addressed by either party.
Meanwhile, after 3 special sessions, the state budget that was passed included a 2.3% increase in my pay, which is not very high to start with (adjunct community college instructor). When I listen to my legislators, I believe they tried hard to make the best deal they could, but the cold reality is that's simply not good enough. Many are leaving my profession. Many are leaving Seattle and the communities around it, where rent also soars.
I don't live where hope is in short supply. I have choices I can make because I received a good affordable education (though age discrimination is an obstacle). What do the really rich people envision? I would think they don't want the horrible damage we're seeing even now from inadequately addressed climate change. Do they want the wars that come with drought, water shortages, so many people who can't meet needs for themselves and their families, crime that comes with drug addition and inadequate pay, hungry children? Surely, even they have to drive on the roads and cross deteriorating bridges sometimes.
A cry for help went out in November. It isn't being addressed by either party.
7
To Kathy B
Consider the number of the one-percenters who have purchased property in far flung regions abroad, such as New Zealand. The perennial mediocrity of life in America is escapable for those in the know and with money to burn.
Consider the number of the one-percenters who have purchased property in far flung regions abroad, such as New Zealand. The perennial mediocrity of life in America is escapable for those in the know and with money to burn.
3
Thanks, excellent article but a lot of "our democracy is at stake" crowd will be disappointed to learn the jackboots won't be marching through Brooklyn laying waste to artisan farmers markets
2
"Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law, could prove self-defeating. By postponing serious efforts to give greater priority to social justice, tyrannophobia treats warning signs as a death sentence, while allowing the real disease to fester."
Concern about social justice is long-established issue in ongoing political battles and isn't going away; but concern about - and Trump's threat to basic constitutional law - has not been .... but needs to everyone's attention.
Not less a former part time academic than Obama has said this; that the threat of Trump is not social justice, including policies like Obamacare, but to the underlying constitutional freedoms and rules.
Where have these professors been?
Their comments remind me of the comment of Canadian academic, uttered after Trump was elected and before he assumed power, that the only thing unusual about Trump that he had no filter on this thoughts; that he would say whatever.
In the last couple of months I have been impressed by the resilence/resistance of American institutions to Trump's lawlessness, but the preservation of constitutional limits in the U.S. is not assured while Trump is in power.
Concern about social justice is long-established issue in ongoing political battles and isn't going away; but concern about - and Trump's threat to basic constitutional law - has not been .... but needs to everyone's attention.
Not less a former part time academic than Obama has said this; that the threat of Trump is not social justice, including policies like Obamacare, but to the underlying constitutional freedoms and rules.
Where have these professors been?
Their comments remind me of the comment of Canadian academic, uttered after Trump was elected and before he assumed power, that the only thing unusual about Trump that he had no filter on this thoughts; that he would say whatever.
In the last couple of months I have been impressed by the resilence/resistance of American institutions to Trump's lawlessness, but the preservation of constitutional limits in the U.S. is not assured while Trump is in power.
7
I agree. And the authors of this article should review the definition of "fundamentals" since they don't seem to understand it. If something is fundamental, it is basic and necessary, not optional. Freedom and the rule of law are not optional things we can put aside while we work on social justice. Without freedom and the rule of law there will never be any social justice.
Every hour, the unchecked tyrannical POTUS moves the world closer to midnight. The horrors of liberalism and the dysfunctional economy must take a back seat to the real possibility of nuclear war. And the next time this country chooses a president, lets hope voters put a lot more thought into what can happen when the wrong person is elected.
12
Wow, I think you are not paying attention to the genuine damage Trump is doing to, say, the State Department and the environment.
17
Are you kidding me?? Trump is decimating our institutions from the inside out. Example: the Environmental Protection Agency is now the Environmental Pollution Agency. Double-speak is the voice of tyranny.
17
If the writers are concerned about critical issues that our government and citizenry must address, they should have written an Op-Ed piece around that (with specifics about the issues and necessary actions to be discussed) and perhaps mentioned in passing that tyrannophobia was an unhelpful distraction from focusing on the actual issues.
I would find THAT Op-Ed piece very useful, unlike the one they chose to write.
I would find THAT Op-Ed piece very useful, unlike the one they chose to write.
8
I'll speak only to one point: "[T]here is too little recognition of the need for new direction in either party." What's needed on the DNC side is a commitment to move beyond the binary positions of Bernie Progressive and Hillary Moderate. The party needs to build a platform that takes the best ideas from both camps and adds new ideas for dealing with our rapidly changing economy. There ought to be a recognition, for example, that the party can embrace both single payer and free trade. On the GOP side, the party needs to move away from both the Ayn Rand ideological rigidity and the disgraceful pandering to the bigotry of its working class base. It's time to try showing solidarity with Joe Sixpack without going along with the bigotry and superstition.
7
Wow, like rain in the desert! This article is spells it out crystal clear. NYT should acknowledge some responsibility for whipping up this anti-tyranny fervor that may keep us (democrats) from getting the major reforms we need - or worse, prompt military action by the administration as an easy way to stem the media's non-stop criticism.
This criticism is beyond bias and approaches "fake news". The authors state here, "Even if it were true that President Vladimir Putin of Russia is attempting an illiberal putsch...." Reality is now exposing the speciousness of this tired opinion in mainstream media. Also, it's important to highlight the authors' view that "the deeply rooted forces that have been fueling right-wing populist politics" are "economic inequalities and status resentments" - and not 'alt-right' conspiracists or some other sinister group. In other words, democracy is speaking, even though we may not like what it's saying. If it is any consolation, democracy was speaking even louder for Bernie Sanders, but our democratic party and the media managed to squelch this.
This criticism is beyond bias and approaches "fake news". The authors state here, "Even if it were true that President Vladimir Putin of Russia is attempting an illiberal putsch...." Reality is now exposing the speciousness of this tired opinion in mainstream media. Also, it's important to highlight the authors' view that "the deeply rooted forces that have been fueling right-wing populist politics" are "economic inequalities and status resentments" - and not 'alt-right' conspiracists or some other sinister group. In other words, democracy is speaking, even though we may not like what it's saying. If it is any consolation, democracy was speaking even louder for Bernie Sanders, but our democratic party and the media managed to squelch this.
6
If "the deeply rooted forces that have been fueling right-wing populist politics are economic inequalities and status resentments", then why are the resentments directed against minorities, immigrants, and the poor and elderly? Those groups are not the ones fueling inequality. The wealthy and the corporations are the ones that have created the increases in inequality, by leaving wages flat while executive salaries and corporate profits soared, and by gaming the tax code to benefit the wealthy and make millionaires into billionaires.
It is not democracy that is speaking, it is a rapidly metastasizing oligarchy.
It is not democracy that is speaking, it is a rapidly metastasizing oligarchy.
Just for the record.
Not only is Trump a threat to your Democracy, but judging from the premise of this piece, it's fairly apparent that the authors and everyone else who have only lived in one, don't recognize the threat when they see it.
Aside from the fact that Donald Trump, now accustomed to all the power trappings of the office, and possibly under the tutelage of Vladimir Putin, may very well decide to install himself as president-for-life -- he certainly has the blessings of a Congress that has barely uttered a sound against him in the last six months, lies the fact that this is more than a mere possibility.
Already, all three branches of the U.S. government are under the control of one political party; which has effectively turned it into a one-party state. This is how it starts.
Silencing all dissenting voices by claiming them to be "fake" is the next step -- followed by the swift implementation of laws allowing unfettered banishment, or incarceration under the false guise of nationalism, completes the scenario.
Anyone who has ever lived in, or near the old Soviet Sektor knows this by heart. The play-book hasn't changed.
Wake-up, AMERICA.
Your clock is running out.
Not only is Trump a threat to your Democracy, but judging from the premise of this piece, it's fairly apparent that the authors and everyone else who have only lived in one, don't recognize the threat when they see it.
Aside from the fact that Donald Trump, now accustomed to all the power trappings of the office, and possibly under the tutelage of Vladimir Putin, may very well decide to install himself as president-for-life -- he certainly has the blessings of a Congress that has barely uttered a sound against him in the last six months, lies the fact that this is more than a mere possibility.
Already, all three branches of the U.S. government are under the control of one political party; which has effectively turned it into a one-party state. This is how it starts.
Silencing all dissenting voices by claiming them to be "fake" is the next step -- followed by the swift implementation of laws allowing unfettered banishment, or incarceration under the false guise of nationalism, completes the scenario.
Anyone who has ever lived in, or near the old Soviet Sektor knows this by heart. The play-book hasn't changed.
Wake-up, AMERICA.
Your clock is running out.
14
I don't think Trump will try to threaten American democracy any more than it is already threatened (via campaign contributions, lobbying, etc.). However, I think any fair-minded person has to admit that Trump is erratic enough that we can never know for sure just how far he will try to expand and preserve his power, on a whim. The consequences of such an outburst can be every bit as real and threatening as a concerted effort to subdue what little democracy is left in America.
That should be frightening enough.
That should be frightening enough.
4
Which planet are these Yale and Oxford professors of history and law on? Have they not learned that if there is no resistance to the first steps of repression, it rapidly becomes too late to stop it. Are they not aware of our president's disdain for democratic law and custom? They equate "the anti-communist politics in the United States of the early 1950s," that is McCarthyism, with "those of anti-Trumpism today." This is a level of stupidity that can only be attained by tenured professors sitting at high table and shielded from real life.
13
It is safe to assume our Ivy League professors enjoy the benefits of being a 1%er, and are eagerly awaiting their promised tax cuts while we read their diseneguous pablum.
3
I don't think the comparison with the 50s is stupid at all. There's a real danger that intellectuals, especially, will be increasingly suspicious of populist movements in our era--just like they were in the 50s, in a way that caused lasting damage. That would be a shame, because what is needed is a new commitment to social justice in alliance with popular movements.
1
If Liberals and Progressives had not been so dismissive of
Middle and Lower Income Americans for the last five decades
we would not have Trump as President.
You brought this on yourselves,
but as usual,
you refuse to accept responsibility.
Because you wanted un-documented immigrants to be your
Nannies, Maids/Gardeners you opened the borders and
wages for lower paying jobs stagnated.
Please demonstrate that Immigration has proved helpful for
African Americans -
the very people that Urban Liberals/Progressives
would never hire to work for them -
and whom they make sure their children never go to school with.
[ Yes, the most segregated public schools in America are in Manhattan. ]
Meanwhile you use the Federal Courts to achieve your policy ends
by shoving down the throats of average citizens -
laws they never voted for
and now you wonder who the real Tyrants are ?
Look into your gilded mirrors
and you will see the answer.
Middle and Lower Income Americans for the last five decades
we would not have Trump as President.
You brought this on yourselves,
but as usual,
you refuse to accept responsibility.
Because you wanted un-documented immigrants to be your
Nannies, Maids/Gardeners you opened the borders and
wages for lower paying jobs stagnated.
Please demonstrate that Immigration has proved helpful for
African Americans -
the very people that Urban Liberals/Progressives
would never hire to work for them -
and whom they make sure their children never go to school with.
[ Yes, the most segregated public schools in America are in Manhattan. ]
Meanwhile you use the Federal Courts to achieve your policy ends
by shoving down the throats of average citizens -
laws they never voted for
and now you wonder who the real Tyrants are ?
Look into your gilded mirrors
and you will see the answer.
6
Please - any gains the working class got in the last 50 years was the result of liberal Democratic policies. That they chose to vote against their own interests in response to right-wing lies and hypocrisy eventually gave us DJT. In their blind ignorance they chose to put their phony Christianity, ill-concealed bigotry, and irrational xenophobia ahead of their self-interest to join the union-busting, wealth-shifting, health-care denying Republican party. If we have tryrannophobia, those voters are the tyrants.
2
And your thoughts on a Trump 1st strike nuclear launch? Does that qualify as tyranny?
8
The authors of this Trump apologia seem to have strayed from their Fox News beat. Facts seem to be irrelevant to them.
9
I've seen twelve presidents govern prior to the presidency of Donald Trump. I will not accept his administration’s gaslighting of the public (and the world!) as he attempts to normalize what has never been and never will be normal presidential behavior in the USA.
Donald Trump is not the Sole True Source of news. He is a habitual liar.
He is not a King. We have none since 1776, by choice.
He is not a dictator, a point our 115th Congress has made clear several times.
He is not above the law, as our courts and indeed his own Justice Department are prepared to remind him.
Donald Trump is just a President. We hire, and fire, our Presidents.
Trump promised to “drain the swamp”. Then he hired people committed to destruction of the administrative state, policy advisors advocating for beliefs profoundly contrary to our Constitution. He tasks cabinet chiefs to weaken the very agencies they lead. He has decimated the State Department, our font of regional expertise and cultural understandings of other nations.
He disrespects our intel agencies, military leadership, Congressional leadership, all charged to support him.
He undercuts his staffers, undermines his party's policies at will. The White House is in chaos.
What is normal about that? Maybe it suits a country awaiting its next tinpot dictator.
That is not this country and he is not that dictator. Not yet.
Donald Trump is not the Sole True Source of news. He is a habitual liar.
He is not a King. We have none since 1776, by choice.
He is not a dictator, a point our 115th Congress has made clear several times.
He is not above the law, as our courts and indeed his own Justice Department are prepared to remind him.
Donald Trump is just a President. We hire, and fire, our Presidents.
Trump promised to “drain the swamp”. Then he hired people committed to destruction of the administrative state, policy advisors advocating for beliefs profoundly contrary to our Constitution. He tasks cabinet chiefs to weaken the very agencies they lead. He has decimated the State Department, our font of regional expertise and cultural understandings of other nations.
He disrespects our intel agencies, military leadership, Congressional leadership, all charged to support him.
He undercuts his staffers, undermines his party's policies at will. The White House is in chaos.
What is normal about that? Maybe it suits a country awaiting its next tinpot dictator.
That is not this country and he is not that dictator. Not yet.
9
The U.S. economy is dysfunctional in that the system is damaging the middle class which has been the bedrock of our democracy. Trump is dysfunctional in his total lack of discipline. He makes the U.S. look like a bully in dealing with the little boy running North Korea. He also makes us look like fools--all of us.
The threat to our democracy arises from the lack of comity in our national discourse. As a lifelong liberal I fear what the Democrats will do after the next election, when they are likely to retake the Congress.
This lack of comity has spread to the state governments, largely through ALEC and other groups funded by the Kochs and their camp followers. That intolerance and lack of respect for others is the real threat to our democracy, and Trump leads that movement by his horrible example. His policy of disparagement and disrespect undermines any confidence anyone might have in the soundness of our policies and government. The recent 12¢ rise in the Euro against the Dollar speaks more loudly than any bullhorn.
The threat to our democracy arises from the lack of comity in our national discourse. As a lifelong liberal I fear what the Democrats will do after the next election, when they are likely to retake the Congress.
This lack of comity has spread to the state governments, largely through ALEC and other groups funded by the Kochs and their camp followers. That intolerance and lack of respect for others is the real threat to our democracy, and Trump leads that movement by his horrible example. His policy of disparagement and disrespect undermines any confidence anyone might have in the soundness of our policies and government. The recent 12¢ rise in the Euro against the Dollar speaks more loudly than any bullhorn.
4
This piece is a breath of fresh air. If only the Democrats would take it to heart.
2
The title of the article is wrong. It should have been titled "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (and Fascism) ".
A nation rarely recovers when corrupt fools wield power. See, for example, the Roman Empire.
2
My mind is blown that these educated men can look at the past two hundred days and not see a threat to democracy - stealing a supreme court pick, encouraging the russians to commit crimes against our nation, turning away from scientific thought, in fact, suppressing it! lies, doubling down on lies and on and on and on. They may not see this as a threat to our democracy but I do. And while I'm not hysterical about it, I'm ready to fight.
11
Luke, these two educated men are the polar opposite of Trump, who is proud to be a know-nothing philistine. The well-rounded individual needs both practical work experience in a variety of fields to complement his/her formal education.
Academic ivory tower versus the Trump Tower -- two unhealthy extremes.
Academic ivory tower versus the Trump Tower -- two unhealthy extremes.
1
Easily contained? How naive!
6
"...democracy put Mr. Trump in power."
Professors Moyn and Priestland, that is the greatest truth but it also exposes the sagging rot that underlines the consistent warped Republican message: that free-market capitalism, when allowed its head, creates true wealth and prosperity.
Republicans never, ever acknowledge that most Americans (the so-called middle-class) are subject to falling through the cracks that yawn before the feet of the lower middle-class and the obvious poor. They refuse to admit that their darling capitalism is a not a blind picker and chooser of its largesse.
The tax code is one-sidedly aligned to wealth and investment and Socialism, capital's mortal enemy is basically an idea hatched in the sweatshops and hard roads of Europe: un-American.
Capitalism, in America, is a divide-and-conquer strategy by the GOP designed to portray the less successful as lazy and unmotivated.
Donald Trump took this core GOP belief and ran with it, becoming, as you write, Democracy's handmaid. With America's blessing(s). Tyrannophobia, indeed.
Professors Moyn and Priestland, that is the greatest truth but it also exposes the sagging rot that underlines the consistent warped Republican message: that free-market capitalism, when allowed its head, creates true wealth and prosperity.
Republicans never, ever acknowledge that most Americans (the so-called middle-class) are subject to falling through the cracks that yawn before the feet of the lower middle-class and the obvious poor. They refuse to admit that their darling capitalism is a not a blind picker and chooser of its largesse.
The tax code is one-sidedly aligned to wealth and investment and Socialism, capital's mortal enemy is basically an idea hatched in the sweatshops and hard roads of Europe: un-American.
Capitalism, in America, is a divide-and-conquer strategy by the GOP designed to portray the less successful as lazy and unmotivated.
Donald Trump took this core GOP belief and ran with it, becoming, as you write, Democracy's handmaid. With America's blessing(s). Tyrannophobia, indeed.
3
I had been patiently waiting for such an opinion piece to make it to Times and I'm glad this was finally written.
Each time the Times covers one of Trump's actions or comments, the commenteriat here immediately clings to the same familiar story line: it's all a distraction, keep all eyes on the Russia investigation.
How NYT readers react to each of the following:
1) Reversal of Obama's ban on the Keystone pipeline. Distraction
2) Nomination of Gorsich? Distraction
3) Continued ban on transgenders in the military? Distraction
4) Withdrawal from Paris Accord? Distraction
5) Middle East visit? Distraction
6) ACA repeal? Distraction
7) Cruise missiles bombing Syria? Distraction
8) Crackdown on illegal immigration? Distraction
9) Rhetoric against N. Korean? Distraction
Pray tell, members of the so-called resistance: at what point do you learn that you've in fact been distracted when trying very hard to avoid being distracted?
While Trump manages to push forth his agenda each step of the way, you cry Distraction! and Fascism! and Tyranny! But no, it's called governance. You don't get to impeach a president simply because you disagree with his policies.
Turn your face away if you dare to keep your eyes only Russia and Mueller. But in the meantime, the other half of the country is moving forward with or without your participation while you await Mueller and his findings.
Each time the Times covers one of Trump's actions or comments, the commenteriat here immediately clings to the same familiar story line: it's all a distraction, keep all eyes on the Russia investigation.
How NYT readers react to each of the following:
1) Reversal of Obama's ban on the Keystone pipeline. Distraction
2) Nomination of Gorsich? Distraction
3) Continued ban on transgenders in the military? Distraction
4) Withdrawal from Paris Accord? Distraction
5) Middle East visit? Distraction
6) ACA repeal? Distraction
7) Cruise missiles bombing Syria? Distraction
8) Crackdown on illegal immigration? Distraction
9) Rhetoric against N. Korean? Distraction
Pray tell, members of the so-called resistance: at what point do you learn that you've in fact been distracted when trying very hard to avoid being distracted?
While Trump manages to push forth his agenda each step of the way, you cry Distraction! and Fascism! and Tyranny! But no, it's called governance. You don't get to impeach a president simply because you disagree with his policies.
Turn your face away if you dare to keep your eyes only Russia and Mueller. But in the meantime, the other half of the country is moving forward with or without your participation while you await Mueller and his findings.
3
Thinking Trump thinks? Distraction.
Believing Trump's lies? Distraction.
Voting Republican? Tragedy. For us all.
Believing Trump's lies? Distraction.
Voting Republican? Tragedy. For us all.
1
The other half of the country is moving backward, I'd say. But when the burglars (Russians and right-wingers) are in your house, smashing and grabbing, you don't gaze out the window at the lawn. You call the cops (Mueller).
After reading this a few dozen times I think I agree with it. It cleared up my thinking, and it should be delivered to a wider audience. But the basic idea needs to be re-stated a lot less less ostentatiously.
How about something like this? Trump is too bumbling to be an effective tyrant, so let's not worry about that. Instead let’s concentrate on admitting that there were very real economic and social injustices that contributed to his election, and let’s fix them.
How about something like this? Trump is too bumbling to be an effective tyrant, so let's not worry about that. Instead let’s concentrate on admitting that there were very real economic and social injustices that contributed to his election, and let’s fix them.
1
Lots of negative comments but he'll win again just like he won the first time. Democrats will offer nothing but anti trump just as Hillary did instead of addressing the needs of people.
26
That's not why Hillary lost. She lost because she didn't have an effective way to energize voters with chants of "Lock Me Up."
1
The fact that you make this statement is a direct indictment of the media and their choice of focus.
HRC had a long list of things she hoped to accomplish. Many of them to help people.
And yet even today you have no idea.
HRC had a long list of things she hoped to accomplish. Many of them to help people.
And yet even today you have no idea.
1
The Democrats have their work cut out for them. I think Bernie Sanders was on the right track. The biggest question remains....Who are "the people"? Trump is addressing white poor and blue collar issues. He is not likely to bring miners jobs or manufacturing jobs back. However, has done nothing to address the problems of the inner cities, non-whites, homelessness, drug addiction, healthcare etc. . This is a man who can not even speak to Boy Scouts. A minority voted him in. And that minority is shrinking on a daily basis.
I don't know where these writers live, but doesn't seem like they live here. I don't see tyrannophobia. I see Trump Derangement Syndrome. This "idiot" who couldn't possibly win may not be such an idiot, and he did win, so the only way to explain this supposed "nightmare" is to invoke the dark though non-existent forces of "tyranny". In the meantime, as the unhinged left screams "tyranny", Trump is focusing no exactly the things that the authors say we should.
5
The people on this comment section are expressing real concerns, and to call them "the unhinged left" is condescending.
If you don't consider the commenters here leftists, then you need to admit that more than just "the leftists" are concerned about the behavior of this president.
If you don't consider the commenters here leftists, then you need to admit that more than just "the leftists" are concerned about the behavior of this president.
Trump's deeds are largely ignored amid a flood of words that are contradicted routinely. Also ignored is the extent that the GOP has given assent to the undemocratic precepts that underly both nativism and direct attack on universal rights including those of free movement and fair elections. Our bloated military and prison system do not argue for a fertile growth f democracy. Trump's deeds include rads by ICE on innocent Americans, Trump's insistence that local police serve as backups for ICE, his continuing war on health for all Americans and his willingness to serve the needs of those who benefit the most from the momentous polarization that has reached an obscene differential. There is much more. We are not at the point of Trump declaring himself above the law, which would create an American version of dictatorship, but we are months from reaching it. It will be precipitated by the unfolding of the Mueller probe and the alienation of the few in GOP leadership who recognize the signs far better than the Yale and Oxford folk who penned this bit of solace. We could be facing martial law versus Trump's removal.
6
I supposed what's frightening to me is that there are fellow citizens out there who are actually whipped up into a frothing fury by his imbecilic parading as a leader, who think that his ideas are wonderful for our country. That they cheer his evil is what scares me the most. Of course, he's an idiot. But he has a lot of idiotic followers as well.
6
What a very odd article. I agree that the major concerns of U.S. citizens should be an increasingly unequal economy. May I point out that is a major concern of liberals. (Conservatives greet this inequality with delight and rush to serve those who profit most from it.) The writers seem to confuse "liberal fundamentals" with the ideas of the Monetarists. Espousing the idea that "market forces" are the be all and end all solution is really not a "liberal" concept. It is, in fact, a prime precept of the Ultra Conservative ideology. Who have they been reading? von Mises? Ayn Rand? Hello? And, by the by, the proximate cause of the 2008 financial crisis was a combination of large tax cuts for the wealthy and two massive, inappropriate, unfunded wars -- started to further the ends of greedy Conservatives like V-P Richard Cheney, who profited mightily.
6
This article illustrates the persisting "useful idiot" tendency among a certain segment of the left, long after the end of communism. By this I mean the strange attraction it never fails to demonstrate toward authoritarian regimes, to the point of appeasement. Case in point: the French far-left Mélenchon who supports Putin and Maduro. I will take tyrannophobia any time over appeasement.
3
Indeed! There's been "daily hysteria" since Trump took office. No time to focus on fundamental change.
And what fundamental change should there be?
Two things: First, abolish the federal campaign finance system as we know it and replace it with 100% government campaign funding -- with NO media advertising -- married to a well-structured campaign system and schedule that forces candidates to address issues not mud-slinging. Second, abolish the federal income tax system and replace it with a flat consumption tax that has provisions to protect low- and middle-income taxpayers from the naturally regressive aspects of a flat consumption tax.
These two changes will go a long way toward removing $$$ from politics, which IS the fundamental problem we face.
All those other frothy issues in the news will never get fixed until we get $$$ out of politics.
And what fundamental change should there be?
Two things: First, abolish the federal campaign finance system as we know it and replace it with 100% government campaign funding -- with NO media advertising -- married to a well-structured campaign system and schedule that forces candidates to address issues not mud-slinging. Second, abolish the federal income tax system and replace it with a flat consumption tax that has provisions to protect low- and middle-income taxpayers from the naturally regressive aspects of a flat consumption tax.
These two changes will go a long way toward removing $$$ from politics, which IS the fundamental problem we face.
All those other frothy issues in the news will never get fixed until we get $$$ out of politics.
2
NYT -
Why do you print such arrant nonsense?
Why do you print such arrant nonsense?
6
Sounds like all is well in the Ivory Tower. Even if no obvious catastrophe ever takes place, there are a million less obvious harms being done by Trump. One is the erosion of America's place in the world. Trump is making us the butt of jokes everywhere, creating problems that go far beyond mere embarrassment. This is a treatise in naivete. In these times, who knows what the true origins of this article is.
7
Trump and Bannon are hell bent on deconstructing our government.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPFpTergAGQ
Hundreds of seats in the State Department have not been filled. Bannon and Trump have not hired anyone to communicate in foreign exchange. Nobody to answer the phone if another country calls.
Voter suppression, especially targeting minorities began with grinding down on the voter's rights act.
Kris Kobach spending millions of taxpayer's dollars on voter fraud that is insignificant.
Jeff Sessions is every day successful in dismantling hard won rights. Sessions is using the Justice Department to roll back decades of progress on civil rights, voting rights, LGBT rights and police reform.
Blackwater Founder Erik Prince urges Trump to privatize Afghan War & install a Viceroy to Afghanistan.
Trump's people are shutting down government in every area that can help the weak and disadvantaged and economically challenged, down on their luck, sick or cheated, we have a slumlord in the White House who is seeking vengeance for every time he lost a court case in private shenanigans. He's taking his hostility out on those who are weaker than an emperor.
Citizens are not hysterical, they are being cheated by that which is fascist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPFpTergAGQ
Hundreds of seats in the State Department have not been filled. Bannon and Trump have not hired anyone to communicate in foreign exchange. Nobody to answer the phone if another country calls.
Voter suppression, especially targeting minorities began with grinding down on the voter's rights act.
Kris Kobach spending millions of taxpayer's dollars on voter fraud that is insignificant.
Jeff Sessions is every day successful in dismantling hard won rights. Sessions is using the Justice Department to roll back decades of progress on civil rights, voting rights, LGBT rights and police reform.
Blackwater Founder Erik Prince urges Trump to privatize Afghan War & install a Viceroy to Afghanistan.
Trump's people are shutting down government in every area that can help the weak and disadvantaged and economically challenged, down on their luck, sick or cheated, we have a slumlord in the White House who is seeking vengeance for every time he lost a court case in private shenanigans. He's taking his hostility out on those who are weaker than an emperor.
Citizens are not hysterical, they are being cheated by that which is fascist.
6
The word "liberal" has been politicized, so I wish you had clarified what you mean by "liberal fundamentals." For instance, in today's politics, market fundamentalism is not usually attributed, as you do, to liberals. The historical and contemporary understanding of the word are too different to use without explanation.
4
When the government at all level is vastly militarizing and unaccountable, when our government officials act with impunity (legal for a Senator to engage in insider trading but a citizen goes to prison), when we are 5% of the global population but fully have 25% of all people incarcerated and when we cut programs to benefit budding businesses and struggling people at the expense of an even bigger military budget, and the worsening inequality in our country (this list can go on) one could say that this is tyrannaphobia playing itself out, but aren't these realities?
10
The authors are too optimistic. Suppose Trump orders a nuclear strike on North Korea (only too likely). Then one of two things: either the military carries it out, probably leading to the end of civilization. Certainly Seoul and Tokyo erased from the map.
Or, the outcome devotedly to be wished, the military refuse to obey orders. I.e., a military coup. I doubt the the US military wish to establish a military dictatorship, but after such an event, democracy will never be the same!
Or, the outcome devotedly to be wished, the military refuse to obey orders. I.e., a military coup. I doubt the the US military wish to establish a military dictatorship, but after such an event, democracy will never be the same!
2
Here I am, a woman who is now being referred to as "hysterical" again because I am my father's daughter. He fought during WWII and was awarded the Silver Star, and I don't even understand why a Birther who quotes Mussollini can even be regarded as a Republican, let alone the legitimate winner of the last election when he received 306 votes from the electoral college - plus one from Putin - and lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
tThe authors have asserted that not only am I "hysterical" but that the electoral college is democracy itself, yet it's 306 votes from the electoral college instead of ours that are determining not just the presidency DESPITE our votes, but our policies, our Supreme Court, and our lives. OUR lives.
The former "Dean" of Trump "University" - who settled out of court on 3 different class action suits filed against him for FRAUD just weeks before his bizarre inaugural address - as far as I'm concerned did not settle out of court when it comes to being a fraudulent president.
tThe authors have asserted that not only am I "hysterical" but that the electoral college is democracy itself, yet it's 306 votes from the electoral college instead of ours that are determining not just the presidency DESPITE our votes, but our policies, our Supreme Court, and our lives. OUR lives.
The former "Dean" of Trump "University" - who settled out of court on 3 different class action suits filed against him for FRAUD just weeks before his bizarre inaugural address - as far as I'm concerned did not settle out of court when it comes to being a fraudulent president.
10
To call for social justice is justified. To claim that concerns about attacks by the current administration on the rule of law, on democratic institutions, and on liberties are a "distraction" is outrageous. In the era of Trump, calling concerns about voting, civil, and reproductive rights "tyrannophobia," as if such concerns indicated nothing but some psychological defect, is itself a "distraction" that would fit nicely in the alt-right propaganda. And if the authors think of themselves as progressives, it says something about the intellectual disarray, these days, of a certain Left.
6
My fear is not so much that Democracy is in jeopardy, but that hate and disdain are acceptable, even rewarded, by Trump and his regime. He seemingly seeks to dismantle any social progress made in the last 50 years or more. I do not like or respect the disregard for equality which seems so intrinsic a part of his plans and motives.
11
Many pundits and observers fret about growing inequality and stagnant wages among working people. But it is not clear what its causes are, and no one knows how to reverse or even stop it.
It may be an attribute of the social and economic decline that America has experienced since the early 1970s.
Contrary to what these pundits write, the lessons of history are that there are no lessons.
It may be an attribute of the social and economic decline that America has experienced since the early 1970s.
Contrary to what these pundits write, the lessons of history are that there are no lessons.
2
Finally! I have been trying for months to reassure my liberal friends that the sky is not falling. Perhaps they will listen to Profs. Moyn and Priestland.
The authors are also right to point out that the nation has serious economic problems, which need to be redressed. Until those problems begin to be solved, so-called "populist" anger is not going to vanish. That is, Trumpism will continue, even after Trump leaves the White House.
While I agree with the authors that tyranny is not imminent, I do worry about the erosion of our democracy from the top and the bottom. At the top, we need to end the excessive influence of $$$ in American politics. At the bottom, recent studies that indicate that a growing percentage of Americans do rank living in a democratic political system as important. So, democracy is somewhat fragile, even if Donald Trump is unlikely to crown himself Dictator.
The authors are also right to point out that the nation has serious economic problems, which need to be redressed. Until those problems begin to be solved, so-called "populist" anger is not going to vanish. That is, Trumpism will continue, even after Trump leaves the White House.
While I agree with the authors that tyranny is not imminent, I do worry about the erosion of our democracy from the top and the bottom. At the top, we need to end the excessive influence of $$$ in American politics. At the bottom, recent studies that indicate that a growing percentage of Americans do rank living in a democratic political system as important. So, democracy is somewhat fragile, even if Donald Trump is unlikely to crown himself Dictator.
7
Yes, the economy is indeed deeply intertwined with social justice, but it is economic inequality that has given Trump the boost he needed to gain office, the same economic inequality that continues to provide Bernie Sanders with enthusiastic audiences. Social justice can't happen as long as congress consists of eager employees for the mega-rich. Absent real reform, the victims of today's cruel capitalism will continue to be seduced by the likes of Trump; real reform will have to begin with new representatives in congress dedicated to rebuilding a fair economy. And there are many impediments in the way of such sweeping change.
7
"It is easier to believe that democracy is under siege than to acknowledge that democracy put Mr. Trump in power — and only more economic fairness and solidarity can keep populists like him out."
1. "Democracy" now means what? In ancient Athens it meant deme-power; a deme was a precinct--membership in one of 139 demes was a prereq for citizenship and political participation.
It does NOT mean government of, by and for common people; nor majority rule. Voting is not ruling.
The US form of government is really "bureaucracy"--defined by MWC--
"government characterized by specialization of functions, adherence to fixed rules, and a hierarchy of authority" --including elections.
Vaunted "Freedom USA" is mainly free [from law and logic] market propaganda--lies and myths can be marketed as truth and reality. That is Capitalism--AKA "conservatism" --as in conserving the rights and duties of feudalism--lords and vassals, including politicians as knights and serfs--all authorized by god story mythology--solidarity as theocracy.
Majoritarianism IS crucial at every stage--from elections to Congress to SCOTUS decisions--but it can be myth based or knowledge-based.
Corruptions of process can turn a bureaucracy into Theocracy (government FOR some religion), or into Feudalism (government FOR capital lords).
The Dark Ages proves people (the masses)--by persistent miseducation--will act contrary to their own interests. Economic fairness and solidarity s not enough to prevent tyranny.
1. "Democracy" now means what? In ancient Athens it meant deme-power; a deme was a precinct--membership in one of 139 demes was a prereq for citizenship and political participation.
It does NOT mean government of, by and for common people; nor majority rule. Voting is not ruling.
The US form of government is really "bureaucracy"--defined by MWC--
"government characterized by specialization of functions, adherence to fixed rules, and a hierarchy of authority" --including elections.
Vaunted "Freedom USA" is mainly free [from law and logic] market propaganda--lies and myths can be marketed as truth and reality. That is Capitalism--AKA "conservatism" --as in conserving the rights and duties of feudalism--lords and vassals, including politicians as knights and serfs--all authorized by god story mythology--solidarity as theocracy.
Majoritarianism IS crucial at every stage--from elections to Congress to SCOTUS decisions--but it can be myth based or knowledge-based.
Corruptions of process can turn a bureaucracy into Theocracy (government FOR some religion), or into Feudalism (government FOR capital lords).
The Dark Ages proves people (the masses)--by persistent miseducation--will act contrary to their own interests. Economic fairness and solidarity s not enough to prevent tyranny.
3
The fact that inequality must be addressed in a serious way does not also mean that we should ignore the steps taken to destroy the norms that keep our republic operating. We have already seen, since 1994 when Gingrich took over the House a level of polarization which has hobbled our capacity to address the real problems facing our country. Trump has not only taken advantage of this context but advanced these problems to the point that our polity is at risk of losing any ability to self-govern. In that regard, these authors are far too sanguine about the precariousness of our democracy.
11
Prof. Moyn has also argued the laws of war (e.g. Geneva Conventions) are trouble for contributing to the sense that war is "humanitarian" and thus doesn't need to be ended. As others have pointed out, that's a false dichotomy. You can advocate for a war to end and for its regulated conduct while it's still going on - at the same time. Similarly, being concerned about liberal values does not make it impossible to care about social justice. If anything, awakening more people to political enthusiasm and activism makes it more likely all left-liberal issues impacted by Trump will be addressed.
Trump is being contained? Maybe with regard to some high profile legislation and agency decisions, but as a law professor should know, the executive has wide ranging and usually unchecked power over agencies issuing myriad regulations that often go unnoticed - as well as over appointments in the judiciary being rubber stamped by his own party's Congress, not to mention foreign policy.
The authors' Cold War comparisons barely hold water. NSC 68 may have militated against welfare in favor of militarism, but the same anti-communist hysteria isn't driving opposition to Trump in a way that would make any advocacy of an expanded welfare state suspect. What contemporary Russia is, by comparison, is a right wing illiberal autocracy, and it makes more than a little sense to be concerned not only about increasing parallels to it, but its own involvement in the US' political evolution.
Trump is being contained? Maybe with regard to some high profile legislation and agency decisions, but as a law professor should know, the executive has wide ranging and usually unchecked power over agencies issuing myriad regulations that often go unnoticed - as well as over appointments in the judiciary being rubber stamped by his own party's Congress, not to mention foreign policy.
The authors' Cold War comparisons barely hold water. NSC 68 may have militated against welfare in favor of militarism, but the same anti-communist hysteria isn't driving opposition to Trump in a way that would make any advocacy of an expanded welfare state suspect. What contemporary Russia is, by comparison, is a right wing illiberal autocracy, and it makes more than a little sense to be concerned not only about increasing parallels to it, but its own involvement in the US' political evolution.
11
"There is certainly evidence of Russian interference in the election, and the hacking of the Democratic National Committee is serious. But that hardly amounts to a long-term design on American democracy from some kind of fifth column, backed by Moscow’s “Authoritarian International” and propagated by fake news. "
How do you know the extent of Russian meddling in the 2016 election? You forget that there were attempts to hack voting machines. We know that Russian created fake news stories. You downplay the role that Russian is playing in elections in the United States and Europe. Like all Trump apologists, you are anxious to overlook that facts.
How do you know the extent of Russian meddling in the 2016 election? You forget that there were attempts to hack voting machines. We know that Russian created fake news stories. You downplay the role that Russian is playing in elections in the United States and Europe. Like all Trump apologists, you are anxious to overlook that facts.
8
The authors too easily dismiss the "truth is under siege" part. Without agreement on basic, incontrovertible facts, democracy can't work. Just as we need the losers of elections to peacefully surrender power, we need the losers of factual disputes to acknowledge the loss when faced with incontrovertible proof. That part has stopped happening, and it affects everything else.
12
This guest column is a perfect example of a commentary that offers little of value and that is published only because of the title of the writers or the institutions to which they are associated.
Quickly, I will quickly note that many on the political right feared the government was becoming a dictatorship when Obama was elected in 2008--hence, the increase in sales of assault rifles and the appearance of television shows of Americans resisting domestic and foreign enemies.
But the commentary suggests that people, fearful of Trump, are battling in the streets with a general strike called for next week, and that this is 1932 Weimar Germany. In short, the commentary creates a straw man with its talk of mass "hysteria" and "resistance" and "exclusive focus on the defense of liberal fundamentals" and democracy "constantly on the precipice."
I would give neither professor a passing grade.
Quickly, I will quickly note that many on the political right feared the government was becoming a dictatorship when Obama was elected in 2008--hence, the increase in sales of assault rifles and the appearance of television shows of Americans resisting domestic and foreign enemies.
But the commentary suggests that people, fearful of Trump, are battling in the streets with a general strike called for next week, and that this is 1932 Weimar Germany. In short, the commentary creates a straw man with its talk of mass "hysteria" and "resistance" and "exclusive focus on the defense of liberal fundamentals" and democracy "constantly on the precipice."
I would give neither professor a passing grade.
18
re: your 1st paragraph
The exact reason they published the totally vacuous piece by Susan Rice yesterday
The exact reason they published the totally vacuous piece by Susan Rice yesterday
The Cold War was indeed a grand crime against ordinary people, with both sides dedicating vast amounts of intelligence, and physical and human resources, and above all money, to things that did not help ordinary people lead meaningful or comfortable lives.
But it's not clear how it could have been avoided from just one side.
Meanwhile, I think the authors' view that Trump can't really do anything that bad domestically is overly optimistic. He's not very competent, true, but his allies might get their act together a little bit more and make the tax code even more rich-white-guy-friendly. And degrade, if not destroy, the environment. Remember that the switch of just one Republican vote could have killed health care for twenty million people.
But it's not clear how it could have been avoided from just one side.
Meanwhile, I think the authors' view that Trump can't really do anything that bad domestically is overly optimistic. He's not very competent, true, but his allies might get their act together a little bit more and make the tax code even more rich-white-guy-friendly. And degrade, if not destroy, the environment. Remember that the switch of just one Republican vote could have killed health care for twenty million people.
15
'...market-friendly policies were helping to destroy the social mobility and economic opportunity that underpins a well-functioning democracy...' yes and yes. Central questions yet to be really dealt with; or really, even cared about. We seem to think great inequalities (including great pockets of despair and want) are acceptable. I'm not sure if that's really 'Christian' or compassionate (which I think was the central message of Jesus).
Let's start by ending the threat to democracy that the electoral college is. Madison and many founding fathers were afraid of the masses - democracy. So, this 'college' of our 'betters' was created to keep the control in the hands of a few. Since then the votes of citizens in smaller states (which all have 2 Senators; hence, equal to much larger population states) have an unequally large impact on the election of our President. That is more than a threat to democracy, that is undemocratic, pure and simple.
Let's start by ending the threat to democracy that the electoral college is. Madison and many founding fathers were afraid of the masses - democracy. So, this 'college' of our 'betters' was created to keep the control in the hands of a few. Since then the votes of citizens in smaller states (which all have 2 Senators; hence, equal to much larger population states) have an unequally large impact on the election of our President. That is more than a threat to democracy, that is undemocratic, pure and simple.
7
I think the founders were worried about the tyranny of the majority.
1
Yes, that can be democracy in some form (Bill of Rights and 3-part government tried to protect against that) but not necessarily. We must become better citizens, more knowledgeable and engaged, to make this great challenge work, and love each other and our communities more than personal wealth.
Billionaires take far too much of the limited 'pie'; necessitating millions in poverty - we have to discuss a tax on wealth to help destroy our greatest sin: poverty.
Billionaires take far too much of the limited 'pie'; necessitating millions in poverty - we have to discuss a tax on wealth to help destroy our greatest sin: poverty.
It's a clear case of if you're not worried, you're not paying attention. This isn't hysteria, this is justified fear based on very serious warning signs. Downplaying it is not helpful.
31
I appreciate this different take on circumstances and view it as a kind of philosophical argument rather than a true assurance regarding the current threat to democracy. I also agree that economics are a big influence here, though there are other, complicated issues that collectively drive the current national mindset. It could be very difficult to sort that all out and solve it.
To the economic piece, though, big corporate money informing legislation and policy is what has been creating economic challenges for people over the last few decades. If policies were developed for people and not business, and big money was largely removed from the political process (imagine that!), things could possibly change. Both parties are complicit in this dynamic, which is why neither party can currently offer any real solutions to a dysfunctional economy.
To the economic piece, though, big corporate money informing legislation and policy is what has been creating economic challenges for people over the last few decades. If policies were developed for people and not business, and big money was largely removed from the political process (imagine that!), things could possibly change. Both parties are complicit in this dynamic, which is why neither party can currently offer any real solutions to a dysfunctional economy.
4
These guys are professors at elite universities? And they write "democracy put Mr. Trump in power." Um, "Electoral College." Not democracy.
17
Putin + Comey + Electoral College = REALLY not democracy.
1
This piece strikes me as largely taking on a straw man. I've heard no one suggest "Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally." His "frequent breaches of political norms" do pose "hazard for democracy," though not an "imminent" one in the sense that the constitutional order is threatened with collapse in the next four years. The concerns are more about erosion of democratic norms such as delegitimatizing the press; denial of indisputable truths, such as the popular vote count; erosion of liberal norms such as respect for human and civil rights; aggravating already-serious partisan, racial and economic divisions, which undermines how well democratic institutions can function; subverting democracy in "small" ways (compared to unconstitutional seizures of power) by facilitating partisan voter-roll purges and other voter-participation barriers.
I agree that "more economic fairness and solidarity" are critical to a strengthening US democracy. But Moyn and Priestland needn't mischaracterize and overlook other valid reasons to worry about significant if slow-developing threats to liberal democracy in the US.
I agree that "more economic fairness and solidarity" are critical to a strengthening US democracy. But Moyn and Priestland needn't mischaracterize and overlook other valid reasons to worry about significant if slow-developing threats to liberal democracy in the US.
15
This amounts to an epic piece of trolling by the authors.
Explain what, exactly, if the factual basis of the assertion, "[b]ut there is no real evidence that Mr. Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally, and there is no reason to think he could succeed."
If that is the case, then how do the authors explain the following:
- Trump demands personal loyalty from the FBI Director and that the FBI discontinue an investigation of one of Trump's associates and, receiving neither, proceeds to fire the FBI Director.
- Trump spends a week repeatedly expressing displeasure with the Attorney General because the AG recused himself from an investigation involving Trump's ties to Russia in which the AG clearly had a conflict of interest.
- Based on entirely fabricated claims, Trump creates a commission to investigation spurious claims of voter fraud and staffs the commission with individuals involved in voter suppression efforts.
- Trump and his entire administration appear intent on providing the public with only lies and half-truths with respect to everything they are doing.
I could go on, but that is enough to expose these authors as arguing in bad faith.
Explain what, exactly, if the factual basis of the assertion, "[b]ut there is no real evidence that Mr. Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally, and there is no reason to think he could succeed."
If that is the case, then how do the authors explain the following:
- Trump demands personal loyalty from the FBI Director and that the FBI discontinue an investigation of one of Trump's associates and, receiving neither, proceeds to fire the FBI Director.
- Trump spends a week repeatedly expressing displeasure with the Attorney General because the AG recused himself from an investigation involving Trump's ties to Russia in which the AG clearly had a conflict of interest.
- Based on entirely fabricated claims, Trump creates a commission to investigation spurious claims of voter fraud and staffs the commission with individuals involved in voter suppression efforts.
- Trump and his entire administration appear intent on providing the public with only lies and half-truths with respect to everything they are doing.
I could go on, but that is enough to expose these authors as arguing in bad faith.
19
What needs fixing in our country is the economy. It's heading for a nose dive. Not for the usual reasons :Trump, inequality, Clinton losing the election, Russian hacking , the man at Google. But because our empire is ending. All empires end , many due to the financialization of the economy - Spain , the Dutch. When we transitioned form Henry Ford (manufacturing) to Goldman Sachs (finance) we went from hard work and industry to instant computerized financial trading, thus dooming us all.
10
So what we need is for the Sanders-Warren wing of economic populists in the Democratic Party to overthrow the gerontocratic Schumer-Pelosi-Clinton wing, which has proved extremely adept at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Overall, people don't want technocrats who believe in keeping the system in place but twisting the dials in difficult-to-see ways so as to generally make people better off. Obama pulled that off, but he was unusually charismatic for the party mainstream, and nobody else within it seems to be able to take his place.
Then, ideally, we find a candidate younger and more charismatic than either Sanders or Warren. The candidate must be good at messaging to minorities and young people, plus working-class whites, at the same time. This should be pretty easy because they have very similar interests; what is needed is to inspire the first two groups to show up and get enough of the third group to realize Trump betrayed them as a class and to resist divide-and-conquer GOP techniques.
Obama had a seemingly unique skill at doing all of these, which is why he had a "Blue Wall" that collapsed entirely when Hillary Clinton, who is a standard Schumer-Pelosi-Reid type, ran against the worst candidate the Republicans had fielded in its entire history.
But the newer candidate can't just be Obama 2.0. They have to credibly communicate that they want to not just mess with the bureaucracy but truly change it (single-payer healthcare, student loan relief, etc).
Overall, people don't want technocrats who believe in keeping the system in place but twisting the dials in difficult-to-see ways so as to generally make people better off. Obama pulled that off, but he was unusually charismatic for the party mainstream, and nobody else within it seems to be able to take his place.
Then, ideally, we find a candidate younger and more charismatic than either Sanders or Warren. The candidate must be good at messaging to minorities and young people, plus working-class whites, at the same time. This should be pretty easy because they have very similar interests; what is needed is to inspire the first two groups to show up and get enough of the third group to realize Trump betrayed them as a class and to resist divide-and-conquer GOP techniques.
Obama had a seemingly unique skill at doing all of these, which is why he had a "Blue Wall" that collapsed entirely when Hillary Clinton, who is a standard Schumer-Pelosi-Reid type, ran against the worst candidate the Republicans had fielded in its entire history.
But the newer candidate can't just be Obama 2.0. They have to credibly communicate that they want to not just mess with the bureaucracy but truly change it (single-payer healthcare, student loan relief, etc).
4
If your point is we should stay calm, well, yes. Good idea. I don't see much more of substance here. No intelligent observer of this situation believes there is nothing to worry about.
24
I somewhat agree with some of your points, but you pretty much throw your credibility in the wastebasket when you use the term "fake news" (and use it in the sense that Trump does).
3
Rereading, I see that the article was not using "fake news" in the Trumpian sense I'd first thought. My apologies to the authors.
3
Remember Palin and "lamestream media"? That was the beginning of trying to establish an alternative reality. Trump has amped this up. "Alternate reality." That is, the facts as Trump and his supporters would have them believe us and what we must call objective reality, for which we depend on the news sources that Trump and company are determined to discredit.
6
Embarrassing that I scrambled things.
Lamesream media. That was the beginning of trying to undermine the press by insisting that there are things called alternative facts. That is, the facts as T and his supporters would have us believe them as a substitute for what we must call objective fact-based reality, for which we depend on the New York Times, one of the organs of the press that he is trying to discredit.
The Times owes Timothy Snyder a chance to respond to this op-ed piece.
And the Times needs to up its game about facing the reality of T and his program. Remember Iraq.
Lamesream media. That was the beginning of trying to undermine the press by insisting that there are things called alternative facts. That is, the facts as T and his supporters would have us believe them as a substitute for what we must call objective fact-based reality, for which we depend on the New York Times, one of the organs of the press that he is trying to discredit.
The Times owes Timothy Snyder a chance to respond to this op-ed piece.
And the Times needs to up its game about facing the reality of T and his program. Remember Iraq.
1
I felt enlightened as I read this prescient analysis - hysteria IS way over-hyped !
US electorate wants to be led by a "movie star-king" who looks great and acts like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. This began with JFK and the age of TV. Should we consider a council-style revision, electing Supreme Court justices, 3 every 6 years, and thus balance things out so we're not expecting too much from one Kennedy or Trump ?
US electorate wants to be led by a "movie star-king" who looks great and acts like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. This began with JFK and the age of TV. Should we consider a council-style revision, electing Supreme Court justices, 3 every 6 years, and thus balance things out so we're not expecting too much from one Kennedy or Trump ?
"A dysfunctional economy, not lurking tyranny, is what needs attention if recent electoral choices are to be explained — and voting patterns are to be changed in the future."
Nice try. The American electorate is neither 30% unemployed, nor 30% under-employed. This is not the Great Depression, with otherwise rational people voting for Hitlers and Mussolinis because they promised to bring back jobs and dignity. Nor is the election of Trump "caused by" the American wish (neither liberal or conservative, despite the authors' attempts to link "hysteria" and "liberalism") to live under the rule of law, where a presidential candidate doesn't disparage judges based on the ancestry of their parents, or draw up immigration policies based on voodoo national security claims. Americans have a right to expect their leaders to respect judges, members of Congress, and the press.
What is conspicuously absent from this column is the larger cause of Trump: unlimited dark money influencing elections, and creating permanent institutions (like Fox News) to promulgate misinformation and frustrate all those who oppose corporate interests. Look at Trump's cabinet picks and ask who they serve: America at large, or corporate interests. The answer is beyond debate.
That's the root cause of our current crisis in government, not "excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law." What, exactly, is America, without basic freedoms or the rule of law?
Nice try. The American electorate is neither 30% unemployed, nor 30% under-employed. This is not the Great Depression, with otherwise rational people voting for Hitlers and Mussolinis because they promised to bring back jobs and dignity. Nor is the election of Trump "caused by" the American wish (neither liberal or conservative, despite the authors' attempts to link "hysteria" and "liberalism") to live under the rule of law, where a presidential candidate doesn't disparage judges based on the ancestry of their parents, or draw up immigration policies based on voodoo national security claims. Americans have a right to expect their leaders to respect judges, members of Congress, and the press.
What is conspicuously absent from this column is the larger cause of Trump: unlimited dark money influencing elections, and creating permanent institutions (like Fox News) to promulgate misinformation and frustrate all those who oppose corporate interests. Look at Trump's cabinet picks and ask who they serve: America at large, or corporate interests. The answer is beyond debate.
That's the root cause of our current crisis in government, not "excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law." What, exactly, is America, without basic freedoms or the rule of law?
37
And Russian information warfare campaigns intended to disrupt the democratic architecture of the United States, aided by the Trump organization and other Republican operatives is also neither normal nor acceptable. The obsequious posture Trump has maintained in the face of this affront is also unacceptable. We who choose to stand up on our hind legs and obstruct the emergent oppression are the necessary agents of prevention. Without the necessary reaction as counter-force, the Republic, as we know it, will fall and that which we refer to as "illiberal", also known as fascist, will have the day.
10
Really? The fact that Trump didn't succeed means that people shouldn't be alarmed? Wasn't the fact that people were alarmed exactly the reason that Trump didn't succeed? If no one made a fuss about Comey's firing, how hard would it be for Trump to make FBI into FSB? "Tyrannophobia" is such a mean word. The authors seem to have no idea how many presidential systems (I'd say most of them) experienced some sort of incumbent takeovers. The US has been lucky, but are you going to depend on that luck?
And what makes the authors think that being alarmed about tyranny will make one care less about the economy? By sanctioning Russia, the US will run out of social security fund or what? Quite the opposite, if there's a way of confiscating Putin's overseas accounts, the Treasury will be surprised how much it will get.
And what makes the authors think that being alarmed about tyranny will make one care less about the economy? By sanctioning Russia, the US will run out of social security fund or what? Quite the opposite, if there's a way of confiscating Putin's overseas accounts, the Treasury will be surprised how much it will get.
22
We ignore or dismiss the possibility of real tyranny at our peril. It's a slippery slope, where every step downward is further enabling.
And...it isn't just Trump but more broadly the Republican Party that enabled Trump's election and continue to enable him, that constitute the tyranny. None of us know how far down into the sewer this will go.
And...it isn't just Trump but more broadly the Republican Party that enabled Trump's election and continue to enable him, that constitute the tyranny. None of us know how far down into the sewer this will go.
24
This is the worst pseudo-intellectual, blame-the-victim clap-trap I've seen in years. Invent a term "tyrannophobia" and accuse the citizens of over-reacting when there is "no evidence" of a threat to our democracy (assuming that you ignore everything that Donald Trump, his "justice" department, and all the other members of his wrecking crew have ever said.) And let's just ignore the mounting "evidence" that Trump is working directly for Vladimir Putin, who is certainly no foe of participatory democracy. Thank you for smearing Vaseline over the lens of history. Observable reality looks really opaque now. In fact, I feel like a true intellectual!
33
Wholly agreed. Why does the NYT continue publishing these intellectually dishonest columns? I begin to regret my subscription.
1
our democracy is threatened. you have the alt right that infiltrated a decade ago, and now occupy our white house, with autocratic ideals, pure capitalism, war mongering oligarchs... is cause for concern. We, the majority will fight to preserve our Democracy and Constitution. This isn't a liberal fight, it is a human rights issue. we are opposed to the ultra rich and corporations completely taking ou=ver.. that is not a democracy and when they considered corporations people, it was the beginning of the end of Democracy...and I am grateful for the resistance and the rising up of those of us not afraid to fight against fascism and to preserve our Democracy
13
"The menace the commander in chief poses to the world, as his impulsive warning to North Korea suggested, may be another matter. But there is no real evidence that Mr. Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally........." Inviting thermonuclear exchanges is not to be dismissed as "another matter" and is itself a power grab - even if Constitutional. While our democracy continues to show great resiliency to Trump's authoritarian tendencies and will survive, the people living in our and South Korea's democracies might not. So tyrannophobia no - thermonuclearaphobia, yeah.
9
Justice Gorsuch. 100+ federal bench vacancies. Strip-mining the EPA. DIY diplomacy. A feckless Congress.
This is not about tyranny, or social or economic justice. This is about the survival of the United States of America as I have lived and loved it.
This is not about tyranny, or social or economic justice. This is about the survival of the United States of America as I have lived and loved it.
15
You forget that Trump won 30 out of 50 states in November precisely because voters in those 30 states wanted conservative justices and a rollback of regulations.
1
I remember the president I voted for making nominations to these posts. My vote was not inferior to those cast last year.
2
Then let Trump be President of those 30 states (which have far fewer people than the other 20) and let the other 20 choose a President who will advance their interests.
2
Quite the contrary: HYSTERIA is a perfectly appropriate response, when Trump thinks he has the right to single-handedly declare a nuclear war that will kill millions and that could turn into World War III.
As far as I know, the power to declare war—and to destroy civilization as we know it—is not one of the powers allotted by the Constitution to the President.
As far as I know, the power to declare war—and to destroy civilization as we know it—is not one of the powers allotted by the Constitution to the President.
10
This editorial argues that Trump and his presidency have turned out to be far less dangerous than many of us first thought. I can't think of a more nonsensical argument. He's ignorant, lazy, thoughtless, and quick to anger. Hillary Clinton was right: he's a danger to the United States and the world and shouldn't be in the presidency.
25
Just what the Germans said in 1930s.
16
Right on the money IM.....If in doubt you nay sayers, read the "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich"......
The Reichstag is burning and your Opinion piece.... can't see, hear it or smell it.
The Reichstag is burning and your Opinion piece.... can't see, hear it or smell it.
1
Hitler was very successful in bringing unemployment significantly down for the German people at the beginning (see historian Synder at Princeton). He "solved" the unemployment problem! Yet a greater disaster was on the horizon. Authoritarianism is a real danger. In practical terms, how do we address the disaster of the lesser skilled workers (losers of globalism) in a way that staves off future Trumps?
7
Democracy can't function with an irrational president whose intended policies endanger social justice (health care, affirmative action, Muslim ban, the wall), risk war (Korea, Middle East) and inflicts damage to the planet (leaving the Paris Accord, environmental deregulation, coal digging, selling out public land).
Most people who oppose Trump don't fear tyranny but irreparable damage to democratic institutions. After all the constitution is just a piece of paper without ability to defend itself. Democracy depends on enough people to believe in it. Trump is eroding this confidence.
Most people who oppose Trump don't fear tyranny but irreparable damage to democratic institutions. After all the constitution is just a piece of paper without ability to defend itself. Democracy depends on enough people to believe in it. Trump is eroding this confidence.
9
"the real warnings of the election: A dysfunctional economy, not lurking tyranny, is what needs attention if recent electoral choices are to be explained — and voting patterns are to be changed in the future. Yet there is too little recognition of the need for new direction in either party."
Yes. The Democrats need to stop playing games and get real,
Yes. The Democrats need to stop playing games and get real,
1
I agree with the authors that tyrannophobia is a pathological state that we should attempt to escape.
Trump's ignorance-based constitutional oversteps are so egregious and alarming compared to those imputed to the con law prof Obama (most of which were also based in ignorance) that they have been something of a blessing. They made Trump clearly the most inept president in history, trapped in the revolving doors of court-granted injunctions and the soporific cadences of Mitch McConnell.
It really is important to not forget that the answer to Trump's revival-like pep rallies is not a louder rally to sing the praises of the Bill of Rights, but ad hoc, concerted and rational action in Congress, in the courts, and in each of the executive agencies.
Trump's ignorance-based constitutional oversteps are so egregious and alarming compared to those imputed to the con law prof Obama (most of which were also based in ignorance) that they have been something of a blessing. They made Trump clearly the most inept president in history, trapped in the revolving doors of court-granted injunctions and the soporific cadences of Mitch McConnell.
It really is important to not forget that the answer to Trump's revival-like pep rallies is not a louder rally to sing the praises of the Bill of Rights, but ad hoc, concerted and rational action in Congress, in the courts, and in each of the executive agencies.
Tyrannophobia...."Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion man."
- Jeffrey Lebowski
- Jeffrey Lebowski
3
Trump *is* a threat to our democracy because he spreads misinformation that causes hysteria.
8
Silly, silly, article. Where do you find these people, NYT? Trump found the person who hates the environment and put him in charge of the EPA. He found the man who hates any restrictions on energy development and put him in charge of energy. He put Exxon in charge of State! If Trump was choosing the Pope he would chose an atheist. What is wrong with you, NYT? How could you publish this simple-minded drivel from Moyn and Priestland?
10
This is a stupid game professors play in order to get published: an intriguing, eyebrow-arching, counter-intuitive argument demonstrating that what appears obvious really isn't. But, as you clearly point out, the argument is inane, asinine, stupid, foolish, futile and far, far from beguiling. However, the job pays well!
I picked up my editing pencil to try to make this essay work, and failed. Good lord.
6
This piece seems to me to be saying far less than it initially appears. No one supports mindless hysteria. The message is that sensible liberal economic egalitarianism is the answer to the mindless excrescence of Trumpism and that Democrats should focus on that. We are not told exactly what aspect of that sensible liberal message was missed by Clinton.
2
I give this op-ed an A+ for normalizing. One thing both intellectuals & the ignorant too often seem to have in common is a comfort with applying name-calling to behaviors or people they don't understand. Here, the author finds refuge in the term "tyrannophobia", as though simply being able to apply a term to people's concerns regarding tyranny is the same as debunking their concerns regarding tyranny. The author builds a nice historical case for times when liberal hysteria resulted in the undermining of liberal values.But political consequences have no bearing on whether the so-called "hysteria" was legitimately justified to begin with. The apparent hysteria we've seen this year has been grating, but when we build arguments suggesting the real problem is the response, we take our eye off the stimulus provoking the response. That's gas-lighting. The President has been in office for around seven months, out of a four year term, perhaps out of the first of two four-year-old. Trying to declare he "isn't a threat to our democracy" before he's left office is as silly as saying "Russia is a hoax" before the investigation is complete. If you're so confident the skeptics and concerned are wrong you should be content to watch and laugh as time proves them wrong. It's looking like a lot of our democracy may get pummeled. Are people really supposed to maintain some artificially chill facade for those legitimate-seeming possibilities just because *you've* lost patience for the hysteria?
7
Well said! And well thought-out! The exact opposite of the published essay, for which the authors, I imagine, received a tidy sum.
1
And here is the NYT reporting only on the hysteria drummed up by Trump. Why no articles on Congress' response? If it's only silence, we need to know.
As Trump repeatedly reminds us, "the fake media" never questioned WMD. In those months leading up to that misguided fatal invasion of Iraq, the NYT fell right in line with the White House rhetoric. This, while I washed the dinner dishes listening to Frontline interview responsible people like Hans Blix, UN's chief weapons inspector, question the presence of WMD in Iraq. Blix impressed me as an impartial and honest person, while the media (and most of Congress), impressed me as blindly reenforcing GWB's fear mongering into that fateful, most unfortunate, irredeemable decision to start that war without end.
Will the press never learn?
As Trump repeatedly reminds us, "the fake media" never questioned WMD. In those months leading up to that misguided fatal invasion of Iraq, the NYT fell right in line with the White House rhetoric. This, while I washed the dinner dishes listening to Frontline interview responsible people like Hans Blix, UN's chief weapons inspector, question the presence of WMD in Iraq. Blix impressed me as an impartial and honest person, while the media (and most of Congress), impressed me as blindly reenforcing GWB's fear mongering into that fateful, most unfortunate, irredeemable decision to start that war without end.
Will the press never learn?
1
Trump Isn’t a Threat to Our Democracy. Hysteria Is.
The Liar-in-Chief talks, walks and tweets hystertia. He's the embodiment of hysteria. He lies consistently and persistently. He's possibly colluded with a foreign, hostile power. He promotes verbal and physical violence. He and Republicans promote lies via Fox, Brietbart, InfoWars, AM radio, etc. They get their directions from oligarchs who've hijacked our democracy leaving we the peasants with little or no power. Republicans steal from the peasants and serve oligarchs, to our detriment. SuperPACs have more power than the peasants and SCOTUS brought us that.
We haven't been a true democracy in a very long time.
The Liar-in-Chief talks, walks and tweets hystertia. He's the embodiment of hysteria. He lies consistently and persistently. He's possibly colluded with a foreign, hostile power. He promotes verbal and physical violence. He and Republicans promote lies via Fox, Brietbart, InfoWars, AM radio, etc. They get their directions from oligarchs who've hijacked our democracy leaving we the peasants with little or no power. Republicans steal from the peasants and serve oligarchs, to our detriment. SuperPACs have more power than the peasants and SCOTUS brought us that.
We haven't been a true democracy in a very long time.
4
I would like to point out the changes that has taken place in Washington bureaucracy ( its looking more and more like any princely state ) - less or "no" appointments in the secretary and under-secretary and staff levels even in important departments like the defense / state dept.
We do see people known to the president considered first for any position than the carrier staffs and "merit" strongly missing in managing different positions like the "embassies" etc.
And in the midst of all, just try crossing and coming back to USA from just say "Niagara" , you will be amazed at the questions asked by the border staff.. does not matter if you are born in USA and don the "fair" skin color!
We do see people known to the president considered first for any position than the carrier staffs and "merit" strongly missing in managing different positions like the "embassies" etc.
And in the midst of all, just try crossing and coming back to USA from just say "Niagara" , you will be amazed at the questions asked by the border staff.. does not matter if you are born in USA and don the "fair" skin color!
The economy is shaped, driven, and controlled by politics. To fix the economy, we must fix politics first. 45 must be impeached, indicted, convicted, and locked up as a precondition to fixing politics.
1
I'm sorry, I'd like to focus on this article but the escalating war of posturing with North Korea is drowning it out. How long ago was this written?
3
Right from the beginning of this article you are incorrect. Trump would like to take over the government like a business. He has no respect for the constitution. He does not believe in any division of power. One gets tired of hearing that this is just all new to him..he knows but pretends he does not.
And he has the likes of Bannon and Gorka to whisper In his ear. He has those brats of his sitting at the high table, etc.
And he has the likes of Bannon and Gorka to whisper In his ear. He has those brats of his sitting at the high table, etc.
2
Tyranny is not the exact issue that my fellow progressives in NYC are talking about. Our real 'hysteria' is of kakistocracy: a nation is run by the least capable and most criminally minded degenerates.
Tyranny? The word does not come up in my circle of friends, but when a mentally unhinged casino charlatan bamboozles the rural rubes and becomes president by losing the popular vote, and then threatens nuclear holocaust just for the thrill of it - that is what scares us.
We fear a nation that sinks into thuggery, cynical corruption, and a nihilism that obliterates all sense of decency and hope. The Republican party is already there, and the rest of us are trying to save this sinking ship of state from going under entirely.
Tyranny? The word does not come up in my circle of friends, but when a mentally unhinged casino charlatan bamboozles the rural rubes and becomes president by losing the popular vote, and then threatens nuclear holocaust just for the thrill of it - that is what scares us.
We fear a nation that sinks into thuggery, cynical corruption, and a nihilism that obliterates all sense of decency and hope. The Republican party is already there, and the rest of us are trying to save this sinking ship of state from going under entirely.
1
OK, fine. Trump doesn't kill people. A hysterical Trump kills people.
If the authors think nuclear saber-rattling isn't cause for alarm, they don't know how many times the world came to the brink of nuclear war.
Since the authors deigned to invent a non-existent psychological malady, I have a REAL one for them: Primitive Defense Mechanism, which is the refusal to accept reality or fact, acting as if a painful event, thought or feeling did not exist. I suggest Moyn and Priestland seek help.
If the authors think nuclear saber-rattling isn't cause for alarm, they don't know how many times the world came to the brink of nuclear war.
Since the authors deigned to invent a non-existent psychological malady, I have a REAL one for them: Primitive Defense Mechanism, which is the refusal to accept reality or fact, acting as if a painful event, thought or feeling did not exist. I suggest Moyn and Priestland seek help.
2
I have not renewed my subscriptions to numerous periodicals, like the New Yorker, and have considered cancelling my NY Times subscription as well. A large majority of NPR programming is becoming unlistenable. The media has injected either Trump, race or gender into almost every news story. It is exhausting and its pushing me away.
2
Samuel and David: do you mean to tell us that you are NOT concerned about Trump's mouth and what it can render? I spent a career in the U.S. Air Force in the armament business, and I can tell you that I AM WORRIED! You are probably too young to remember an old motto in WW2 - "Loose Lips Sink Ships". Because of Trump's mouth and ego, to meet 20th century readability, wordage would have to be changed. Maybe: A Big Mouth Took Us South. Or: Big Ego, Small Brain Can Sink Ships. Or: You Can't Win A War With A Nine-Iron. Oh, well......(sigh)
1
Washington Post: "In a new poll, half of Republicans say they would support postponing the 2020 election if Trump proposed it".
You bet I have Tyrannophobia. America never postponed elections, not in war, not in civil war. Now the minds of our citizens are so poisoned by a daily barrage of lies, many of them will just throw away their freedom. And for what? For aggrandizing Trump.
You bet I have Tyrannophobia. America never postponed elections, not in war, not in civil war. Now the minds of our citizens are so poisoned by a daily barrage of lies, many of them will just throw away their freedom. And for what? For aggrandizing Trump.
5
There is certainly hysteria and overreaction against Trump, which undermines the cause. But the same time, one can reasonably argue that the it is the same hysteria that contained this administration.
This is so wrong on so many levels. "The United States has been gripped by tyrannophobia." Not it's not; polls indicate more than a third of the country are just fine with how we're doing. "The most frightening threats to ordinary politics...are easily contained." Nope. Years of labor will be needed to undo 8 hours of Scott Pruitt work at the EPA. "Paranoia alone explains why fear...has been the dominant response." You're attributing the genuine emotions of millions to collective psychiatric illness? That's Fox News territory, Yale/Oxford. "The anti-communist politics in the United States of the early 1950s were rooted in assumptions that had much in common with those of anti-Trumpism today." The anti-communist policies then were rooted in genuine fear of another world war that would repeat the unprecedented destruction of lands and people and values still fresh in the memories of those who survived.
Another lesson of history: that for 98 percent of the period of human civilization, brute physical force was the sole method of government. At the far end of that period, in the 18th century, individuality and rationality poked up through the muck of murderous authoritarianism, and by luck or something else, grew into the delicate and precious experiment called democracy.
It's still delicate, it's still precious, but it's also still fragile. It requires an enlightened and fiercely protective gardener to keep it sustained and growing. That gardener is us.
Another lesson of history: that for 98 percent of the period of human civilization, brute physical force was the sole method of government. At the far end of that period, in the 18th century, individuality and rationality poked up through the muck of murderous authoritarianism, and by luck or something else, grew into the delicate and precious experiment called democracy.
It's still delicate, it's still precious, but it's also still fragile. It requires an enlightened and fiercely protective gardener to keep it sustained and growing. That gardener is us.
256
Well said!
Agree- these two Panglossoan ostriches from Yale/Oxford are out of their minds. There has been unprecedented killing of people of color by law enforcement and the obvious corruption of the people's will in the 2016 election. I would argue this has been going on for some time. There is a serious crisis of the American polity that has been slowly unfurling and the signs are all around that a significant minority (30%) of Americans are willing to do anything in an attempt to prevent the inevitable. Similar conditions also existed in German in the 1930s and in other pre-dictator societies. The Panglossian ostriches "analysis" is both anti-historical and weak-minded.
But one question. Who are those people? I have met few and believe me you don't want people like this to be influencing other people.
badly informed, badly educated, jump to conclusions, unstable and pretty much like children - just like Trump himself
badly informed, badly educated, jump to conclusions, unstable and pretty much like children - just like Trump himself
The authors are engaged in wishful thinking. No, Trump and his enablers have not yet declared themselves our forever rulers. But they are taking steps to undermine the government and our system of the systems of checks and balances. Underfunding / attacking the CNO? Check. Advocating a change in senate rules to kill the fillabuster? Check. Undermining the credibility of government through constant lying. Check. And so on. The destruction of American democracy will not happen in one fell swoop. It will be chipped away bit ny bit.
206
"The destruction of American democracy will not happen in one fell swoop. It will be chipped away bit by bit." As in the ending of TS Eliot's "The Hollow Men"
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.
What is the point of preserving democracy if we undergo a third world war, and possibly a nuclear winter, once we've attacked North Korea?
5
Voter suppression is democracy on the precipice. It may not be bothering these two white guys from fancy universities, but for those in detention camps, those whose polling places are being shuttered, those being discriminated against in housing and employment, those being purged from the voter rolls, democracy is a cruel joke. Aside from that, there are committees and a special counsel trying to figure out if Trump was elected democratically, but none of them are looking into how much voter suppression in red states kept people from the polls. We're a long way from democracy. There are plenty of people working on the economy and social justice, but it's going to be all for naught if the basic democratic principle--free and fair elections--are prevented by a ruling, so-called elite.
12
Yes and No.
Yes: we need to address inequality and economic problems.
No: there really are urgent threats to our democracy. Evidently about half of Republicans would accept Trump's delaying a presidential election in 2020. Russia is also clearly manipulating our president.
Resistance is essential now.
Yes: we need to address inequality and economic problems.
No: there really are urgent threats to our democracy. Evidently about half of Republicans would accept Trump's delaying a presidential election in 2020. Russia is also clearly manipulating our president.
Resistance is essential now.
11
Thank you for citing this poll. I would have if you had not.
Trump's Korea tweets began about the time Mueller began to push Manafort hard. Trump's lawyer tweets at 4am that evidence gathered through middle-of-the-night search warrants should be disqualified. I presume that his reference refers to its being used against Trump.
Is it possible that Trump would rather create a nuclear Armageddon than be removed from office?
Is it possible that Trump would rather create a nuclear Armageddon than be removed from office?
8
Short answer? Yes.
That's the conservative way--power at any cost.
With apologies to Dante, Trump would rather reign over radioactive ashes than submit to the will of the (mostly liberal) majority.
That's the conservative way--power at any cost.
With apologies to Dante, Trump would rather reign over radioactive ashes than submit to the will of the (mostly liberal) majority.
Trump cannot take our free institutions away from us but he can be the vehicle for the replacement of them with oligarchical substitutes of plutocrats and theocrats in serving the preferences of a base that is eager to live under an authoritarian form of government that makes everyone live as they want. The people who voted for Trump are opposed to our government which is a democratic government which reflects the majority who vote. They have become dissatisfied with majority rule of democracy and long for a strong authoritarian substitute which assures that their preferences are how the country is ruled. How little that they have considered what they want is reflected in the rhetoric of Trump who is simply repeating to them what they already believe. We lack any real civil discourse pertaining to the real needs and challenges of our times. The mass media is full of sensationalism and meaningless arguing over silly things and it is that which informs Trump and his supporters, resulting in a lot of inane nonsense.
4
How many times have you heard that the threat level is orange in an airport? How much did you care after you heard it a dozen times? Probably not a lot.
When hysteria becomes the norm how does one actually spark the fire when it's really needed? The answer? You can't.
We must not abuse the power of passion.
When hysteria becomes the norm how does one actually spark the fire when it's really needed? The answer? You can't.
We must not abuse the power of passion.
4
"...there is no real evidence that Mr. Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally,..."
So, I take it the following bits of evidence are, to use one of Mr. Trump's favorite all-occasion words, "fake:"
- His bitter public denunciations of courts and judges whose rulings have thwarted his ambitions
- The pressure he's put on the Justice Department to drop the Russia investigations and go after vanquished Hillary Clinton
- James Comey's firing
- His sneering disregard for the Constitution's Emoluments Clause
- His open admiration for despots such as Putin, Erdogan, and Saddam Hussein
"...and there is no reason to think he could succeed."
Really! I can think of 292 reasons he very well could. The 292 House and Senate Republicans have shown little concern about his authoritarian inclinations, which leaves me with little confidence they'd act if the need arose (it's tempting to say, "when the need arises").
Even if I could be convinced Trump isn't interested in becoming our last President and first Dear Leader, I'd still consider him an existential threat, not only to the U.S. but to the entire world. The authors acknowledge as much, noting his provocative North Korean brinkmanship "...may be another matter." MAY be?? And, if the nuclear weapons under the command of this petulant and ignorant man don’t doom the planet in the short run, his policies on climate change (“a hoax”) probably will in the long run if left unchecked.
Sloppy work, guys, and incredibly myopic to boot.
So, I take it the following bits of evidence are, to use one of Mr. Trump's favorite all-occasion words, "fake:"
- His bitter public denunciations of courts and judges whose rulings have thwarted his ambitions
- The pressure he's put on the Justice Department to drop the Russia investigations and go after vanquished Hillary Clinton
- James Comey's firing
- His sneering disregard for the Constitution's Emoluments Clause
- His open admiration for despots such as Putin, Erdogan, and Saddam Hussein
"...and there is no reason to think he could succeed."
Really! I can think of 292 reasons he very well could. The 292 House and Senate Republicans have shown little concern about his authoritarian inclinations, which leaves me with little confidence they'd act if the need arose (it's tempting to say, "when the need arises").
Even if I could be convinced Trump isn't interested in becoming our last President and first Dear Leader, I'd still consider him an existential threat, not only to the U.S. but to the entire world. The authors acknowledge as much, noting his provocative North Korean brinkmanship "...may be another matter." MAY be?? And, if the nuclear weapons under the command of this petulant and ignorant man don’t doom the planet in the short run, his policies on climate change (“a hoax”) probably will in the long run if left unchecked.
Sloppy work, guys, and incredibly myopic to boot.
12
To this list of Trump's undermining of the normal functioning of democracy we must add his endless attacks on the press, including the failing New York Times. There is objective fact-based truth, and Trump's attacks on the credibility of the press are a part of his campaign to destroy the truth, leaving us to—what? Chose our facts? Believe him over trustworthy news sources?
No, actually, it's Trump. Sorry.
8
Excellent, thank you very much. We need perspective, thoughts that exceed 140 characters, and last longer than 6 minutes.
2
Normalization. If you don't identify fascism as fascism when you see it, you are doomed to repeat it. This is not hysteria. It is the accurate depiction of reality.
11
This is not a democracy. The government is run by the 1%, the banking, war and fossil fuel corporations. Real democracy would kill pure unregulated capitalism. That is the fear of our owners who run the show and want to keep all the money for themselves. They really don't care what you think. And "tyrannophobia" is a perfect way to distract us from the real controls on business that are right now being undone.
10
With all due respect, complacency isn't warranted either. A substantial portion of the country embraces racism and sexism and are fully open about that. Furthermore, this demographic also has profoundly anti-democratic values, with a strong expressed willingness to break any rules and take Putin as a role model. We have heard how majorities of Republicans oppose education. Threats of paramilitary violence have continued. Now we hear a majority of Republicans would support suspending elections in 2020.
How can one not take that as a deep concern when a substantial proportion of the country clearly no longer supports the principles of pluralistic democratic liberal society.
How can one not take that as a deep concern when a substantial proportion of the country clearly no longer supports the principles of pluralistic democratic liberal society.
6
Yes, Trump was elected because many white American's feel economically squeezed. But it's also important that Trump won them over by blaming "terrible trade deals" struck by "stupid liberals" and non-white immigrants stealing American jobs.
That's why reducing inequality won't do the trick. The real issue is cultural. For decades, white Americans have thought of themselves as good, hard-working people with a wonderful Protestant work ethic. In their mind, African-Americans and Latinos were poor because they didn't share in this "superior culture" but embraced a "self-defeating culture" instead. When this ideology collided with harsh economic realities, Trump voters needed someone to blame, and Trump happily dished out blame and spoke to a sense of white victimhood.
Of course, none of this could have happened if Americans were better off, but Trump has seized the privilege of interpretation over Middle America's economic woes, and he is instrumentalizing his nationalist and racist narrative to transform America not only into a more conservative but also more populist place that might transform into a Hungary- or Turkey-style illiberal democracy.
That's why reducing inequality won't do the trick. The real issue is cultural. For decades, white Americans have thought of themselves as good, hard-working people with a wonderful Protestant work ethic. In their mind, African-Americans and Latinos were poor because they didn't share in this "superior culture" but embraced a "self-defeating culture" instead. When this ideology collided with harsh economic realities, Trump voters needed someone to blame, and Trump happily dished out blame and spoke to a sense of white victimhood.
Of course, none of this could have happened if Americans were better off, but Trump has seized the privilege of interpretation over Middle America's economic woes, and he is instrumentalizing his nationalist and racist narrative to transform America not only into a more conservative but also more populist place that might transform into a Hungary- or Turkey-style illiberal democracy.
108
You are talking about a small portion of the American public that feel they have a superior culture. Many are just too busy trying to survive. Then there are too many Americans that cling to a self-defeating culture. These people come in all shapes, genders, skin colors, and dwelling spaces.
The DNC abandoned workers in 1981 when they became GOP centrists. The DNC doubled down again in 2016 by thinking Blue Collar states like Michigan would vote overwhelmingly for DNC candidates so the state could be ignored. The DNC also did not count on the anger when it came to Clinton's continued support for Super Predator legislation. This election was the DNC's to lose, and lose they did because they believed they had it in the bag.
The DNC abandoned workers in 1981 when they became GOP centrists. The DNC doubled down again in 2016 by thinking Blue Collar states like Michigan would vote overwhelmingly for DNC candidates so the state could be ignored. The DNC also did not count on the anger when it came to Clinton's continued support for Super Predator legislation. This election was the DNC's to lose, and lose they did because they believed they had it in the bag.
"none of this would have happened if Americans were better off" I wouldn't be too sure of that. There is a tendency to believe the "To Kill a Mockingbird" model: the bad guys are the unwashed yahoos who live down near the dump. But the reality has been that the bad guys have been the lawyers and sheriffs and shopkeepers. The White Citizens Councils were middle and upper class. Trump's voters for the most part were classic Republican white suburbanites. For some reason the privileged life of a suburbanite doesn't necessarily lead to enlightened compassion - it can lead to complacent bigotry and Trump rallies. Or maybe just a discrete Trump vote and a donation to some ultra right PAC. We have to figure out how that works.
Real concern and fear about ebola or zika virus does not derail initiatives to curb diabetes and hypertension, which are far more lethal and immediate threats. Likewise, 'hysteria' about the fragility of democracy and the health of our American political checks and balances is not actually a distraction from broader efforts to advance social and economic justice.
In fact, it's just as likely that the rise of Trumpian dysfunction has awakened vast segments of the population from complacency, and spurred awareness of how our system actually works - and where it's vulnerable. Who's to say reading Orwell's 1984 isn't what actually keeps us from descending into tyranny?
Ebola may not be knocking on our door, but fearing that it will is one good way to motivate spending on health care and disease prevention, here and abroad. Rather than trying to turn down the rhetorical 'resistance', why not focus the same energy on the very real fundamental changes the nation needs? Don't tamp down public passion - give it some leadership and practical goals.
In fact, it's just as likely that the rise of Trumpian dysfunction has awakened vast segments of the population from complacency, and spurred awareness of how our system actually works - and where it's vulnerable. Who's to say reading Orwell's 1984 isn't what actually keeps us from descending into tyranny?
Ebola may not be knocking on our door, but fearing that it will is one good way to motivate spending on health care and disease prevention, here and abroad. Rather than trying to turn down the rhetorical 'resistance', why not focus the same energy on the very real fundamental changes the nation needs? Don't tamp down public passion - give it some leadership and practical goals.
2
"By postponing serious efforts to give greater priority to social justice, tyrannophobia treats warning signs as a death sentence, while allowing the real disease to fester."
This is the core premise of the article. But who is "postponing serious efforts to give greater priority to social justice"? Surely not the Republicans, whose idea of social justice is cutting Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to the rich. No matter what anyone says about Trump, the Republicans in power will do nothing to promote social justice. This is not an either or situation.
This is the core premise of the article. But who is "postponing serious efforts to give greater priority to social justice"? Surely not the Republicans, whose idea of social justice is cutting Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to the rich. No matter what anyone says about Trump, the Republicans in power will do nothing to promote social justice. This is not an either or situation.
3
Sir, the alt-right use of the word "hysteria" to patronizingly dismiss the ongoing wreckage perpetrated by this presidency is typical of the movement's deflect and denigrate tactics. I'm disappointed to hear you using it too. Demanding accountability isnt hysteria. You want hysteria? Check out this weeks tweets. The pot calls the kettle black to justify it's own excesses.
6
The authors claim that we either oppose the threat to democracy posed by Trump (and the Republicans they might have added, e.g. in voter suppression) or we act to oppose inequality and economic injustice. But we are doing both. Opposition to the assault on democracy and the Constitution Trump has accelerated is widespread in courts and the public sphere. At the same time we have defeated (for now) the attempt of Trump and the Republicans to strip millions of their health care and use the savings to line the pockets of billionaires. Right now we are gearing up similar successful opposition to a Trump and Republican budget that will hurts the poor, working and middle classes in order to give more tax breaks to the ultrarich and acting to support voting rights. Turns out we can have our cake and eat it too: support democracy and economic and social justice.
1
I agree that we do not (and cannot) grapple with one of the two great challenges of our time: income inequality and wealth redistribution to the wealthy (the other is climate change). Populations who mostly feel that their needs are being met and they are being treated fairly do not want to blow things up generally, and the far right, or left, would have little appeal. Most people now begin to grasp the seriousness of inequality, but the will to act hasn't yet arisen... and the cart is again put before the horse as we deal with the effects that the world of 'trickle down economics' (and decades of republican economic beggaring of the middle and working classes) has brought us down to.
1
You're not seeing what you're seeing. Don't worry, be happy.
Somebody probably said that, or something like it, in 1933, too.
Somebody probably said that, or something like it, in 1933, too.
10
Exactly.
2
"There is no real evidence that Mr.Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally...." It is just that he doesn't know what is unconstitutional.
SAD
SAD
5
This is a really insightful column.
Please read the smallbook by Timothy Snyder, "On Tyranny" and then tell us this is not threat.
3
One lesson learned from the 20th century, however, is that failure to recognize assaults on democracy and complacency can have disastrous consequences. How would history have been different had the western democracies come to aid of the Spanish Republic, if ordinary Germans had resisted Hitler before he consolidated his power, if Chamberlain had not given in to HItler at Munich? These actions were historically understandable, and hindsight is always 20/20, but many of us believe the US is on a dangerous path and we need to avert calamity while we still can.
4
jsut look at Title IX on college campuses. Men can be kicked out, without due process, purely on the basis of accusations (with no right to defend themselves). Look at how police "racism" is blamed by the NY Times on the high rate of high crime rates in urban areas (instead of the behavior of drug dealers or gang bangers). Look at how the NY Times advocates websites that place the names of men accused of sexual crimes and harassment on to a public forum. Look at how the NY Times publishes articles demanding that teaching positions be granted on the basis, not of test scores, but skin color.
Yes, Trump trully is the main threat to our democracy.
Yes, Trump trully is the main threat to our democracy.
1
The destruction of the environment, which WILL accelerate under Trumpism, isn't that important?? Loss of our precious natural heritage and diversity of biota, and spoiling of the oceans, all for profit, why does this never matter to you who research and write these erudite analyze? Don't worry about Trumpism, oh wait, yes total degradation of the planet, oh forgot about that one in my Yale discourse, well I never venture outside of a city, I never go hiking or camping, guess I'll get another latte, and try to make us all feel better about the chances for democracy being saved in a totally degraded physical world.
1
"A dysfunctional economy, not lurking tyranny, is what needs attention if recent electoral choices are to be explained"
No, it isn't. The stupid idea that economics explains Trump is getting very old and even if it is true then the fact that he ended up winning the election without real plans to improve economic conditions for people who need it has some tyrannical elements to it. Especially considering the rest of his plans.
Also, if hysteria will cause our downfall then why would you look no further than the hysterical buffoon that is our president and the rest of his stooges that he loves to whip into a frenzy? Because you need a narrative to push your economic views on people and this one fits the script
No, it isn't. The stupid idea that economics explains Trump is getting very old and even if it is true then the fact that he ended up winning the election without real plans to improve economic conditions for people who need it has some tyrannical elements to it. Especially considering the rest of his plans.
Also, if hysteria will cause our downfall then why would you look no further than the hysterical buffoon that is our president and the rest of his stooges that he loves to whip into a frenzy? Because you need a narrative to push your economic views on people and this one fits the script
2
No. It is really tyranny that we have to fear. We ignore it at our own peril by finding excuses for endorsing charlatans and snake oil salesmen.
1
And you don't see that Trump himself is hysterical? "Fire and fury" - is that not hysterical talk? Calling people "nut jobs" and "losers" - again, is that not hysterical? Contrast that to FDR calming the nation with his "nothing to fear but fear itself" speech. How can you expect the populace not to be hysterical when its leader very much is?
4
"Since Donald Trump’s election, the United States has been gripped by tyrannophobia."
The first sentence is incorrect. I'm not exactly sure when tyrranophobia become part of the USA's political fabric, but it was certainly before Trump's election. The (alt-)Right was complaining about the tyrant Obama for eight years. Civil Liberty scholars worried about tyranny with the passage of the [pointlessly?] sweeping Patriot Act. Even Lincoln was considered a tyrant for suspending habeas corpus.
The first sentence is incorrect. I'm not exactly sure when tyrranophobia become part of the USA's political fabric, but it was certainly before Trump's election. The (alt-)Right was complaining about the tyrant Obama for eight years. Civil Liberty scholars worried about tyranny with the passage of the [pointlessly?] sweeping Patriot Act. Even Lincoln was considered a tyrant for suspending habeas corpus.
2
"There is no real evidence Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally" Wrong!
Trump will continue to denigrate the underpinnings of our Constitutional democracy out of ignorance and because it suits him. He is an amateur and has surrounded himself with political amateurs that he trusts. Trump thinks running the US government is like running his failed family businesses.
But the most serious problem is that we face is the continued blind support for Trump by the Republican Party itself. What incentive do Republicans have to admit that their chosen leader Trump is a traitor? That he violates the Constitution in multiple ways daily? That Trump’s extreme narcissism completely blinds him to the realities of our democracy? The members of the Republican leadership are far too busy pressing for more massive tax cuts for the rich, privatizing Social Security and trying to kill Medicare/Medicaid. They are consumed by eliminating programs that assist poor children, programs to protect the environment. The Constitutional crisis created by Trump’s refusal to obey US Constitutional law, such as the emolument clauses, is useful to them as a distraction while they continue to generate their own brand of economic and social chaos.
To remove the threat to our democracy we must remove Trump and the Republican Party from control of our government and the GOP=distorted electoral process. This means turning out the vote in 2018.
Trump will continue to denigrate the underpinnings of our Constitutional democracy out of ignorance and because it suits him. He is an amateur and has surrounded himself with political amateurs that he trusts. Trump thinks running the US government is like running his failed family businesses.
But the most serious problem is that we face is the continued blind support for Trump by the Republican Party itself. What incentive do Republicans have to admit that their chosen leader Trump is a traitor? That he violates the Constitution in multiple ways daily? That Trump’s extreme narcissism completely blinds him to the realities of our democracy? The members of the Republican leadership are far too busy pressing for more massive tax cuts for the rich, privatizing Social Security and trying to kill Medicare/Medicaid. They are consumed by eliminating programs that assist poor children, programs to protect the environment. The Constitutional crisis created by Trump’s refusal to obey US Constitutional law, such as the emolument clauses, is useful to them as a distraction while they continue to generate their own brand of economic and social chaos.
To remove the threat to our democracy we must remove Trump and the Republican Party from control of our government and the GOP=distorted electoral process. This means turning out the vote in 2018.
4
Whew! What a relief to know I don't have to worry about Trump anymore!
2
"A little more than six months into the Trump presidency, though, it now seems clear that the most frightening threats to ordinary politics in the United States are empty or easily contained."
Really?
It's hard to keep track of all the damage that trump's Justice Dept. and political appointees are doing to this country. I don't call that 'empty'.
And the current "lock and load" position from resident trump? 'easily contained'? The whole world is wishing.
Implying that people who are ANGRY and justifiably WORRIED, are 'hysterical' is a serious misread on the part of the authors.
Really?
It's hard to keep track of all the damage that trump's Justice Dept. and political appointees are doing to this country. I don't call that 'empty'.
And the current "lock and load" position from resident trump? 'easily contained'? The whole world is wishing.
Implying that people who are ANGRY and justifiably WORRIED, are 'hysterical' is a serious misread on the part of the authors.
4
So what damage has really been done? Do we have fewer rights today than we did on 18 Jan 2017? I know the Patriot Acts and their renewals stripped away some of our rights. Were you outraged then? I sure was.
Oh maybe you are hinting at the travel bans. I suggest that you lobby your elected clowns to get them to change immigration laws and the US Constitution to change the powers of the President. And while you are at it, please have them pass an amendment similar to the Dissolution of Parliament that Canada has in place. We would be far better served if we could get rid of all these clowns and start over.
Oh, and there are many people who are really hysterical. These are the people who feel their kitties are going to be attacked at any second by the Trumpster and many others who think he is going to do unspeakable things to every liberal. You know, this is a similar crowd to the hysterical people that thought Obama would turn this country into a Islamic theocracy and take away every gun.
Oh maybe you are hinting at the travel bans. I suggest that you lobby your elected clowns to get them to change immigration laws and the US Constitution to change the powers of the President. And while you are at it, please have them pass an amendment similar to the Dissolution of Parliament that Canada has in place. We would be far better served if we could get rid of all these clowns and start over.
Oh, and there are many people who are really hysterical. These are the people who feel their kitties are going to be attacked at any second by the Trumpster and many others who think he is going to do unspeakable things to every liberal. You know, this is a similar crowd to the hysterical people that thought Obama would turn this country into a Islamic theocracy and take away every gun.
1
Nope. No one's "hysterical" but maybe you're surrounded by too many outspoken women in academia (or at home) and no longer finding it an adequate or satisfying outlet for your conservative ideology. This won't be either.
1
Please, sirs, your ad hominem attack is not helpful: genuine concern and yes, even righteous alarm, is not hysteria. Also, to assume our current difficulties are economic only is rather myopic in my humble opinion.
I'm sick of the Right attacking the Left as being hystrionic. (The ad nauseum ad hominem.)
If anyone in this country could be termed Hystrionic right now, it Trump actually. A man whose hyperbolic comments and world view is off the charts to a delusional degree.
Attacking "isms" - abstractions - is never very productive. It gets you into arguing the meanings of these abstractions (which we use as shortcuts) and which are fuzzy terms, not ones easily nailed down.
While the writers may have several points worth taking into consideration, they lose readers by attacking all those opposed to Trump as if they're nothing but a bunch of ninnies crying wolf.
Our Republic is in serious danger. Trump is part of it. But a Constitution which elevates its chief executive, beyond the easy removal of a parliamentary system, is a less flexible form of government. And one party, the one Trump decided to co-opt, has been a refuge of late for all sorts of crackpots running for office. (In a parliamentary system, the party elects its leader - from people who are already members of parliament and must continue to stand in their district, beholden to those votes.)
It's our Republic that concerns me. And while I am a woman, I am not hysterical!
I'm sick of the Right attacking the Left as being hystrionic. (The ad nauseum ad hominem.)
If anyone in this country could be termed Hystrionic right now, it Trump actually. A man whose hyperbolic comments and world view is off the charts to a delusional degree.
Attacking "isms" - abstractions - is never very productive. It gets you into arguing the meanings of these abstractions (which we use as shortcuts) and which are fuzzy terms, not ones easily nailed down.
While the writers may have several points worth taking into consideration, they lose readers by attacking all those opposed to Trump as if they're nothing but a bunch of ninnies crying wolf.
Our Republic is in serious danger. Trump is part of it. But a Constitution which elevates its chief executive, beyond the easy removal of a parliamentary system, is a less flexible form of government. And one party, the one Trump decided to co-opt, has been a refuge of late for all sorts of crackpots running for office. (In a parliamentary system, the party elects its leader - from people who are already members of parliament and must continue to stand in their district, beholden to those votes.)
It's our Republic that concerns me. And while I am a woman, I am not hysterical!
2
Dear Sirs;
As a 77 year old Jew I disagree completely with your ideas. You sound like the complacent Germans who pooh poohed the early signs of fascism.
As others have said, a steady erosion of voting rights and conceding important decisions to corporate interests constitutes cause for alarm.
It would be helpful if that intense fear (that you characterize as paranoia) could be channeled towards allowing everyone to vote, undoing gerrymandering and taking money out of our political system.
As a 77 year old Jew I disagree completely with your ideas. You sound like the complacent Germans who pooh poohed the early signs of fascism.
As others have said, a steady erosion of voting rights and conceding important decisions to corporate interests constitutes cause for alarm.
It would be helpful if that intense fear (that you characterize as paranoia) could be channeled towards allowing everyone to vote, undoing gerrymandering and taking money out of our political system.
4
Don't they though?
1
What you are saying sounds VERY rational, calm, even. Don't you know that you're supposed to exhibit "paranoia, phobia, hysteria." Come on! Play the part assigned to you by know-it-all's at Yale!
If there is a risk to overreacting, there is a danger to complacency, too. Our global alliances have been badly compromised by Trump's erratic behavior. An FBI Director was terminated because Trump wanted to take investigative pressure off. The Attorney General is being tarred and feathered for moving an inch away from impropriety. Trump and his inner circle have told lie upon lie about their dealings with Russia. And about that nation, it is more than a little worrying that they have manipulated our political system and, as Comey warned, they will be back. Then there is that matter of Trump's reckless brinkmanship with North Korea...
It is no coincidence that Trump has gone after the media, judiciary and intelligence officers. Congress has been largely hapless in the face of this Bully-in-Chief. So while democracy is not yet deceased, obliviousness to Trump's destructiveness is whistling through the graveyard.
It is no coincidence that Trump has gone after the media, judiciary and intelligence officers. Congress has been largely hapless in the face of this Bully-in-Chief. So while democracy is not yet deceased, obliviousness to Trump's destructiveness is whistling through the graveyard.
1
And that evidence of interference by the country of Russia in the election is ...?
what planet do these professors live on? history must be comforting from the heights of their ivy towers "where assumptions led to terrible mistakers and cost millions of lives in American military interventions" are treated as historical sidebars.
3
Clever wordsmiths that they are, the writers of this piece, in their attempt to use sophistry to play down what they see as hysteria over the ascendance of Trump, fail to remember recent history, where a silly little corporal, with a funny little mustache, seduced and bullied another modern, advanced nation into giving up their experiment in democracy in exchange for a full-blown world war that resulted in the loss of over sixty million lives. There were those who reacted with "hysteria" to the rise of that screwball as well, and they got the same reaction from many of the pundits of their time. I'm reminded of the phrase, 'famous last words.'
They're not "clever." Just very, very "wordy."
The first rule of civilization is assuring a living wage for everyone. The lack of money creates every kind of social and political trouble. Education health care and old age pension comes next. Cheat children of knowledge let the ill waste away and drop the old into the dumpster of poverty and you will have endless hysteria. Capitalism must have not just a human face but a sensible heart. Communism failed because it crushed personal ambition and sought to lock step humanity into a fools parade. The United States is becoming vulgar tacky and slovenly, such decline won't last. Americans are inventive and proud. Trump will a brief distraction, if we understand his cause and act responsibility. Finally, America rejected McCarthyism and much of the New Deal is still with us.
1
"A little more than six months into the Trump presidency, though, it now seems clear that the most frightening threats to ordinary politics in the United States are empty or easily contained."
Unless, that is, you're a person of color interacting with any police force around the country emboldened by the Sessions DOJ, a transgender person in the military, or a woman fearful of the effect of the Gorsuch vote on abortion jurisprudence; that is, unless you're two white, male members of the cultural elite.
Unless, that is, you're a person of color interacting with any police force around the country emboldened by the Sessions DOJ, a transgender person in the military, or a woman fearful of the effect of the Gorsuch vote on abortion jurisprudence; that is, unless you're two white, male members of the cultural elite.
1
A mindless, child-like dictator with narcissistic issues and Kim Jong-un. It seems like an incendiary match made in heaven for the likes of Raytheon, Northrup Gruman, Halliburton etc.
1
We have real issues with Mr. Trump, his finances and Russia. However, this article is important given what is happening, more so in the Post than the Times. The Post, if not authored by people like Robert Costa, is way over the line trying to create hysteria. The last instances are really stupid enlargements on North Korea. There is zero chance of Mr. Trump's administration launching a first strike with nuclear missiles against North Korea. This is hysteria promoted by the Post (not Mr. Costa).
1
No, I disagree. Trump is the threat to our democracy. Hysteria is our reaction to him, and it seems to be making some headway in influencing people. But hysteria is not a tool we're using -- it is real and heartfelt. Presidents have never said and done these things, should never say and do these things -- and we should not tolerate it. Hysteria is the first step, perhaps riot is the next.
1
These academic heavy-weights need to think a bit more about the danger of an unfit and somewhat unhinged president who could easily escalate into a nuclear conflict with N. Korea. The sky would really fall if (as is quite conceivable, with bluff, bluster, and threat) Kim Jong Un feels so desperate that he decides to hit, say, Los Angeles, with a nuclear missile.
Are you guys for real? It is not the world's responsibility to conform to the chaos created by our deranged President.
I ASSUME That this report was filed prior to Trump's repeated baiting of the North Korean lunatic. Trump's imbecilic, mad, demented threats made to the North Korean dictator are a clear and present danger. What happens if Kim Jung Un decides to drop a "little" atomic bomb on Guam? While those in Guam are prepared to defend against incoming rockets, nothing is 100% sure. Sessions is reinstating severely punitive laws in the form of federal mandatory sentencing guidelines. They've been shown to have been a horrible failure, resulting in the US having the largest prison population in the world. That does NOT sound like a thriving democracy to me. Now Trump is discriminating against transgender persons in the military. He appoints an extremist politically active Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, placing women's choice in jeopardy. Trump is a clear and present danger to our democracy. There is probably strong evidence that he has been in the Russians' pocket for a long time because of questionable loans and money laundering they provided for him. Our freedoms and constitutional rights are under assault. Trump does indeed threaten our democracy, tyrannophobia notwithstanding. Tyrannophobia is a Greek word. So I remind the reader: beware of Greeks bearing Tyrannophobia.
"The menace the commander in chief poses to the world, as his impulsive warning to North Korea suggested, may be another matter."
Gee, thanks.
Gee, thanks.
In an article that is seemingly castigating hysteria against a democratically elected President, I see nothing attributed to the lame stream media - the indefensible slurs against fellow citizens and plans for the weak - were all pushed by the media with no factual basis. Journalist attacked by campaign manager, Muslim registries, sexual assault claims, racism claims, all from the media thoroughly debunked. It appears now the democratic national committee was never hacked, at least by the Russians. Did President Obama know about this and if he did why did he not state that categorically to the general public? What was the need to keep that theory afloat? Isn't selective leaking by the Obama administration the real example of tyranny? And going by history, all dictatorships (or most of them) were left wing, socialist societies (including German socialism or Nazi Germany).
1
Sorry to disagree with you, but, from where I sit, Trump is not only a threat to our democracy, but, much more important and frightening, he's a threat to our very existence.
St. Ronnie Ray Gun was a far greater threat to our very existence. Yet, thank the stars that we survived his reign of terror. Sadly, I cannot say the same for those in Central America and the other places Reagan colonized during his 8 years of terror.
Look at Trumps handling of ACA and theprogressives rreaction. He first placated the right by saying he was getting rid of it but he plan was to fix it. He made it worse and it remains intact unilboth parties working together as crazy as that sounds working together begin to fix it. The left and right tactic of creating h hysteria did not fit howour governed works. The two party system works.
An ice berg breaks off from the Antartic Peninsula. It was so big it was going to cause a domino effect with hundreds of thousands of squre miles off ice sliding into the sea? The result end of life as we know it?
The present Korean crisis is a little to much for most of us. It doesn't help with Trump in office. What makes it worse is the editorials claiming he is insane. A published letter from psychiatrists, psychologist and social workers doesn't help either. Come on social workers? Why didn't you include human resource professionals grade school teachers?
To sum it up the media's tactics created this atmosphere of hysteria, mostly as a diversion to our real problems. Like the economy.
An ice berg breaks off from the Antartic Peninsula. It was so big it was going to cause a domino effect with hundreds of thousands of squre miles off ice sliding into the sea? The result end of life as we know it?
The present Korean crisis is a little to much for most of us. It doesn't help with Trump in office. What makes it worse is the editorials claiming he is insane. A published letter from psychiatrists, psychologist and social workers doesn't help either. Come on social workers? Why didn't you include human resource professionals grade school teachers?
To sum it up the media's tactics created this atmosphere of hysteria, mostly as a diversion to our real problems. Like the economy.
It seems to me that the real generalized fear is not of totalitarianism or tyranny, but of incompetence and ignorance backed by a viciousness and self pity in a large swath of the electorate, fueled by hypocrisy and opportunism in the republican dominated congress.
Let's see. The president talks about pardoning himself. He fires people who challenge him even a little. He thrives on hostility and belittlement of others. He caters to the lowest common denominator, manipulating the fear and incapacity to reason that are endemic among the worst-educated. He is regressive on civil rights, healthcare, education, and the arts. He knows and understands nothing about history, let alone the present or the future. He is a stupid, ignorant, limited, and remarkably incurious man who continually says cringe-worthy, stunningly dumb things that make headlines all over the world.
So while I do not think we are actually moving toward tyranny or dictatorship, there is no question that the man is a threat to our democracy. Because our democracy is not just a system of laws and governance. It is a model of greatness and progress, the emblem of a nation that was once the envy of the world and that is still its preeminent power, a cultural empire, a political and economic powerhouse.
We are in steep, steep decline, Mr. Moyn and Mr. Priestland, and Trump is the great symbol and precipitator of that decline. I shudder to think what will come after us. So yes, the sky is indeed falling. Après nous, le deluge....
So while I do not think we are actually moving toward tyranny or dictatorship, there is no question that the man is a threat to our democracy. Because our democracy is not just a system of laws and governance. It is a model of greatness and progress, the emblem of a nation that was once the envy of the world and that is still its preeminent power, a cultural empire, a political and economic powerhouse.
We are in steep, steep decline, Mr. Moyn and Mr. Priestland, and Trump is the great symbol and precipitator of that decline. I shudder to think what will come after us. So yes, the sky is indeed falling. Après nous, le deluge....
1
--"Every news story produces fear and trembling."--
Should read more specifically: "Trump produces fear and trembling."
Should read more specifically: "Trump produces fear and trembling."
Trump desperately wants to keep him and his family out of jail and keep their ill gotten gains. He wants so badly to avoid jail and the embarrassment of the trial that would imprison him that he's willing to sacrifice you, me, and the entire world. He must be sidelined faster than we already imagine.
How's that for hysteria?
How's that for hysteria?
This analysis is too rearview focused. When one returns west from a vacation gazing at the blood red sunset tinted by forest fires while listening to news about successive annual global high temperatures, and migrants being thrown off of smuggling boats by the hundreds off Libya's coast, she may begin to wonder; has the catastrophe not begun? Then considering how our political system is actively hastening the damage, while trying to rob the poor with the other hand, one must wonder; what is an appropriate response? I'm sick and tired of hearing about how to listen to the poor ignored fox news viewers while the rest of us have been systematically disenfranchised by the likes of smug governors and electoral officials in states like North Carolina and Wisconsin, which wouldn't even try to defend their voting systems. We can't even manage a secure voting system in this country, let alone the threat of climate catastrophe. What is there not to be apoplectic about? Unless the Generals continue the soft coup takeover of our Executive branch and correct course now we will lose an incalculably important window to promote our species' survival which is, in fact, in jeopardy before this denier President. If the security apparatus and political system fail to address our survival instincts then the citizenry doublessly will, unilaterally if necessary. We will march to the sea like Sherman those who threaten our dignity and survival.
1
the greatest threat to democracy lie in the constant siege to due process and justice. This is clearly illustrated by the many articles that the NY Times, relating to Title IX, has published. They give a platform to those who believe that men should be denied due process on college campuses when they are accused of sexually related crimes and harassment. Yesterday's NY Times article on publishing the names of accused rapists on an internet platform followed this logic. Simultaneously and the day before the NY TImes published an article on how more criminals need to be released from prison for humanitarian grounds.
Another great threat is the intolerance held towards unpopular views. Look at the articles the NY Times has published on Google and James Damore and the many, many accompanying reader's comments attached to that article.
A third major problem is that real problems are examined in a very illogical manner. For example, in another article published a few days ago on high crime on Baltimore, it was the behavior of the police that was blamed as opposed to that of gang bangers and drug dealers.
So yes, Trump is not the only threat to our Democracy.
Another great threat is the intolerance held towards unpopular views. Look at the articles the NY Times has published on Google and James Damore and the many, many accompanying reader's comments attached to that article.
A third major problem is that real problems are examined in a very illogical manner. For example, in another article published a few days ago on high crime on Baltimore, it was the behavior of the police that was blamed as opposed to that of gang bangers and drug dealers.
So yes, Trump is not the only threat to our Democracy.
26
Wow those "threats" you named are sooooo much more dangerous than Trump! Funny how when people write things you disagree with it's a "threat to democracy" but an authoritarian president, no big deal. I'm sure your twitter and youtube friends will love the comment though
2
You cannot ignore the "bad apple" police officers nor can you blame them on gangs and drug dealers. There is no reason in this day and age that a black skinned person should be pulled over for driving a car that the cop feels is too nice in a neighborhood that is too nice for a person of color to live in. There is no reason in this day and age that two darker skinned bank employees should be searched, handcuffed, and stuffed in a squad car for attempting to "rob" the bank that they both were auditing. The cop in this case refused to contact the bank security, refused to look at their credentials, and only cared about busting up a bank robbery ring. Because again, there is no way that a Hispanic man and a black man could hold bank positions of manager and VP of Auditing dept.
Let us also not forget that innocent kids and adults get killed by cops just because the cops were careless. So we are to blame these innocent people for the carelessness of the police?
Let us also not forget that innocent kids and adults get killed by cops just because the cops were careless. So we are to blame these innocent people for the carelessness of the police?
1
steve,
when due process, common sense, intolerance and racial apologia are dismissed as easily as you are dismissing them, yes I would say that there is a problem. If there are many similarly minded people in our society, as there are, yes I think there is a legitimate fear for our democracy.
when due process, common sense, intolerance and racial apologia are dismissed as easily as you are dismissing them, yes I would say that there is a problem. If there are many similarly minded people in our society, as there are, yes I think there is a legitimate fear for our democracy.
The primary reason Trump and his party’s disastrous designs for this country have been kept somewhat in check is because a groundswell of outraged liberals have kept pressure on the institutions that can do so. The forces that have led to the corrosion of social justice and a dysfunctional economy are inseparable from those responsible for the real, lurking tyranny the professors claim we do not face.
The executive branch is still carrying out thinly-veiled white supremacist policies, voting rights are under siege, the notion of a free and fair press is increasingly held in contempt, and the entire US government seems to be up for sale to the highest bidder. And the authors believe that the solution is for liberals to strike a more moderate tone? This mindset is wholly inadequate to address the challenges that lie before us.
The executive branch is still carrying out thinly-veiled white supremacist policies, voting rights are under siege, the notion of a free and fair press is increasingly held in contempt, and the entire US government seems to be up for sale to the highest bidder. And the authors believe that the solution is for liberals to strike a more moderate tone? This mindset is wholly inadequate to address the challenges that lie before us.
I don't presume to speak for anyone else, but my rising sense of alarm is not due to a fear of impending tyranny, it's a fear of a loss of the underpinnings of Western civilization, namely, the principles that drove the Enlightenment. While my fear has peaked following the election of Trump, it has been building ever since the Newt Gingrich Republicans took over congress in 1994, gaining strength in 1996 when Fox "News" opened for business (literally.)
Since then, Republicans have increasingly occupied a faith-based alternative reality in which science, logic, experience, principle and empirical evidence are casually disregarded. Trump is merely the apotheosis of this trend: its logical conclusion, so to speak.
Finally, some conservatives have awakened from their sleep and are joining liberals in sounding the alarm: Joe Scarborough, George Will, Michael Steele, Jennifer Rubin, Charlie Sykes, David Frum, David French, Ross Douthat, the American Enterprise Institute, etc. The trouble is, the warning will have come too late to save the Republican Party. Let's hope it does not come too late to save the country. . .and the planet.
Since then, Republicans have increasingly occupied a faith-based alternative reality in which science, logic, experience, principle and empirical evidence are casually disregarded. Trump is merely the apotheosis of this trend: its logical conclusion, so to speak.
Finally, some conservatives have awakened from their sleep and are joining liberals in sounding the alarm: Joe Scarborough, George Will, Michael Steele, Jennifer Rubin, Charlie Sykes, David Frum, David French, Ross Douthat, the American Enterprise Institute, etc. The trouble is, the warning will have come too late to save the Republican Party. Let's hope it does not come too late to save the country. . .and the planet.
1
Tyrannophobia is exactly what energizes the president's base. That's why, when feeling threatened by the Mueller probe or escalating tensions with North Korea, the president retreats to the heartland where his legions tell him that all is well and he's doing a great job. They tell him that he's sticking it to the elites, the "deep state" and the fake news media. His base is his bridge over troubled waters. "His indefensible slurs against his fellow citizens and offensive plans for the weak" and vulnerable are cheered by his supporters as proof of his promise to make America great again.
The president's recent attacks on Senator Mitch McConnell seem not to have offended the Kentucky Republican. McConnell explains that the president simply doesn't understand the inner workings of politics and that he doesn't understand that Rome wasn't built in a day. Like Nero, this president's fiddling with the nuclear codes is alarming beyond words. Yes, the threat of tyranny is certainly real but so is the possibility of a nuclear mushroom cloud that the president seems not to take seriously.
The president's recent attacks on Senator Mitch McConnell seem not to have offended the Kentucky Republican. McConnell explains that the president simply doesn't understand the inner workings of politics and that he doesn't understand that Rome wasn't built in a day. Like Nero, this president's fiddling with the nuclear codes is alarming beyond words. Yes, the threat of tyranny is certainly real but so is the possibility of a nuclear mushroom cloud that the president seems not to take seriously.
70
Tyrannophobia isn't a thing. There is no similarity between the current objections to Trump and the Republicans, and cold-war anticommunism. True, there were liberals involved in cold-war anticommunism - but at heart it was a deeply conservative movement. Conflict with the Soviet Union was a big part of cold-war anti-communism, but in this country it also involved opposition to civil rights for blacks, social justice for the poor, and freedom of expression for the unconventional. Opposition to Trump has no similar roots in the powers of the government and the police.
If, in the days of the cold war, anti-communism drained energy and resources from movements towards social equality, now it is Trump and the Republicans who are opposing those programs. If anything, it is Trumpism that is carrying forward the ultra-conservative agenda of the old "anti-communists" - Trump followers will tell you this proudly. There is no "tyrannophobia" common to the anti-Trump resistors of today, and the old cold-war anti-communists.
If, in the days of the cold war, anti-communism drained energy and resources from movements towards social equality, now it is Trump and the Republicans who are opposing those programs. If anything, it is Trumpism that is carrying forward the ultra-conservative agenda of the old "anti-communists" - Trump followers will tell you this proudly. There is no "tyrannophobia" common to the anti-Trump resistors of today, and the old cold-war anti-communists.
62
I think you are missing the distinguished historians' point. Anti-communist hysteria drained energy and purpose from the civil rights and labor movements, and from class politics generally. It allowed people opposed to labor or civil rights activists to call them communists, and in the case of labor, to gut organizational leadership of its most effective activists. Who are the anti-Russian hysterics today? All "liberal" Democrats. And is their anti-Russian, tyrannophobic myopia undermining the progress of labor (a cross-class, cross-gender movement for democracy and equality) and a cross-class outreach for single-payer health care, plus a movement for diplomacy over nuclear war? You bet it is.
Thank you. I was wondering what country Moyn/Priestland were talking about. If we look at the Henry Wallace movement and what it represented, there were lines drawn over which New Dealers had to decide which side they'd take. But the millions put into efforts to repeal the New Deal came from NAM, Chamber of Commerce, and the core of the conservative establishment. That was the locomotive. Once you chose to be on that side, concerns about equity, equality, etc., were quickly lost in the shuffle.
1
If only it was so simplistic. Our institutions that were meant to be the most representative have been slowly but surely tyrannized. For instance, our Constitution bequeaths us the right to have one member of Congress per every 30,000 constituents. Instead, we have one member per every 720,000 constituents (each member of Congress has an army of unelected staffers). It's impossible under such circumstances for the voice of the people to be heard, much less heeded. Hence Congress has a long penchant for passing laws that are way out of lockstep with what the people desire. Tyranny, in other words.
2
It is only because people have been awakened by justifiable fear and engaged politically in active, visible forms of "resistance" that Trump and one-party Republican rule have been largely stymied thus far. It is true that the greatest threat is a dysfunctional economy, generating almost unprecedented economic inequality and consolidating oligarchical power. But Trump's admiration for the Putin kleptocracy and undermining of the media, along with GOP taxcut and social program slashing plans, only aim at institutionalizing and accelerating that trend.
The authors should think twice before pontificating from their comfy Yale and Oxford chairs about how and how much the American people ought to fear and passing safe, distant judgement over what forms of resistance are right and wrong. Come what may, they still will be sitting pretty, teaching the children of the rich and powerful. It's the rest of us who won't be doing so well.
The authors should think twice before pontificating from their comfy Yale and Oxford chairs about how and how much the American people ought to fear and passing safe, distant judgement over what forms of resistance are right and wrong. Come what may, they still will be sitting pretty, teaching the children of the rich and powerful. It's the rest of us who won't be doing so well.
8
Just who is going to put these salutary economic policies into effect in this administration? Will Betsy DeVos suddenly urge more spending for public education? Will Scott Pruitt miraculously lose his antipathy to climate science and urge 45 to rejoin the Paris Accords and support solar and wind power? Will Jeff Sessions rethink the "war on drugs?" Will Congress get a spine and a conscience? Will Justices Breyer and Ginsburg thrive forever? Need I go on? Perhaps the authors of this piece wrote the bulk of it before 45 started hectoring N. Korea. Just because people are riled up doesn't mean there's not good reason to be riled up and to stay riled up.
The danger from the beginning of this particular national nightmare has been normalization, that we'd get used to dysfunctional, dangerous behavior from the White House. The authors may have intended to soothe us by looking both to history and to the [presumably survivable] future, but what they've written reads like normalization.
The danger from the beginning of this particular national nightmare has been normalization, that we'd get used to dysfunctional, dangerous behavior from the White House. The authors may have intended to soothe us by looking both to history and to the [presumably survivable] future, but what they've written reads like normalization.
5
OK, let’s see if the reasons for tyrannophobia are real. Right-wing populist leaders, such as, Trump:
1. Tend to be nationalists with very strong anti-immigrant tendencies – among Trump’s very first executive orders was his Travel Ban seeking to bar Muslims from seven nations from entering the U.S.
2. Surround themselves with military generals appointing them to the senior most civilian positions – as Trump has done in his Cabinet
3. See state and local law enforcement officials as infallible, when it comes to their use of force, often deadly, in the line of duty
4. Tend to blame the media for their problems and – Trump’s constant cries of “fake media,” his controlled press briefings, his social media rants, his endless lies – make a mockery of the First Amendment
5. Take aim at the judiciary and accuse the legal system of bias – Trump has fired his FBI Director, threatened his own Attorney General and keeps everyone guessing about the fate of the special counsel investigating Russian interference in our elections
6. Cast deliberate doubt on the democratic process – Trump’s voter fraud commission is a solution in search of a problem – to appease their base
Right-wing populism is what propelled Trump into the Oval Office and, if unchecked, can lead to fascism, as recent history has shown with Germany’s Hitler and Italy’s Mussolini. Yes, our tyrannophobia is real and justified – it’s vigilance, not hysteria that you are witnessing – and required to protect our democracy.
1. Tend to be nationalists with very strong anti-immigrant tendencies – among Trump’s very first executive orders was his Travel Ban seeking to bar Muslims from seven nations from entering the U.S.
2. Surround themselves with military generals appointing them to the senior most civilian positions – as Trump has done in his Cabinet
3. See state and local law enforcement officials as infallible, when it comes to their use of force, often deadly, in the line of duty
4. Tend to blame the media for their problems and – Trump’s constant cries of “fake media,” his controlled press briefings, his social media rants, his endless lies – make a mockery of the First Amendment
5. Take aim at the judiciary and accuse the legal system of bias – Trump has fired his FBI Director, threatened his own Attorney General and keeps everyone guessing about the fate of the special counsel investigating Russian interference in our elections
6. Cast deliberate doubt on the democratic process – Trump’s voter fraud commission is a solution in search of a problem – to appease their base
Right-wing populism is what propelled Trump into the Oval Office and, if unchecked, can lead to fascism, as recent history has shown with Germany’s Hitler and Italy’s Mussolini. Yes, our tyrannophobia is real and justified – it’s vigilance, not hysteria that you are witnessing – and required to protect our democracy.
392
To JK
Superficial thought pieces like this one partially explain the precipitous decline in prestige of academia in today's world. The authors of this article are plainly the worst kind of prisoners of the ivory tower. 'Only in it for the money', as Frank Zappa had the candor to admit, unlike these phonies.
Superficial thought pieces like this one partially explain the precipitous decline in prestige of academia in today's world. The authors of this article are plainly the worst kind of prisoners of the ivory tower. 'Only in it for the money', as Frank Zappa had the candor to admit, unlike these phonies.
1
Let's not forget the 46 federal attorneys Trump fired because they were "holdovers" from the Obama administration. Not based on their performances, but based strictly on his hatred of his predecessor and that they were democratic appointments.
And we're accused of hysteria over this man and his actions? Ye gods.
And we're accused of hysteria over this man and his actions? Ye gods.
Word salad dressed up as coherent thought. Trump IS a threat to our democracy and to dismiss everyone who sees it as being hyperbolic is disingenuous . You can't ignore how millions of people feel. Or I guess you can, and dress it up as a calm, reasonable explanation. In the end, you're just apologists.
262
"You can't ignore how millions of people feel."
Well, you can, but when you do, those people will eventually become so frustrated and angered and will turn to whatever means available in order to have their voices heard. And that, folks, is how Mr. Trump was ejected.
Well, you can, but when you do, those people will eventually become so frustrated and angered and will turn to whatever means available in order to have their voices heard. And that, folks, is how Mr. Trump was ejected.
Wait, I'm thoroughly confused by this article. Mostly due to these sentences: "Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law, could prove self-defeating. By postponing serious efforts to give greater priority to social justice, tyrannophobia treats warning signs as a death sentence, while allowing the real disease to fester."
Defending the basic freedoms of the rule of law and giving greater priority to social justice are not mutually exclusive things, which this article heavily implies. There really are threats to the rule of law in this country--voting and civil rights are being aggressively eroded for sectors of the population on the numerical rise (minorities, women) while there is a frightening backlash from people with entrenched privileges and powers they don't want to lose (whites, men). It's not hysteria if you seek to point out that this is the reality and seek to do something to put a stop to it.
And the last time I checked Obamacare--with its imperfect mandate of providing health care to the uninsured, poor and needy--is very much a social justice issue. It's dominated political discourse for these past 6 months, most of the country battling valiantly to stop a radical minority of heartless conservatives from passing a brutal tax cut for billionaires on the back of the poor, sick and uninsured (which they gamely hide as "repeal and replace").
So the authors lost me on their main thesis. Hysteria is crucially needed.
Defending the basic freedoms of the rule of law and giving greater priority to social justice are not mutually exclusive things, which this article heavily implies. There really are threats to the rule of law in this country--voting and civil rights are being aggressively eroded for sectors of the population on the numerical rise (minorities, women) while there is a frightening backlash from people with entrenched privileges and powers they don't want to lose (whites, men). It's not hysteria if you seek to point out that this is the reality and seek to do something to put a stop to it.
And the last time I checked Obamacare--with its imperfect mandate of providing health care to the uninsured, poor and needy--is very much a social justice issue. It's dominated political discourse for these past 6 months, most of the country battling valiantly to stop a radical minority of heartless conservatives from passing a brutal tax cut for billionaires on the back of the poor, sick and uninsured (which they gamely hide as "repeal and replace").
So the authors lost me on their main thesis. Hysteria is crucially needed.
13
"The 2008 financial crisis failed to dent the political establishment’s complacency, even though it had become very clear that market-friendly policies were helping to destroy the social mobility and economic opportunity that underpins a well-functioning democracy"
Had "become very clear" to who? Do you think because you are at Yale and Oxford you can make statements like that as if they are factual? With no empirical evidence to back it up? You are stealing a page from Paul Krugman's playbook when you do that. Stating your opinion as if it is fact, and backing it up with "everybody knows this", or some variation thereof, does not turn your personal belief into some sort of absolute truth.
Had "become very clear" to who? Do you think because you are at Yale and Oxford you can make statements like that as if they are factual? With no empirical evidence to back it up? You are stealing a page from Paul Krugman's playbook when you do that. Stating your opinion as if it is fact, and backing it up with "everybody knows this", or some variation thereof, does not turn your personal belief into some sort of absolute truth.
1
Always a comfort to hear from Weimar.
7
Trump isn't a threat to our democracy? Hysteria is? H-O-G-W-A-S-H.
9
Trump's is taking up all the air in the greenhouse. Hard to keep
a steady mind about environmental, social and infrastructure
bills (are there any?) when the bully-dragon has front stage,
every day, all day. Thanks for this article and its level-headedness. As Arlo Guthrie once quipped about W.,
"sort'a makes you miss Nixon." I miss Obama's calm
strength, slow but steady growth of the economy, no
saber rattling and bully language. Trump and Kim
are too much alike, but can be contained.
a steady mind about environmental, social and infrastructure
bills (are there any?) when the bully-dragon has front stage,
every day, all day. Thanks for this article and its level-headedness. As Arlo Guthrie once quipped about W.,
"sort'a makes you miss Nixon." I miss Obama's calm
strength, slow but steady growth of the economy, no
saber rattling and bully language. Trump and Kim
are too much alike, but can be contained.
I suppose you can't lose what you never had. There's no such thing as democracy in a pure form. Perhaps it goes against nature including human nature. So all you can do is try to whatever extent this country has and move between shades of grey. There will never be a black and white postulation that is, is we is or is we ain't. That frog had the same problem in not noticing the water was heating up.
Finally some common sense. I remember the Sixties: race riots, columns of trucks filled with national guardsmen driving up to Harlem, Vietnam War, etc.
How did this get past the self-censorship at the NYT?
How did this get past the self-censorship at the NYT?
The threat to our democracy is lying, and the public's becoming more and more inured to and accepting of it. Virtually every statement Trump makes contains a lie or exaggeration, and he loses no support from this egregrious conduct. We will not be able to tolerate that as a democracy for too prolonged a period of time.
CNN fires Jeffrey Lord for making a silly Twitter comment that doesn't really offend anyone, or shouldn't. Yet, for years, Lord speaks on CNN, guilty of the grossest of lies and misdirection, over and over, and CNN loves engaging him because it suggests "bi-partisanship." The lying was all fine and tolerated, but use the phrase "Sieg Heil" and, poof, you're gone. This is a small example of our becoming inured to lying. We get more and more inured to it - with more serious consequences - each time Trump, Pence, Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, or Kellyanne Conway open their mouths. McConnell and Ryan are practically as bad.
Let's not be "hysterical," but let's not blithely let liars ply their trade, even when it emanates from the Oval Office and the Halls of Congress.
CNN fires Jeffrey Lord for making a silly Twitter comment that doesn't really offend anyone, or shouldn't. Yet, for years, Lord speaks on CNN, guilty of the grossest of lies and misdirection, over and over, and CNN loves engaging him because it suggests "bi-partisanship." The lying was all fine and tolerated, but use the phrase "Sieg Heil" and, poof, you're gone. This is a small example of our becoming inured to lying. We get more and more inured to it - with more serious consequences - each time Trump, Pence, Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, or Kellyanne Conway open their mouths. McConnell and Ryan are practically as bad.
Let's not be "hysterical," but let's not blithely let liars ply their trade, even when it emanates from the Oval Office and the Halls of Congress.
5
It irks me (a nice way to say it!) that so many people are all-in with this resistance "stuff" and, yes, hysteria, while most of them gave Dubya a pass, more or less, for 8 years (including this paper!) and he did real damage TO THE WORLD!
I'll agree that the American economy which seems headed toward what existed in Russia before 1917 is a bigger menace than Trump, but only because he is too stupid and inept to pull off an Il Duce style revolution. At heart, he is every bit the despot that Mussolini was. That incompetence is the only thing standing between us and tyranny is not a comforting thought. The GOP has plenty of sinister villains who possess what Trump does not. Cruz and Cotton come to mind.
3
Truth *is* under siege. Our "hysteria", and our discipline in sustaining it, are the primary reasons why we're not even worse off. Actually those things may be secondary to the fact that the bad guy is a fool, which really helps a lot, but still...
The executive branch is now a cabal of charlatans who believe that "right" consists of whatever best suits their greedy interests; and they/he have inserted themselves like a virus into a low-information, racist, misogynist, retrograde subculture that responds to authoritarianism like Pavlov's dog. What's more, this is all completely obvious to any rational person, but that seems not to matter to roughly a third of the electorate -- whose votes, as it happens, count more than ours. And there's no exaggeration or hyperbole in any of this; it is happening here and now, loud and clear.
So you think we should just calm down, and assume that the center will hold until this blows over? I'm not buying it.
The executive branch is now a cabal of charlatans who believe that "right" consists of whatever best suits their greedy interests; and they/he have inserted themselves like a virus into a low-information, racist, misogynist, retrograde subculture that responds to authoritarianism like Pavlov's dog. What's more, this is all completely obvious to any rational person, but that seems not to matter to roughly a third of the electorate -- whose votes, as it happens, count more than ours. And there's no exaggeration or hyperbole in any of this; it is happening here and now, loud and clear.
So you think we should just calm down, and assume that the center will hold until this blows over? I'm not buying it.
6
"no lights are flashing red"!? A president with sole authority over a nuclear first strike verbalized just that very threat and we're not supposed to interpret as a danger sign? This article may raise some points worth thinking about, but the danger is real.
3
I find this essay to be naive. The authors state, "only more economic fairness and solidarity can keep populists like him (i.e.Trump) out." Is it logical to believe that economic fairness and solidarity are a possibility under a Trump, or any GOP administration whose every policy moves farther away from those goals?
Per a recent WP poll, "Half of Republicans would support postponing the 2020 presidential election if President Donald Trump proposed it as a means of combating voter fraud." Polls misrepresent, and even if true half of Trump supporters cannot threaten democracy, but the GOP can, and will influence elections through voter suppression. That is not phobia, that is fact. A few more court appointments, and the deal is done.
Minus hindsight, what credence would these scholars have granted a rising Hitler? All that bombast, all that ridiculous ranting and raging. All that scapegoating of Jews. But what an efficient propaganda machine which perfectly exploited the average German's feelings of national slight after a failed war and failed economic recovery. The scapegoats, secularists here, may be different, but the average American, feeling divorced from the democratic process by political and corporate corruption, is equally as ripe for change.
It is dangerous to believe that Americans are uniquely unsusceptible to dictatorship. The authors deny real evidence that Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally. I wonder what would it take to change their minds. A war?
Per a recent WP poll, "Half of Republicans would support postponing the 2020 presidential election if President Donald Trump proposed it as a means of combating voter fraud." Polls misrepresent, and even if true half of Trump supporters cannot threaten democracy, but the GOP can, and will influence elections through voter suppression. That is not phobia, that is fact. A few more court appointments, and the deal is done.
Minus hindsight, what credence would these scholars have granted a rising Hitler? All that bombast, all that ridiculous ranting and raging. All that scapegoating of Jews. But what an efficient propaganda machine which perfectly exploited the average German's feelings of national slight after a failed war and failed economic recovery. The scapegoats, secularists here, may be different, but the average American, feeling divorced from the democratic process by political and corporate corruption, is equally as ripe for change.
It is dangerous to believe that Americans are uniquely unsusceptible to dictatorship. The authors deny real evidence that Trump wants to seize power unconstitutionally. I wonder what would it take to change their minds. A war?
4
What was it that the wise man said: Ah yes, There's nothing to fear but fear itself. This Trump too will pass.
Somehow I feel this should be subtitled "How I learned to stop worrying and love governmental misbehavior."
4
You gentlemen have a funny idea of "democracy".
Democracy is "one person, one vote".
It's not "everyone votes and then we let the Electoral College take it... again".
Remember, this is the SECOND time in less than 20 years that the Presidency has gone to the person with the fewest VOTES.
The first time was Bush and Gore. Remember?
And why does that ancient history matter?
Because Republican Bush lied us into wars of "choice" that we are still "fighting" today.
How many trillions of moola have gone into the 1%'s pockets?
Bazillions.
To "pay" for those wars, all domestic Institutions have been gutted: Education, medical, environment, infrastructure - all for military. And, yesterday Trump swore that the military was going to have to be boosted again.
Then there's the "privatization" bunch: sell off the commons to the lowest bidders, pennies on the dollar... I think that whole bunch needs to be nationalized. Vultures, aren't they?
Now, maybe you two vaulted gentlemen are insulated from such mundane matters, but, I assure you, half of this nation is not.
For half of this nation there are no other "paths".
I suggest that you both get out of your Ivory Towers and go visit for a day one of those medical/dental pop-ups that decent folk are organizing for the desperately poor, shut out from Medicaid, or fell through the "safety net" that Bush shredded years ago with his yellowcake lies.
I'll be looking for your new column.
"...free market....".
Yeah. Right....
Democracy is "one person, one vote".
It's not "everyone votes and then we let the Electoral College take it... again".
Remember, this is the SECOND time in less than 20 years that the Presidency has gone to the person with the fewest VOTES.
The first time was Bush and Gore. Remember?
And why does that ancient history matter?
Because Republican Bush lied us into wars of "choice" that we are still "fighting" today.
How many trillions of moola have gone into the 1%'s pockets?
Bazillions.
To "pay" for those wars, all domestic Institutions have been gutted: Education, medical, environment, infrastructure - all for military. And, yesterday Trump swore that the military was going to have to be boosted again.
Then there's the "privatization" bunch: sell off the commons to the lowest bidders, pennies on the dollar... I think that whole bunch needs to be nationalized. Vultures, aren't they?
Now, maybe you two vaulted gentlemen are insulated from such mundane matters, but, I assure you, half of this nation is not.
For half of this nation there are no other "paths".
I suggest that you both get out of your Ivory Towers and go visit for a day one of those medical/dental pop-ups that decent folk are organizing for the desperately poor, shut out from Medicaid, or fell through the "safety net" that Bush shredded years ago with his yellowcake lies.
I'll be looking for your new column.
"...free market....".
Yeah. Right....
6
You are just wrong. Trump is unstable, angry and can't keep his mouth shut. He could easily start a war. He is a threat to our country in every way.
3
Spot on.
Intense fear of a real possible conflagration is not hysteria. It is a normal reaction to a lunatic who has the power and ability to annihilate life on this planet.
Intense fear of a real possible conflagration is not hysteria. It is a normal reaction to a lunatic who has the power and ability to annihilate life on this planet.
Moyn and Priestalnd hasve not one useful thing to say about what to do but the a professor of law has done a superb job of ignoring the facts that give rise to the concern about and resistance to fascism. if a member of the bar anywhere, should be disbarred for a dishonest refusal to deal with the facts.nExactly who they are addressing and correcting I do not know. Nor have they told us.
Once again I am dumbfounded at what the Times chooses as representing the best thought on the issues of the day. A randomly selected illiterate pastoral Mongolian herder would more likely than not have greater insights on where we are and what to do.
Once again I am dumbfounded at what the Times chooses as representing the best thought on the issues of the day. A randomly selected illiterate pastoral Mongolian herder would more likely than not have greater insights on where we are and what to do.
Ok Pollyanna if you say so. But this miscreant has orange tinted pinky finger on the nuclear trigger, and it is mighty itchy. When the wicked rule, the people mourn.
2
Yes sure, also disease dont kill you but the fear of disease. Also climate change anxiety will cause more harm to the weather, because carbon doesn't heat the atmosphere but sweat. Ridiculous.
4
Isn't this opinion taken completely from one by someone with a head in the sand during the 1930's? Not to worry! That guy in Germany is just a clown, and we can control him. Etc. Here is one of those contrarian appearances that seems only intended to give the author's some self-serving notice by contrast--straw man, at best; utterly dangerous at worst. I'll continue to follow Masha Gessen's advice just after the "election" in November -- http://www.nybooks.com/daily/2016/11/10/trump-election-autocracy-rules-f... Especially Rule #4: "Be outraged. If you follow Rule #1 and believe what the autocrat-elect is saying, you will not be surprised. But in the face of the impulse to normalize, it is essential to maintain one’s capacity for shock. This will lead people to call you unreasonable and hysterical, and to accuse you of overreacting. It is no fun to be the only hysterical person in the room. Prepare yourself." Also, maybe somebody could explain the meaning of that image included at the beginning of Moyn's and Priestland's opinion. Huh?
1
This piece is too well-reasoned and logical. It has no place appearing in the NYT.
We've just been through 8 years of dingbats screaming about tyranny, socialism, islamophilia, war on Christmas, war on Christianity, anti-Americanism, selling out the country, taking away our guns, taking away our bullets, taking away our rights, ignoring and eviscerating the constitution, litmus test for a real 'mer'can, weakening the country (i.e., military) - based on nothing but lies and misinformation readily created and accepted by the dingbats, the reasons being the GOP trying to claw back power after the 2007-2008 crisis and their losing at the polls, having a dem in the whitehouse, a black president whose father was a foreigner and muslim. Now, these dingbats are 'in control', and where the fear of Obama et. al. was based on lies and half-truths, the horror at the Trump administration and what the GOP is trying to do is actually based on what they say, tweet, and try to legislate.
The fear of tyranny may be overblown, but not because of lack of attempts by these clowns. What IS clear is that the country has been diminished with this administration ('business friendly', aka, public unfriendly), lost the goodwill it had gained under Obama, lost some of its leadership in the world, is being sidestepped and ignored (trade, climate agreements). That is something to be concerned about.
The fear of tyranny may be overblown, but not because of lack of attempts by these clowns. What IS clear is that the country has been diminished with this administration ('business friendly', aka, public unfriendly), lost the goodwill it had gained under Obama, lost some of its leadership in the world, is being sidestepped and ignored (trade, climate agreements). That is something to be concerned about.
3
Sorry. You're rationaling. Fail.
Oh my goodness, isn't it just so darkly ironic that the NYT would choose to give voice to a couple of white male neocon elitists who imagine themselves stealth propagandists on the same day the installed-via-soft-coup aspiring dictator sits ensconced in his private, for-profit country club - his vacation footed by taxpayer dollars - and taunts another insane corrupt despot to attack U.S. soil in an obvious attempt to provoke a ReichStag crisis from which to consolidate non-democratic rule?
We will not be gaslighted by Vichy intellectuals into ignoring overthrow of our republic by white nationalist monsters with the explicit and acted-upon goal of scapegoating and persecuting POC, women, Muslims, the LGBTQ community, and immigrants.
It is not 'hysterical' (a deeply misogynist rhetorical choice unto itself) to note that Trump is demonstrably uncontrollably mentally ill, behaving outside normative behavior daily. It's not 'hysterical' to note the well-documented fascist views of actual members of White House staff. It's not 'hysterical' to note the systematic appointment of executive agency directors with established histories of attempting to destroy the agencies they've been appointed to lead. It is not 'hysterical' to note the Trump administration is aggressively pursuing the bigotries lauded by extremist right fundamentalists. It is not 'hysterical' to worry that Trump et al regularly call for violence, including state-sponsored violence, as response to public dissent.
We will not be gaslighted by Vichy intellectuals into ignoring overthrow of our republic by white nationalist monsters with the explicit and acted-upon goal of scapegoating and persecuting POC, women, Muslims, the LGBTQ community, and immigrants.
It is not 'hysterical' (a deeply misogynist rhetorical choice unto itself) to note that Trump is demonstrably uncontrollably mentally ill, behaving outside normative behavior daily. It's not 'hysterical' to note the well-documented fascist views of actual members of White House staff. It's not 'hysterical' to note the systematic appointment of executive agency directors with established histories of attempting to destroy the agencies they've been appointed to lead. It is not 'hysterical' to note the Trump administration is aggressively pursuing the bigotries lauded by extremist right fundamentalists. It is not 'hysterical' to worry that Trump et al regularly call for violence, including state-sponsored violence, as response to public dissent.
3
Yes, it is amusing to a Trump voter such as me how liberals and Democrats are scaring themselves with their own propaganda. Their propaganda campaign began, I assume, as a method of defeating Trump in the presidential election. But, when that failed, liberals ended up believing their own crazy talk -Trump is a tyrant, a white supremacist, a Hitler who will put Americans in concentration camps, who will sell blacks into slavery, and on and on and on. It reminds me of a kitten who sees itself in the mirror and then leaps 3 feet in the air in terror of its own image.
Not that I don't enjoy the spectacle. It is a delicious byproduct of the defeat of Hillary and her self-satisfied and contemptuous supporters. But look, Democrats have to face reality: Trump is president, he working through the legislative system, and we need to come together now to find common ground and get things done.
Not that I don't enjoy the spectacle. It is a delicious byproduct of the defeat of Hillary and her self-satisfied and contemptuous supporters. But look, Democrats have to face reality: Trump is president, he working through the legislative system, and we need to come together now to find common ground and get things done.
The only cogent -- sane -- message is "…we need to come together now to find common ground and get things done."
Tall order when one of the two factions is made up of obstructionists.
Tall order when one of the two factions is made up of obstructionists.
"Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law, could prove self-defeating." The authors' sly suggestion is that democracy is the problem, not the solution. Trump was democratically elected (well, kind of), so progressives must table their questions about our democratic norms and standards of conduct in order to avoid delaying the greater project of leveling the economic playing field. Communism is the same as equality (the Russians just got it wrong). Is that really what people want? Why didn't more people vote for Senator Sanders when they had the chance?
But if not basic freedoms and the rule of law, what other tools do we have? If progressives hope to persuade conservatives of the need for a more horizontal income distribution curve, how might we do that in the absence of a credible democratic process?
I only have 1500 words, but I do want to point out another (among many) flawed assumption. Trump didn't promote 'offensive plans for the weak.' He promised them succor. Blue collar workers, African Americans, Hispanics, LGBT people. He even had the nerve to say that he'd be a better President for women than Hillary Rodham Clinton. And white women bought what he was selling! Trump is a compadrazgo -- the Godfather. Big Daddy. His appeal is transactional. His voters just want their cut. They don't want Marxism. They don't want equality. They want status, which is always, inevitably, cut from the hides of other people.
But if not basic freedoms and the rule of law, what other tools do we have? If progressives hope to persuade conservatives of the need for a more horizontal income distribution curve, how might we do that in the absence of a credible democratic process?
I only have 1500 words, but I do want to point out another (among many) flawed assumption. Trump didn't promote 'offensive plans for the weak.' He promised them succor. Blue collar workers, African Americans, Hispanics, LGBT people. He even had the nerve to say that he'd be a better President for women than Hillary Rodham Clinton. And white women bought what he was selling! Trump is a compadrazgo -- the Godfather. Big Daddy. His appeal is transactional. His voters just want their cut. They don't want Marxism. They don't want equality. They want status, which is always, inevitably, cut from the hides of other people.
Lots of embroidery here.
This would have been more believable had it been directed at Fox News and Limbaugh's slobbering about Obama's every move, years ago.
But Trump has actually been an aberrant POTUS, unconcerned about keeping our elections clean. And then asking the FBI director to can the investigation and then canning the FBI director. You don't have to be hysterical to know that stinks to high heavens, or to disbelieve the weird people speaking for this president who come across as total liars with their multiple explanations for their boss's behaviors.
This would have been more believable had it been directed at Fox News and Limbaugh's slobbering about Obama's every move, years ago.
But Trump has actually been an aberrant POTUS, unconcerned about keeping our elections clean. And then asking the FBI director to can the investigation and then canning the FBI director. You don't have to be hysterical to know that stinks to high heavens, or to disbelieve the weird people speaking for this president who come across as total liars with their multiple explanations for their boss's behaviors.
3
Henry Kissinger said "even paranoids can have enemies". The argument presented herein is ahistorical. The fringes of the far right started talking tyranny back in the Clinton administrations. It was echoed by elements of one of the 2 major parties in this country. It re-emerged foursquare as a core belief of the GOP during the Obama administrations. It became the core strategy of the Trump campaign, leveraged by S. Bannon to discredit Hillary Clinton. Bannon + Trump didn't say "we'll replace Democratic tyranny by reverting to a truer form democracy". They said, well, they said they'd do exactly what they're doing. And that does bear an uncanny resemblance to the totalitarian playbook. So please Mr. Moyn and Mr. Priestland, let's not take thorazine. Let's check these tyrants now while we still can.
1
I take exception to the article's claim that "the president’s most outrageous policies have been successfully obstructed"-- how about his policies destroying the State Department and the behavior of Mr. Sessions; what about the behavior of the Immigration goons who have been let loose to harass, intimidate, and deny entry to all and sundry innocent travellers? Aren't those outrageous enough for the author? Or is this an apologia for allowing Don the Con to do four years worth of irreparable damage to our country?
1
Thin gruel.
The authors set up a straw man - and then bash it to pieces with everything in their arsenal.
Some reality, now. With the exception of a minority of hyperventilating folks on the extreme left, the vast majority of the opposition to the new administration does not suffer from "tyrranophobia," whatever that term is supposed to suggest. Rather, they are noting with growing dread and disgust the divisive and harmful policies this administration seeks to push through. Their resistance is measured and entirely lawful. It's also a constitutional privilege that all previous generations have thankfully exercised.
Unfortunately, all Moyn and Priestland offer here is clickbait. They missed the real issue by a country mile.
The authors set up a straw man - and then bash it to pieces with everything in their arsenal.
Some reality, now. With the exception of a minority of hyperventilating folks on the extreme left, the vast majority of the opposition to the new administration does not suffer from "tyrranophobia," whatever that term is supposed to suggest. Rather, they are noting with growing dread and disgust the divisive and harmful policies this administration seeks to push through. Their resistance is measured and entirely lawful. It's also a constitutional privilege that all previous generations have thankfully exercised.
Unfortunately, all Moyn and Priestland offer here is clickbait. They missed the real issue by a country mile.
I'm disappointed to see the authors condemning as "hysteria" an appropriate alertness to the erosion of civil liberties. If we don't pay attention, one day we'll find ourselves in the proverbial pot of boiling water w/ the other frogs.
1
Neither author will be victims of voter suppression or transgender bias. Neither will experience pregnancy due to rape and laws that regulate their reproductive health. And neither will fear deportation of loved ones.
The authors overlooked the fact that tyrannophobia sells lots of newspapers and subscriptions. I agree with the authors, so a conclusion is that media focus on tyrannophobia is doing the real damage as that is what people are focused on.
Dear Professors,
Are we all living in the same world? If Trump is not a serious threat to 'democracy', then there is no such thing. He is a demagogue's demagogue and would take over the US and run it as his own personal company in a New York minute if he could find a way -- and who says he is not seeking The Way? Fascism, narcissism, misogyny, racism, sub-literacy, pomposity -- all very similar to Mussolini and his gang of thugs in 1920s Italy. Dear professors, stop gazing at your navels and start looking cold-bloodedly at our very precarious situation -- we may have little time left.
Are we all living in the same world? If Trump is not a serious threat to 'democracy', then there is no such thing. He is a demagogue's demagogue and would take over the US and run it as his own personal company in a New York minute if he could find a way -- and who says he is not seeking The Way? Fascism, narcissism, misogyny, racism, sub-literacy, pomposity -- all very similar to Mussolini and his gang of thugs in 1920s Italy. Dear professors, stop gazing at your navels and start looking cold-bloodedly at our very precarious situation -- we may have little time left.
3
James Carville, where are you? "It's the economy, stupid." This is a well-reasoned analysis that reinforces what Carville was saying 25 years ago. Too bad we're still acting "stupid."
What's largely missed here is the mass hysteria of the right. It is those who get most of their info from extreme right-wing sources (including the extremely biased Fox) who get a daily amplification of cortisol from their media habits. The left may be blind to the concerns of the right, but the right is blind to reality from their daily intake of untruthiness. My concern is not so much about Trump & our system of government (the system is keeping him in check at least to some degree), it's how many people have lost their capacity to discern truth from fiction and what that will mean moving forward.
2
Quote from an Op-Ed in Haaretz from a few months back: "It's a tricky tightrope. We don’t know if or when the blame and anger Trump feeds off will sprout into something more tangibly sinister. But if we take history seriously, we have to accept that the seeds Trump is planting are like those planted by charismatic figures like Stalin and Putin and Mao, who watered them with generic promises of greatness paired with the toxic manure of bigotry and nationalism."
1
Trump IS a threat to American democracy. An intellectually lazy - I would say profoundly stupid, man, Trump has no knowledge or interest in the history and founding principles of America and what makes it a great nation. Attacking both individuals and institutions with a toxic stream of lies undermines the bedrock fundamentals that make America strong and leaves it extremely vulnerable to tyranny. Trumps attacks on the judiciary and the press alone should terrify us.
The two writers sound a lot like those in 1930's Germany who said that Hitler was not a serious threat and frightened Germans should just calm down. Little Adolph was not a danger, he was just a silly man with a funny mustache, a failed painter with a grudge, and nothing to worry about.
Look where that got us.
The two writers sound a lot like those in 1930's Germany who said that Hitler was not a serious threat and frightened Germans should just calm down. Little Adolph was not a danger, he was just a silly man with a funny mustache, a failed painter with a grudge, and nothing to worry about.
Look where that got us.
2
If Trump has brought us Tyrannophobia, what were the last eight years? Milquetoastophobia? Why we have to be afraid of everything? We have seen the enemy and he is us. So true.
Spare me. The Trump Administration is a huge step backward in dignity, maturity, and civility compared to the Obama Administration. It's a backward evolution. I am not hysterical. I am disgusted.
3
This article is clearly written from the perspective of someone who doesn't understand how the truly wealthy and powerful operate behind the scenes.
People think "it can't happen here" because America is too big. Last time I checked, Russia is pretty big.
And whaddya know, the leader of Russia, a former KGB-operative, who might know a little something about clandestine operations, is Trump's bestie.
Just because a few Democrats have cried wolf over microaggressions for years, doesn't mean there's no wolf now.
It's time to wake up and smell the cofveve.
People think "it can't happen here" because America is too big. Last time I checked, Russia is pretty big.
And whaddya know, the leader of Russia, a former KGB-operative, who might know a little something about clandestine operations, is Trump's bestie.
Just because a few Democrats have cried wolf over microaggressions for years, doesn't mean there's no wolf now.
It's time to wake up and smell the cofveve.
There will be no monumental changes until we elect people who strongly believe that what really matters is looking out for the least powerful and those who reside at or below the poverty line. Having traveled throughout much of Europe and Canada I learned there is a different way for governments to function that still mostly concerns itself with the common folk and not those at the financial top. Many politicians in these countries think first of their citizens basic well being as far as health care, housing, a living wage, and education are concerned. Some of their "constitutions" state that the citizens of these countries are there for each other and to make certain that they all work together for the benefit of all and not the few. In many of these countries the idea of "I got mine...I don't care what happens to you"... Is looked upon with scorn. I don't know if we could ever achieve that ideal but politicians on the left need to look back to the time of F.D.R. or the years between 1945 and 1968 when liberal governance was at it's peak. Business as usual in politics on both the left and right has gotten us nowhere but stuck in the mud. Something has to give and the slow evolution from the left to the center or center right will no longer work for this country.
2
Democracy did not exactly put Trump in power. A diminished democracy put Trump in power: a democracy that has been purchased with dark money; a democracy whose electorate is informed by blogs and spurious sources; a democracy that is essentially the Corporate States of America and opposed to the United States of America.
11
I agree with you, Dan.
Seeing the threat that Trump is to democracy is a rational conclusion to rational analytical thought. That does not mean you cannot reach the same conclusion based on irrational thought or through some version of magical thinking. To say that the successful blocking or delay in implementation of some of his and Bannon's moronic schemes does not mean they have not had an impact. The muslim ban for example; the language used to address the ban and the actions taken in the course of its attempted implementation have caused permanent long term damage to our society, they have normalized speech and actions that should never have arisen in an intelligent sophisticated society. Just think of the child that watched the performance of Nazi admirer Stephen Miller and his claim that the policy edicts of President shall not be questioned, children that are of the ilk from whence Miller came, weak unathletic, pseudo intellectuals daily victim of bullying. In Miller they see a hero, a modern day Himmler, a chance for them to push back someday. No don't try to tell me the danger of Trumps stupidity is hysteria, it is real, very real.
196
What democracy? We the people think we have a democracy but we really do not. We have politicians chosen by rich elite with their enormous campaign contributions and they decide who runs for office through constant non-stop negative commercial and print ads designed, and often successful, to get 'their' candidates elected at the primaries and the general election. Arizona, where I live is a prime example of that. We have a governor who was put into power by the Koch brothers and their minions; we have a Corporation Commission that controls the utility companies, that was bought and paid for by the largest electric supplier in AZ; we also have a legislature that has continually tried to limit the power of the people by restricting referendums as constitutionally guaranteed in AZ to make decisions for the state that was basically controlled by ALEC. Of course the voters are complicit as they are by and large too ignorant to do any critical thinking of their own and let others do their thinking for them - namely those who make large 'campaign contributions' and pay for the ads designed to influence voters who do not read and cannot differentiate between truths and lies.
We have a country that has the best leaders that money can buy aided and abetted by the US Supreme Court.
We have a country that has the best leaders that money can buy aided and abetted by the US Supreme Court.
10
Funny, we have the same thing in Michigan...
Timothy Snyder, a Yale colleague of one of the authors of this editorial, and himself author of "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From The Twentieth Century", might disagree. No doubt the conditions cited in this editorial prepared the ground for the rise of Trump, and also no doubt Trump and his minions are taking full advantage of same, thus far with somewhat limited success. That said, many of his moves, whether intentional (as I believe) or otherwise, are right out of the pages of Snyder's work. In my view, we ignore them at our peril. Overreaction is, as these authors describe, counterproductive, but naiveté is dangerous. Vigilance and consistent engagement are required.
13
More either/or thinking. Either we have to focus on protecting liberal democracy from the policies and actions of an authoritarian president or we have to focus on reducing the injustices and inequalities that seem to be ever growing. Why isn't it necessary to do both ... and why isn't it possible to do both? Further, there appears to be an inconsistency in the argument presented. The authors legitimately decry the hyperventilating that is feature of a certain sector of the liberal media, but this does not seem to have affected how the major parties are pursuing their objectives. As the authors point out, Schumer is pushing the traditional Democratic line on the best policies for the country, and the Republicans are doing the same from their side. Neither party, as the authors say, is departing "from its prior consensus." So tyrannophobia appears not to be as important as the authors claim it is at this moment. Further, even in the liberal media, the greater concern is with the illiberal policies that Trump and the Republicans are pursuing, not with the imminent takeover of the government by a dictator.
2
At this moment, the destiny of the world could take a wrong turn under the direction of our tyrant President. Tump is instigating a war "like the world has never seen".
This article, as well written as it is, is very naive.
This article, as well written as it is, is very naive.
21
A dysfunctional economy is the real problem, but a POTUS who thinks expelled diplomats are no longer on the payroll is not? Job market insecurity is the real problem, but a POTUS who tweets jobs are rolling in from....thin air fabrications is not?
I am hoping you wrote this before the 'fire and fury' and 'thank you Mr. Putin' declarations by POTUS, because they are flashing red lights with a klaxon horn thrown in.
I am hoping you wrote this before the 'fire and fury' and 'thank you Mr. Putin' declarations by POTUS, because they are flashing red lights with a klaxon horn thrown in.
10
the expelled diplomats will still be on the payroll.
The comment Trump made was a thank you to Putin for expelling the diplomats because that would save the United States money. Silly me - of ourse he could have been wrong. Trump's consistently dumb claims (such as outlandish black unemployment rates) are legion.
This essay delivers a confused message. There is only one statement that I agree with: "A dysfunctional economy, not lurking tyranny, is what needs attention if recent electoral choices are to be explained — and voting patterns are to be changed in the future. Yet there is too little recognition of the need for new direction in either party"
Not the Democratic Party (with the exception of Bernie Sanders) or the GOP is willing to acknowledge that capitalism, without government help for people who have been ruined by it, will not restore our economy. One of the smarter actions by FDR was to provide needed economic help to the people of our country. Yes, there were many charges of "socialism", "communism", etc. But in the end his programs stabilized the nation, not weakened it.
The continuing threats to our people by outrageous educational costs, exorbitant health insurance charges, low paying jobs, foreign workers doing our tech work, cutting off health insurance assistance by the government, and charging our young people who desire to get higher education is a sure recipe for social and ultimately political disaster.
And yet members of both parties still think that the voters will continue to support these policies. People will instead vote for candidates who challenge the enrichment of the financial/educational/medical levers iof this country in desperation to take care of their families. The next President could be even more fascist than Trump
Not the Democratic Party (with the exception of Bernie Sanders) or the GOP is willing to acknowledge that capitalism, without government help for people who have been ruined by it, will not restore our economy. One of the smarter actions by FDR was to provide needed economic help to the people of our country. Yes, there were many charges of "socialism", "communism", etc. But in the end his programs stabilized the nation, not weakened it.
The continuing threats to our people by outrageous educational costs, exorbitant health insurance charges, low paying jobs, foreign workers doing our tech work, cutting off health insurance assistance by the government, and charging our young people who desire to get higher education is a sure recipe for social and ultimately political disaster.
And yet members of both parties still think that the voters will continue to support these policies. People will instead vote for candidates who challenge the enrichment of the financial/educational/medical levers iof this country in desperation to take care of their families. The next President could be even more fascist than Trump
1
What a brilliant piece this is. Should be required reading for all, both foreign and domestic. Thank you, gentlemen, for this badly needed voice of reason.
2
When an Administration... Labels all news that's not propaganda 'fake news;' looks to change the libel laws to limit free speech; arrests and charges a protester for 'laughing' during a Sessions briefing; supports laws to crash through the barrier between church and state; eschews skilled, experienced and knowledgeable expertise in favor of surrounding himself with family and sycophants and promotes, by example, overt racism and misogyny... then yes, democracy is at risk. The fact that he is an ignorant and deplorable human being is beside the point. He would run the U.S. as a oligarchy if he had the chance. We are already starting to look like a banana republic. The fact that our system of checks and balances has kept his worst impulses at bay is small comfort. I am not 'hysterical,' but I certainly plan to fight on every front available as a citizen and a voter to make sure that Trump is a one-term president and that the will of the majority of Americans counts again.
17
Trump has the nuclear football, nothing else matters.
4
The fact that this talisman can be referred to as "the nuclear football" is a dire augury indeed.
ie let's not worry our liberal heads too much about erosion to rule of law or confidence in the independent press or the suppression of voting rights IF we could only reduce economic inequality, assumed by the historians, sans a jot of evidence, to be the real 'cause' of populist-authoritarian support. A shockingly ignorant essay.
8
What a hilarious article. Right after Google is accuse of having an echo-chamber culture, these zombies of the Left write an article about the need for even more equality and social justice politics. To top that, they think the big lesson of the 20th century is that America was too aggressive against lovely communism. You can't make up this sort of inanity. Is the memory of the tens of millions killed by Stalin and Mao in their radical commitment to equality and social justice, against capitalism and democracy, already dead at Yale & Oxford?
1
A dysfunctional economy AND hyper-militarism AND lurking tyranny are the three top things we need to be concerned with. Trump is as much a symptom as the disease. Some symptoms can be fatal
1
AND racism, encouraged, unleashed, AND officially implemented
Democracy didn't elect Donald Trump. The electoral college did, which is not a democratic institution.
This is not the Red Scare, and we would be foolish to think that our "democracy" will withstand any assault. That is American exceptionalism taken to absurdity. If history teaches us anything, it's that empires don't last. It is up to us to pull together the scraps and try to put together a government where we can all live. That is a tall order.
This is not the Red Scare, and we would be foolish to think that our "democracy" will withstand any assault. That is American exceptionalism taken to absurdity. If history teaches us anything, it's that empires don't last. It is up to us to pull together the scraps and try to put together a government where we can all live. That is a tall order.
4
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean somebody isn't out to get you. But points well taken and I appreciate the call for focus.
Trump is a threat, and I will say how. He's loaded up and depends upon military advisers. The public looks to those advisers to exercise restraint on Trump's impulses. All this is at a time when the military is lauded and everyone of them is praised as a beloved hero. If Trump ordered something horrendous, like a nuclear attack, the military might feel it necessary to stage a coup and the public might support it. There goes Democracy.
2
I am not sure what reality these authors are living, but it seems different than the one I am experiencing! The first point that democracy elected Mr. Trump followed by the comment that Russia wishes to interfere in presidential elections seems at odds. First, Mr. Trump LOST the democratic election and won only the Electoral College election. Second we are now clear that our elections WERE interfered with even if we cannot quantify the impact yet.
Next, please consider Mr. Trump's appointment of a cabinet where waivers to the ethics practices and policies in place for decades are needed; an Administration that is systematically taking apart policies and practices that have been the will of the majority for decades, and a POTUS whom has made it clear that he is above the law and that IT serves HIM, not the other way around. Please consider his views on FBI and AG roles.
Mr. Trump is a man who has no concept of truth and no use for it. Truth is what he wants and nothing else is relevant. The people supporting him in the main seem to be people willing to sell themselves for the benefit of whatever one thing Trump promised them.
The root remains that a minority of people voted in the election; that a large number of people currently do not believe facts matter any longer, and the rest don't think their opinion counts. When a Congress continues to get re-elected time after time with an approval rating consistently below 20%, it is unclear how to undo this mess.
Next, please consider Mr. Trump's appointment of a cabinet where waivers to the ethics practices and policies in place for decades are needed; an Administration that is systematically taking apart policies and practices that have been the will of the majority for decades, and a POTUS whom has made it clear that he is above the law and that IT serves HIM, not the other way around. Please consider his views on FBI and AG roles.
Mr. Trump is a man who has no concept of truth and no use for it. Truth is what he wants and nothing else is relevant. The people supporting him in the main seem to be people willing to sell themselves for the benefit of whatever one thing Trump promised them.
The root remains that a minority of people voted in the election; that a large number of people currently do not believe facts matter any longer, and the rest don't think their opinion counts. When a Congress continues to get re-elected time after time with an approval rating consistently below 20%, it is unclear how to undo this mess.
6
"If we continue to act like tyranny is imminent, we will miss what needs fixing most in our society."
If we do not act like tyranny is imminent, tyranny will arrive. Few Germans in 1932 anticipated 1933/1934.
If we do not act like tyranny is imminent, tyranny will arrive. Few Germans in 1932 anticipated 1933/1934.
13
Rarely do we get such a well reasoned opinion piece from commentators on these pages.
As has been pointed out in a number of articles today, the nation's "guardrails" are firmly in place even while Trump keeps banging into them.
Absent a Dr Strangelove twist to the current political narrative, the country will survive Mr Trump and, in a just world, will vote the republican right wing (which is almost all of them) out of office. Alas, the world is not a just world and the likelihood is that those Americans who support the social, if not really the economic policies of the republican agenda will continue to vote their intelligence.
So we'll have to settle on the gradually increasing irrelevance of Trump as the nation's president, the continuing demonstration of the republican inability to govern, the likely resignation or impeachment of Trump as his long standing ties to the Russian oligarchs and mobsters who did in fact meddle in our presidential election prove to be the foundation upon how his campaign colluded with the Russian agitprop forces.
Trump is not a threat of tyranny. The good news in all of these White House soap dramas is the "his generals" are proving to be more loyal to the country and its constitution than to Mr Trump. Even Mike Flynn, the epitome of everything that is wrong about generals who opt to cash in on their ranks, contacts and knowledge, will likely contribute to the sinking of Mr Trump.
Unless, of course, the tail wagging the dog ...
As has been pointed out in a number of articles today, the nation's "guardrails" are firmly in place even while Trump keeps banging into them.
Absent a Dr Strangelove twist to the current political narrative, the country will survive Mr Trump and, in a just world, will vote the republican right wing (which is almost all of them) out of office. Alas, the world is not a just world and the likelihood is that those Americans who support the social, if not really the economic policies of the republican agenda will continue to vote their intelligence.
So we'll have to settle on the gradually increasing irrelevance of Trump as the nation's president, the continuing demonstration of the republican inability to govern, the likely resignation or impeachment of Trump as his long standing ties to the Russian oligarchs and mobsters who did in fact meddle in our presidential election prove to be the foundation upon how his campaign colluded with the Russian agitprop forces.
Trump is not a threat of tyranny. The good news in all of these White House soap dramas is the "his generals" are proving to be more loyal to the country and its constitution than to Mr Trump. Even Mike Flynn, the epitome of everything that is wrong about generals who opt to cash in on their ranks, contacts and knowledge, will likely contribute to the sinking of Mr Trump.
Unless, of course, the tail wagging the dog ...
2
The scary part is that by following the liberal agenda - centralization of all basic functions in Washington DC - we make the road to tyranny wider. If there is anything to worry about, it's the tendency to want to be like Europe, forgetting the cycles of war, fascism, and totalitarianism over there. Admirers of Europe think that it's all in the past, but the past shows that everything recurs. History, unlike certain people, is not progressive. The USA needs to re-embrace Federalism, not the Feds. If that gives certain States carte blanche to be odious, too bad.
1
As far as I'm concerned, anything that get more Americans to read real books such as those written by Arendt and Orwell is at least partially a good thing.
And while Trump himself may not be made of the same stuff as some of history's more notorious dictators, let's not forget that he fronts a completely corrupt Republican Party that seems to be getting ready to try to implement voter suppression on a massive scale through its totally bogus "Voter Fraud" commission.
Not to mention the damage being done to the climate because of Trump's (And the GOP's) disbelief of man-made climate change, and the massive drop of our international standing and our place in the world.
It strikes me that there is plenty to be concerned about and act against. If it takes "hysteria" to get liberal America moving and acting, then let's have more of it.
And while Trump himself may not be made of the same stuff as some of history's more notorious dictators, let's not forget that he fronts a completely corrupt Republican Party that seems to be getting ready to try to implement voter suppression on a massive scale through its totally bogus "Voter Fraud" commission.
Not to mention the damage being done to the climate because of Trump's (And the GOP's) disbelief of man-made climate change, and the massive drop of our international standing and our place in the world.
It strikes me that there is plenty to be concerned about and act against. If it takes "hysteria" to get liberal America moving and acting, then let's have more of it.
2
This analysis is facile at best. For a real example of what happens when tyranny is allowed to fester and an economy grows, just tale a look at China. Professor Moyn and Priestland conveniently ignore the elemental fact that people in many countries are willing to give up freedoms for a fatter wallet. That is not something we should ever concede to in the United States.
While Trump may be a nincompoop, some of those surrounding him are not. They are aggressively gutting key government departments against Congressionally and court mandated requirements. By attacking liberalism's core goals, they achieve quietly what more obvious attempts to rule by fiat cannot. To prevent tyranny, we have no choice but to fight against Trump and those who currently control Congress, regardless of the short term consequences for our overall fiscal health. Otherwise the damage won't just be short term, it will be generational.
While Trump may be a nincompoop, some of those surrounding him are not. They are aggressively gutting key government departments against Congressionally and court mandated requirements. By attacking liberalism's core goals, they achieve quietly what more obvious attempts to rule by fiat cannot. To prevent tyranny, we have no choice but to fight against Trump and those who currently control Congress, regardless of the short term consequences for our overall fiscal health. Otherwise the damage won't just be short term, it will be generational.
1
Trump is a threat to democracy not because he has a good chance of making himself a dictator, but because his constant barrage of lies, his message to his supporters that nothing the media says can be believed, and his insistence that any election result but the one he favors is caused by fraud undermine people's faith in our democratic system. Where does this lead?
Democracy only works if the people who lose an election accept the result. Lincoln made it clear that the Civil War was a war to save democracy in this country from people who refused to accept the result of the 1860 election, which delivered control of the federal government to a party that opposed the expansion of slavery. The losers in that election refused to accept the legitimacy of the government that was formed, deciding to form their own government instead. Trump's behavior raises the same threat - if enough people refuse to accept the legitimacy of our elections, our democracy cannot survive.
Democracy only works if the people who lose an election accept the result. Lincoln made it clear that the Civil War was a war to save democracy in this country from people who refused to accept the result of the 1860 election, which delivered control of the federal government to a party that opposed the expansion of slavery. The losers in that election refused to accept the legitimacy of the government that was formed, deciding to form their own government instead. Trump's behavior raises the same threat - if enough people refuse to accept the legitimacy of our elections, our democracy cannot survive.
3
I compare this opinion piece to Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" which offers a rationale for eating babies. Swift's writing was satire. This??
4
The authors of this article are obviously far, far too intelligent for a lowly individual such as myself to argue with. However in their statement "A little more than six months into the Trump presidency, though, it now seems clear that the most frightening threats to ordinary politics in the United States are empty or easily contained.", I will still seek to provide my lowly opinion. The most frightening threat to America via Trump and the Republican party at large is very, very clearly the utter disregard of truth, factual information, logic and common sense.
1
Trump may not be a threat to our democracy, but he is becoming a threat to our existence.
2
The Republican Party has attempted to steal health care from millions, and disenfranchise them at the same time. Meanwhile, Trump is rattling his sabre against North Korea. I think hysteria is an appropriate response.
1
"an exclusive focus on the defense of liberal fundamentals against a supposed totalitarian peril often exacerbates the social and international conflicts it seeks to resolve."?
Do you mean liberal fundamentals like the Constitution and the rule of law?! Funny, I thought those were AMERICAN fundamentals...
And just how do we go about getting social justice, reasonable equality and effective democracy if we don't have a free press and allow voter suppression?
Do you mean liberal fundamentals like the Constitution and the rule of law?! Funny, I thought those were AMERICAN fundamentals...
And just how do we go about getting social justice, reasonable equality and effective democracy if we don't have a free press and allow voter suppression?
3
You’re not suggesting that coastal elites actually sacrifice to help the rust belt proletariat!?
2
Sill article. As much as I hated the birther hysteria directed at President Obama it was not a threat to our democracy. I could give you 25 other examples as well.
This column is really unhelpful. Trump is a clear and present danger: "The menace the commander in chief poses to the world, as his impulsive warning to North Korea suggested, may be another matter." Another matter indeed. A matter of the greatest urgency which requires the removal of this morally degenerate lunatic from office today -- if not sooner. There is no contradiction between staying focused on Trump as an EMERGENCY and simultaneously staying focused on the longer term problem of fixing the working class alienation that put him in office.
“But that hardly amounts to a long-term design on American democracy from some kind of fifth column, backed by Moscow’s “Authoritarian International” and propagated by fake news… Paranoia alone explains why fear that the republic is in imminent danger has been the dominant response.”
Among the well-informed liberal commentators, who does display that kind of “paranoia”?
Professor Moyn has published his views on international human rights. As a human rights scholar has recently reasoned, “civil and political rights are necessary conditions to all claims for all other rights and all demands... They are strategically essential.” It is vital to defend liberal values that have created the historical foundation for “civil and political rights.” Social democracy is achievable only if we can expand the scopes of our civil and political rights. The path to eliminating the abuses of “market fundamentalism” runs through strengthening liberal democracy—now under attack by Trumpism and the alt-right-white-nationalism.
Reza Afshari
Among the well-informed liberal commentators, who does display that kind of “paranoia”?
Professor Moyn has published his views on international human rights. As a human rights scholar has recently reasoned, “civil and political rights are necessary conditions to all claims for all other rights and all demands... They are strategically essential.” It is vital to defend liberal values that have created the historical foundation for “civil and political rights.” Social democracy is achievable only if we can expand the scopes of our civil and political rights. The path to eliminating the abuses of “market fundamentalism” runs through strengthening liberal democracy—now under attack by Trumpism and the alt-right-white-nationalism.
Reza Afshari
1
I don't know, I'm pretty alarmed by both the really bad leadership and the whole situation that led to it - populism, dysfunctional economy, xenophobia and nationalism, the whole shebang.
By their tone, the two professors seem to have all the answers, but I can't see that anything concrete is being advocated for here.
"Democracy put Mr. Trump in power." Really? Democracy purposefully corrupted in so many different ways put Trump in power. Start with anti-democratic institution of our Electoral College. Continue with the representative imbalance of the US Senate and the obscenely gerrymandered lower house. Add in the deliberately partisan suppression of votes and the absurd after-the-fact establishment of an inaptly-labeled voter integrity commission.
The only way for democracy to put Mr. Trump in power is to have a democratic system of government, but we do not. Not even close.
The only way for democracy to put Mr. Trump in power is to have a democratic system of government, but we do not. Not even close.
339
Excuse me John, but do you sincerely believe that our system of government is "not even close" to democracy?
1
Actually, Greg, no I do not believe this. My last sentence was gratuitous hyperbole. I apologize for it. We have more than enough of that commodity already.
Comparing the effect of the, as of yet, unproven Russian attempts to influence our political process to the well-documented and highly successful efforts of corporate America to influence or political system will give insight into the real threat to our "democracy". When referring to the US, the word democracy must be put in quotes due to the inordinate political power of the tiny slice of the population we refer to as the .1%
As a scholarly report on US-style "democracy" found:
"Multivariate analysis indicates that economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while average citizens and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence. The results provide substantial support for theories of Economic-Elite Domination and for theories of
Biased Pluralism, but not for theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy or Majoritarian Pluralism".
https://scholar.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/mgilens/files/gilens_a...
All is not well in our society and the public is well aware of that, as demonstrated by polling showing historically low popularity of the political parties and the three branches of government.
The authors of this article admit that we have a "dysfunctional economy", although they will never admit that the tyranny of the oligarchs is the underlying cause of the dysfunction.
As a scholarly report on US-style "democracy" found:
"Multivariate analysis indicates that economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while average citizens and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence. The results provide substantial support for theories of Economic-Elite Domination and for theories of
Biased Pluralism, but not for theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy or Majoritarian Pluralism".
https://scholar.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/mgilens/files/gilens_a...
All is not well in our society and the public is well aware of that, as demonstrated by polling showing historically low popularity of the political parties and the three branches of government.
The authors of this article admit that we have a "dysfunctional economy", although they will never admit that the tyranny of the oligarchs is the underlying cause of the dysfunction.
14
The interesting conclusion is that neither party is really listening to the calls for social justice and better national riches distribution coming from those Americans who voted for President Trump.
However, the authors still assume that the two parties are able to change and finally meet the urgent needs of those Trump voters.
Indeed, this is the weak point of their arguments. The two parties are so bound to the commanding industrial and financial capital that they are maybe no more able to pursue the targets of "fuller justice and "true safety".
It is true that both Republicans and Democrats have neglected the interests of the American middle class workers, once with the end of the Cold War, the West was not anymore obliged to show the social superiority of the capitalist system compared with the communist one.
Therefore, a better conclusion might have been to suggest founding a new party with a better balanced, political program, aiming to pursue the economic growth and social justice at the same time.
However, the authors still assume that the two parties are able to change and finally meet the urgent needs of those Trump voters.
Indeed, this is the weak point of their arguments. The two parties are so bound to the commanding industrial and financial capital that they are maybe no more able to pursue the targets of "fuller justice and "true safety".
It is true that both Republicans and Democrats have neglected the interests of the American middle class workers, once with the end of the Cold War, the West was not anymore obliged to show the social superiority of the capitalist system compared with the communist one.
Therefore, a better conclusion might have been to suggest founding a new party with a better balanced, political program, aiming to pursue the economic growth and social justice at the same time.
2
The Founding Father's were so fearful of democracy and autocracy that they intended to create a divided limited power republic for white Protestant men from North and West Europe who owned property were divinely naturally created equal with certain unalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The only originally directly elected democratic representative was the member of the House of Representatives. The primary threat to Constitutional republic rule in America has always been domestic.
The only originally directly elected democratic representative was the member of the House of Representatives. The primary threat to Constitutional republic rule in America has always been domestic.
1
I'm less worried about tyranny than I am about what this President wants to do with his mostly compliant Congress. Forty-eight Senators and a majority of Representatives voted for outrageously cruel health care bills, recall, that more than 80% of us detested. The tyranny, if there is one, is by the Tea Party, which is a relatively small group of Americans who have been politically astute and utterly ideological (and therefore undemocratic). They want to rule, not govern.
6
First off, most people agree (Trump supporters included) that Trump's rise to power and the nature of his administration are "unprecedented" in the United States. Indeed, the author as much as states that unprecedented economic conditions/inequalities yielded this unprecedented result (let's not get into Russia right this second).
Unprecedented events, by their very nature, are resistant to the kinds of analyses the authors are making. Side note: I believe that there is abundant precedent in Europe's history for Trump's rise to power, even if it's not a precise 1:1 comparison. Even so, what the authors are doing is analogous to claiming that because previous wars using conventional weapons were not the end of human civilization that a nuclear war would not end human civilization either. In reality, certain unprecedented events, such as two nuclear powers led by HIGHLY impulsive, arguably delusional men engaging in armed conflict are cause for unprecedented concern. So too for our democracy.
Secondly, while we may be saved by Trump's inability to remake our country in his image, there WILL be precedent for his filthy goals once he leaves office. A more competent communicator or politician could build on that precedent to "succeed" where Trump (so far) has failed. With such a low bar, almost anyone could show themselves to be slightly more reasonable than the current president, which may create a perceived, but ILLUSORY, policy difference. Dark days after that.
Unprecedented events, by their very nature, are resistant to the kinds of analyses the authors are making. Side note: I believe that there is abundant precedent in Europe's history for Trump's rise to power, even if it's not a precise 1:1 comparison. Even so, what the authors are doing is analogous to claiming that because previous wars using conventional weapons were not the end of human civilization that a nuclear war would not end human civilization either. In reality, certain unprecedented events, such as two nuclear powers led by HIGHLY impulsive, arguably delusional men engaging in armed conflict are cause for unprecedented concern. So too for our democracy.
Secondly, while we may be saved by Trump's inability to remake our country in his image, there WILL be precedent for his filthy goals once he leaves office. A more competent communicator or politician could build on that precedent to "succeed" where Trump (so far) has failed. With such a low bar, almost anyone could show themselves to be slightly more reasonable than the current president, which may create a perceived, but ILLUSORY, policy difference. Dark days after that.
2
Yes, Trump has shown no inclination to rush an enabling act through Congress or do away with constitutional niceties. But he has shown disdain for the separation of powers and resents checks and balances.
Trump is not aspiring to be a 20th century dictator. But he is a fan of strongmen like Putin, Orban and Erdogan, who have successfully done away with liberal democracy, and thrown in his lot with the Polish PiS, which is also determined to establish an illiberal democracy in Poland.
So, yes, Arendt and Orwell have little to teach us about Trump, but Orban and Erdogan do. It is entirely possible that Trump is just pursuing a hard right agenda. And he clearly lacks the intelligence and political acumen to transform America's constitutional order.
But if Trumpism is here to stay - and the GOP seems to have decided that Trump is a deeply flawed messenger of a good message - the norms upholding liberal democracy in the US could erode.
In Turkey, Kemalism survived the election of Erdogan's mentor Erbakan for twenty years, and even Weimar survived right and leftwing coups for fifteen years. But no democracy can survive decades of discontent. And if a toxic combination of economic stress, white nationalism and reactionary social policy define US movement conservatism, this movement may turn the US into an authoritarian illiberal democracy.
Trump is not aspiring to be a 20th century dictator. But he is a fan of strongmen like Putin, Orban and Erdogan, who have successfully done away with liberal democracy, and thrown in his lot with the Polish PiS, which is also determined to establish an illiberal democracy in Poland.
So, yes, Arendt and Orwell have little to teach us about Trump, but Orban and Erdogan do. It is entirely possible that Trump is just pursuing a hard right agenda. And he clearly lacks the intelligence and political acumen to transform America's constitutional order.
But if Trumpism is here to stay - and the GOP seems to have decided that Trump is a deeply flawed messenger of a good message - the norms upholding liberal democracy in the US could erode.
In Turkey, Kemalism survived the election of Erdogan's mentor Erbakan for twenty years, and even Weimar survived right and leftwing coups for fifteen years. But no democracy can survive decades of discontent. And if a toxic combination of economic stress, white nationalism and reactionary social policy define US movement conservatism, this movement may turn the US into an authoritarian illiberal democracy.
7
"If we continue to act like tyranny is imminent, we will miss what needs fixing most in our society." Democracy is, indeed, under siege because only a badly broken election process could have elected such a person as Trump. Economic fairness and solidarity is what results from a functioning process. Until we fix the voter suppression and disenfranchisement, vote rigging, gerrymandering, and manipulation of voters by propagandistic shadow groups we will not be able to alleviate the very real apprehension that the system is unfair.
6
It wasn't our democracy, but our unique American oligarchy that put Trump in power.
8
CSW is spot on. The central issue is the radical billionaire right, which is behind most of the polices we now see of gutting the EPA, the State Department, the financial, environmental, health and safety rules that protect us all, tax reduction for the top 1% and so on. But the worst for our democracy is their focus on voter suppression. (cross checking, gerrymandering, reduced polling places in minority districts, forbidding former felons to vote, etc. These kept millions from voting in 2016, so the DNC needs to get focused on this.
10
Actually, I think that a theme here is that people, on the while, would rather indulge in emotional venting directed at enemies, than in thinking about problems. Trump provides an a ideal foil for this, because he needs to turn everyone who isn't at his beck and call into enemies to hold on to his idea of himself. He baits those of us who hate what he represents, we react predictably and tear him up with words, but it all comes to naught.
This may all just be an expression of the inability to come to an agreement in our two major political parties on common major goals for the future of the country. E.g.,there isn't a problem in hashing out the mechanics of a health care law, it's about the kind of medical care we can, mutually, support.
When it comes to thinking about how the economy should be shaped by public policy -- positions are so rigid that there is no attempt to grasp different view points. And both sides, loking at Trump's election, may have drawn to bad lessons about how manipulation of the message is more important than the content.
This may all just be an expression of the inability to come to an agreement in our two major political parties on common major goals for the future of the country. E.g.,there isn't a problem in hashing out the mechanics of a health care law, it's about the kind of medical care we can, mutually, support.
When it comes to thinking about how the economy should be shaped by public policy -- positions are so rigid that there is no attempt to grasp different view points. And both sides, loking at Trump's election, may have drawn to bad lessons about how manipulation of the message is more important than the content.
6
"It is easier to believe that democracy is under siege than to acknowledge that democracy put Mr. Trump in power" - Wrong! The Electoral College, gerrymandering, and voter suppression put Trump in power. And how can we reduce economic inequality and increase social justice and fairness, these authors' stated wishes - with what Trump, Congress, Jeff Sessions, and the Supreme Court are doing? And Trump and the Republican Congress want to install ultra Right-wing judges on the hundreds of open positions on District Court and Appellate benches - lifetime appointments. And what does the authors define as "excessive" in their statement: "Excessive focus on liberal fundamentals, like basic freedoms or the rule of law, could prove self-defeating." The rule of law isn't all that important? Sheesh. What have these authors been smoking?
59
Agree with you 100 percent, Jan. Since when are "basic freedoms" and "the rule of law" considered to be "liberal fundamentals"? Silly me, I thought those were the fundamentals of our entire country. Who knew they were only espoused by liberals?
The Indianapolis Star reported on an exemplar of the direct threat to democracy that is beyond Trump and hysteria:
"From 2008 to 2016, GOP officials expanded early voting stations in Republican dominated Hamilton County, IndyStar's analysis found, and decreased them in the state's biggest Democratic hotbed, Marion County. That made voting more convenient in GOP areas for people with transportation issues or busy schedules. And the results were immediate. Most telling, Hamilton County saw a 63 percent increase in absentee voting from 2008 to 2016, while Marion County saw a 26 percent decline."
Voter suppression and gerrymandering allow the minority GOP party to dominate our elections.
"From 2008 to 2016, GOP officials expanded early voting stations in Republican dominated Hamilton County, IndyStar's analysis found, and decreased them in the state's biggest Democratic hotbed, Marion County. That made voting more convenient in GOP areas for people with transportation issues or busy schedules. And the results were immediate. Most telling, Hamilton County saw a 63 percent increase in absentee voting from 2008 to 2016, while Marion County saw a 26 percent decline."
Voter suppression and gerrymandering allow the minority GOP party to dominate our elections.
157
If it is just the United States and just Trump, I would agree with the professors that we are over-reacting. However, the rise of the rise of illiberal, populist, authoritarian is a global phenomena. Without counting monarchies and theocracies that were never liberal democracies, the strain of dangerous authoritarianism now runs now through leaders in Turkey, Poland, Israel, Russia, and of course the United States. For countries that are edging towards modernity like China are backsliding. Xi is trying to subvert the system so that he can forever remain in power. It is right that there are pressing social problems but the rising authoritarian impulses all over the world should be the most alarming.
8
What the majority of commentators on the election of Donald Trump as president fail to recognize, including the authors here, is that it was really an inevitable outcome of the capitalist and democratic system we've built, at least capitalism and democracy the way we've implemented them. The authors touch on the idea that Trump was just an extension of conservative, Reaganite policies but don't go nearly far enough. It's our very worship of money that led to someone like Donald Trump being seen by millions of people as a savior we needed, and that is indeed how many saw him, as they've made clear. It's our protecting corporate interests almost above all else that led to the news media being largely a bought off propaganda channel for the wealthy, or at least large powerful chunks of it are, and it has the ear of millions.
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren offered at least some steps to take to change this, but they were doomed to failure since the corporate media had declared them fringe extremists from the start. It's not at all clear that even were someone like Sanders elected however that our basic core system would change, the original sin of worship of wealth and money and success above all else. It's an original sin that's now come back to haunt us, but it's been there all along.
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren offered at least some steps to take to change this, but they were doomed to failure since the corporate media had declared them fringe extremists from the start. It's not at all clear that even were someone like Sanders elected however that our basic core system would change, the original sin of worship of wealth and money and success above all else. It's an original sin that's now come back to haunt us, but it's been there all along.
15
And the alternative to capitalism and democracy is what? Socialism and the dictatorship of the proletariat? Let's ask the millions killed in the gulags or starved in the Great Leap Forward how they liked it. Instead of worshipping success, what should we do? Insist on equality of the outcome? Cambodia and Pol Pot come to mind. Money is the root of all evil? Let's abolish free market and see starvation riots as in Venezuela. Capitalism and liberal democracy are not ideal but they are the best humanity has come up with so far. This is not to say that local reforms cannot be made to create a safety net for the poor or to improve healthcare. The Nordic countries (capitalist democracies, all of them) are doing pretty well in that direction. But I'd still take the corporate media over Soviet-style censorship, and shopping malls over concentration camps.
1
I would rather err on the side of fighting tyranny now, rather than regretting its implementation later. As an earlier commentator observed - of course, panic and hysteria are bad. But anyone paying attention to the current state of democratic institutions in the USA should be alarmed. Perhaps the authors of this piece have not been paying attention.
87
The two authors of this article read like nothing more than demagogue apologists.
Trump leads a political party with a majority of members who would support him in postponing elections for fear of voter fraud; who also believe, polls say, that courts should have the power to shut down the press.
Trump's lying claims that several million fraudulent votes were cast last year, claims supported by 2/3 of his party, are profoundly corrosive to democracy and republican government. And they are supported from top to bottom by a Justice Department and an electoral commission that aims to disenfranchise millions: if that is not a threat to democracy, what is?
Trump has destroyed and continues to destroy hard-won norms associated with ethical conduct and conflict of interest in government: the new norms he is establishing are about family and clan, precisely the kinds of norms that have led to failed states around the world. And these "new" pre-Enlightenment norms have been halted by who? Precisely nobody.
Moreover, all these characteristics of Trumpism are part of a seamless web of action intended to prevent precisely the social progress the authors of this op-ed support. These real, not alternative, facts lead me to conclude that they are not just wrong, but oblivious.
Trump's lying claims that several million fraudulent votes were cast last year, claims supported by 2/3 of his party, are profoundly corrosive to democracy and republican government. And they are supported from top to bottom by a Justice Department and an electoral commission that aims to disenfranchise millions: if that is not a threat to democracy, what is?
Trump has destroyed and continues to destroy hard-won norms associated with ethical conduct and conflict of interest in government: the new norms he is establishing are about family and clan, precisely the kinds of norms that have led to failed states around the world. And these "new" pre-Enlightenment norms have been halted by who? Precisely nobody.
Moreover, all these characteristics of Trumpism are part of a seamless web of action intended to prevent precisely the social progress the authors of this op-ed support. These real, not alternative, facts lead me to conclude that they are not just wrong, but oblivious.
35
>Trump leads a political party with a majority of members who would support him in postponing elections for fear of voter fraud; who also believe, polls say, that courts should have the power to shut down the press.
What is the sample size of these inane polls? They are great for incendiary headlines, but are actually meaningless. I would have thought that after the election polling debacle, people would have resumed thinking for themselves a bit and developed some critical relationship to these polls (and 538.com would have voluntarily shut down out of shame and embarrassment) but no, Democrats continue to equate polls with limited sample sizes and leading questions with "facts" and "settled science."
Pet peeve: there is no such thing as "Settled Science." The entire point of scientific enquiry is that the things we know change, sometimes dramatically, over time. Until 1880s, few believed that diseases were caused by germs or viruses. "Miasma" was "Settled Science."
What is the sample size of these inane polls? They are great for incendiary headlines, but are actually meaningless. I would have thought that after the election polling debacle, people would have resumed thinking for themselves a bit and developed some critical relationship to these polls (and 538.com would have voluntarily shut down out of shame and embarrassment) but no, Democrats continue to equate polls with limited sample sizes and leading questions with "facts" and "settled science."
Pet peeve: there is no such thing as "Settled Science." The entire point of scientific enquiry is that the things we know change, sometimes dramatically, over time. Until 1880s, few believed that diseases were caused by germs or viruses. "Miasma" was "Settled Science."
3
This essay displays a profound and dangerous misunderstanding of liberal democracy. Democracy is not just the will of the majority. Democracy is the rule of law, defense of minority rights, free markets, and freedom of speech and thought. Without these fundamental freedoms, democracy becomes a rule of the mob presided over by a deified leader. Trump may not be able to destroy American democracy but he certainly creates the conditions for a populist tyranny of the majority. And the underlying message of the article - that economic justice takes precedence over individual rights - is as tone-deaf as it is dangerous. Communism was not so bad? No, it was worse than the Cold War warriors knew or cared about. The reason why Russia fell into dictatorship is not "free market fundamentalists" but the destruction of the social habits of liberty by the seventy years of tyranny. America is nowhere at this stage yet but minimizing the danger of totalitarian populism or intimating that we must sacrifice individual rights to achieve "social justice" is a step in the wrong direction.
40
"Totalitarian populism" is an oxymoron in American history (read up on Populism, in, for example, Lawrence Goodwin and Walter Nugent). The U.S. made its greatest progress under class-based coalitions like Populism and the New Deal. Yes, there was some attention to identity interests, but they were subordinated to larger, common principles of democracy and equality that all have-nots could subscribe to. Focussing almost exclusively on identity protections and Cold War terrors will not help the Democrats restructure their coalition and win. If we truly want equality, freedom, and social justice, the way to those goals is not through a pastiche of identities but within a broad coalition like that of FDR and Bernie Sanders that subordinates [without ignoring!] divisive race and gender issues
to large common principles that can win a large majority.
to large common principles that can win a large majority.