If we succeed in ousting Trump and winning the Senate, it will be in no small part to the loose coalition of moderate Democrats, moderate Republicans, and Never-Trumpers. It is a referendum on Trump. That said, the excesses of the administration have laid bare the weaknesses of our democracy, the reality of systematic racism, the dangers of our extreme income inequalities, and the institutional rot throughout the Justice Department. A win in 25 days should be viewed as a time to reset the narrative to discussing equality and justice. 75% of the country is in agreement with these ideals. It will take sustained grassroots efforts to connect the dots between these ideals and actual policies. I don't believe that we can rely on our current Democratic leadership to clearly articulate this messaging...it will be up to all of us to articulate not just the needed changes but the 'why' behind the changes and show how these changes benefit the 90% that has been left behind. The media thrives on controversy so we shouldn't expect fair coverage. The greater the support for independent journalism, the more pressure MSM will feel. The uncontrolled pandemic has underlined the reality that restricting healthcare punishes everyone. The sweeping corruption of Trump and the GOP has pounded home the necessity of strong voting rights legislation. The imminent collapse of the economy has made clear the grave danger of the current tax code. The murders of Black men and women have united the majority of the country in demanding police reform. Biden has signaled that he prefers bi-partisanship, but he will not be stopped by performative partisanship. The country is on the tipping point of change, but lasting change requires cooperation, coordination, and education. This means that we all have to continue to be more involved in the way our country is run than we might prefer, but once we become accustomed to this 'new normal', we will find it hard to believe that we were ever so disengaged. That's my hope.
I warned of this before Trump was even elected: "Don't you Dare Call It Trumpism." https://crooksandliars.com/2016/07/dont-you-dare-call-it-trump-ism What we have learned since then are the specific structural remedies needed to stave off governmental fascism. The media's addiction to both siderism is another disease altogether. I think only if it costs them advertising dollars will their false-balance-snorting stop.
Also an important structural change: Make the Supreme Court weaker in relation to the legislature, by requiring a 2/3 majority to declare any law of congress unconstitutional. I forget who proposed this, but it seems to me a very good idea.
If we succeed in ousting Trump and winning the Senate, it will be in no small part to the loose coalition of moderate Democrats, moderate Republicans, and Never-Trumpers. It is a referendum on Trump. That said, the excesses of the administration have laid bare the weaknesses of our democracy, the reality of systematic racism, the dangers of our extreme income inequalities, and the institutional rot throughout the Justice Department. A win in 25 days should be viewed as a time to reset the narrative to discussing equality and justice. 75% of the country is in agreement with these ideals. It will take sustained grassroots efforts to connect the dots between these ideals and actual policies. I don't believe that we can rely on our current Democratic leadership to clearly articulate this messaging...it will be up to all of us to articulate not just the needed changes but the 'why' behind the changes and show how these changes benefit the 90% that has been left behind. The media thrives on controversy so we shouldn't expect fair coverage. The greater the support for independent journalism, the more pressure MSM will feel. The uncontrolled pandemic has underlined the reality that restricting healthcare punishes everyone. The sweeping corruption of Trump and the GOP has pounded home the necessity of strong voting rights legislation. The imminent collapse of the economy has made clear the grave danger of the current tax code. The murders of Black men and women have united the majority of the country in demanding police reform. Biden has signaled that he prefers bi-partisanship, but he will not be stopped by performative partisanship. The country is on the tipping point of change, but lasting change requires cooperation, coordination, and education. This means that we all have to continue to be more involved in the way our country is run than we might prefer, but once we become accustomed to this 'new normal', we will find it hard to believe that we were ever so disengaged. That's my hope.
I warned of this before Trump was even elected: "Don't you Dare Call It Trumpism." https://crooksandliars.com/2016/07/dont-you-dare-call-it-trump-ism What we have learned since then are the specific structural remedies needed to stave off governmental fascism. The media's addiction to both siderism is another disease altogether. I think only if it costs them advertising dollars will their false-balance-snorting stop.
It's not a bug. It's a feature. I first took notice of the rot infecting the GOP back when they attached themselves to religion for votes.
Still a moderate in some respects, I finally switched parties for good after the 2004 Primaries.
Also an important structural change: Make the Supreme Court weaker in relation to the legislature, by requiring a 2/3 majority to declare any law of congress unconstitutional. I forget who proposed this, but it seems to me a very good idea.