Thank you for this insightful article. As one institution still with values and norms, the Democratic Party has indeed been a safeguard for democracy in ways that the GOP has not, since at least 2015 (Trump's first candidacy) -- or even 2008, when GOP leaders launched efforts to make Obama's presidency fail, starting from day one of his presidency; and thus in many ways, to make the country fail.
What is not healthy now about our democracy is that the MAGA party would rather have an authoritarian dictatorship that holds onto "white power" -- in what's been called "the tyranny of the minority" -- a common challenge posed by different ethnic groups throughout the world and throughout history. What the MAGA white supremacist movement wants to fail is us having a multiracial democracy -- with equal opportunities for political, economic, social, educational, and legal equality -- in which all people have a better chance to make the best lives they can. The Democratic Party is far healthier in these ways.
I haven't learned of a person yet who determined for themselves what color skin they'd be born with, and why does it matter so much to so many? There are incredibly smart, talented, and good people throughout humankind -- each in their own ways deserving respect, dignity, and opportunity -- just by virtue of their humanity. And in the U.S., if and when we follow our foundational values and norms, we are presumed to be created equal, with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Matthew, I have two ideas. I have noticed that countries with strong multi-party systems, form coalitions to rule. The two party system we have now, does not promote collaboration. The second change I would recommend is to significantly shorten the time for elections. Our representatives have to waste so much effort drumming up money for these campaigns because they are so long. Reducing time also means that our representatives are not so indebt to special interest groups and donors.
Thank you for this insightful article. As one institution still with values and norms, the Democratic Party has indeed been a safeguard for democracy in ways that the GOP has not, since at least 2015 (Trump's first candidacy) -- or even 2008, when GOP leaders launched efforts to make Obama's presidency fail, starting from day one of his presidency; and thus in many ways, to make the country fail.
What is not healthy now about our democracy is that the MAGA party would rather have an authoritarian dictatorship that holds onto "white power" -- in what's been called "the tyranny of the minority" -- a common challenge posed by different ethnic groups throughout the world and throughout history. What the MAGA white supremacist movement wants to fail is us having a multiracial democracy -- with equal opportunities for political, economic, social, educational, and legal equality -- in which all people have a better chance to make the best lives they can. The Democratic Party is far healthier in these ways.
I haven't learned of a person yet who determined for themselves what color skin they'd be born with, and why does it matter so much to so many? There are incredibly smart, talented, and good people throughout humankind -- each in their own ways deserving respect, dignity, and opportunity -- just by virtue of their humanity. And in the U.S., if and when we follow our foundational values and norms, we are presumed to be created equal, with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Clearly we are not in a healthy democracy, because one party has embraced dictatorship. Having parties has not been a safeguard for democracy.
Christine, you make an excellent point; but what do you suggest we do to have a healthier democracy?
Matthew, I have two ideas. I have noticed that countries with strong multi-party systems, form coalitions to rule. The two party system we have now, does not promote collaboration. The second change I would recommend is to significantly shorten the time for elections. Our representatives have to waste so much effort drumming up money for these campaigns because they are so long. Reducing time also means that our representatives are not so indebt to special interest groups and donors.