As we end the year, there is no denying it, our democracy is fraying. The signs are everywhere.
Business leaders are replacing their platitudes about caring about a just society with commitments to help Trump make America great again. The media is so terrified of crossing the incoming president that they are practically urinating on themselves. Billionaires are debasing themselves to curry favor with someone Spy Magazine called a “short-fingered vulgarian.”
For now, those who bow the deepest and kiss the ring with the most passion, are perceived the winners. Those who stand on principle and cherish the rule of law are considered the latest version of suckers and losers.
The ethos of the current moment is the celebration of clever lying, alternative facts and double standards. Eight years ago, we feared that Trump might, in fact, be able to stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and get away with it. Today, we know he could incite a violent insurrection with total immunity.
When the Washington Post adopted the slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness” in February 2017, we saw it as an affirmation of a fearless media. Now, it seems more like the ironic prediction of a billionaire owner with bigger commercial endeavors to promote.
The Republican Party has ceased to exist as an institution. It is now simply the expression of Trump’s will. Dissent is not just discouraged; it does not exist. It has been replaced with personal loyalty tests and professions of faith. In Trump’s GOP there is nothing more valued than acts of public self-humiliation to please him.
Even the former resistance seems hollowed out, unwilling or unable to muster the strength and energy to fight back. There are still many who are ready to act but lack the leadership or plan to make collective action effective.
A healthy democracy requires civic engagement and leaders committed to the public good. There is no question that our democracy is not healthy. It can still be fixed, but its fraying needs repair…
In this edition of State of Democracy I dive into:
The reaction to Pennsylvania’s tight Senate race
Efforts by the North Carolina GOP to disenfranchise 60,000 voters
Election deniers in the Trump administration
A new power grab law to look out for
