With the election just a mere month away I think most of us can agree that our democracy is in crisis….and some seem to think that this election could change all the woe that has been foisted on our beloved country.
But will it change?
Despite being divided on most issues, an overwhelming majority of Americans agree that their democracy is in a state of crisis or facing serious challenges.
A few of the symptoms of the problem: Close allies see the U.S. as a threat to peace. Immigration raids by poorly trained federal agents have terrorized cities. President Donald Trump claims that only his own sense of morality limits his power. The Trump administration has politicized the Justice Department, and many of Trump’s political nominees refuse to acknowledge that Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election.
Plato warned that an unhealthy democracy can easily fall prey to a tyrant. As a scholar of American government, I see dishonest leaders, an environment of declining trust and a cultural penchant for violence as symptoms of Plato’s scenario.
The courts, which research suggests are ineffective at instituting significant political change, cannot adequately counter today’s democratic crisis. So what can?
One thing I’ve learned over two decades is that when it comes to the fundamentals of democracy, political science is not rocket science. A healthy democracy requires educated citizens, including a free press and an engaged public.
There is the problem…..we have few educated citizens, our press is no longer free and the public is not engaged just spouting platitudes at each other.
So is the democracy in trouble….you bet your ass it is and we are the reason why….yet we cannot seem to find our way out of this darkness, which seems to get deeper as we go along.
Public opinion is at an all time low…..
- Widespread Concern: Over 80% of Americans say democracy is either in crisis or facing serious challenges.
- Low Confidence: Trust in federal government institutions and traditional media remains near historic lows.
- Partisan Divides: Views on specific threats and the overall health of the system vary sharply along political lines.
That says it all….and yet the voter does little to change the direction we are traveling….
The crisis is looming large and within a few short weeks will know if it has left the room or not….
If you plan to vote then choose wisely or kiss this democracy good-bye…..possibly forever.
I Read, I Write, You Know
“lego ergo scribo”
Democracy in America is in crisis because of Trump. I am not expecting him to honour the results of the midterm elections, so we will see how things turn out soon.
Best wishes, Pete.