this post was submitted on 03 Dec 2023
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Preserving democracy was never going to be a single-step solution process. It takes consistent, persistent work to not only expand, but to just maintain our liberty for all. It's a tower defense strategy game.
At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin “Well Doctor what have we got, a republic or a monarchy.” Franklin replied, “A republic . . . if you can keep it.” This existential threat has always been there and it's something to always be wary of. It's exhausting, but it's worth it. Freedom ain't free.
It wasn't really a concern until recently. We didn't have constant threats against democracy from within our own government when I was a kid.
Until recently? We had a little thing called the Civil War that was a bit of a speed bump, too.
That's why I added the part about "when I was a kid". I suppose I should have clarified that I'm talking about within my lifetime. There have definitely been other dark moments in our history.
To be fair "when I was a kid" is a rough estimation that typically can range about a 0-60 year timespan or more.
So, Nixon & Watergate wasn't a threat?
Citizens United wasn't a threat?
And don't forget the constant attempts of voter ID laws in Republican states.
Gerrymandering by incumbent parties.
Poling booth closures and inaccessibility.
As five examples of an endless, constant stream from Republicans.
You just have no fucking idea what you're talking about.
That is all bad, but it's not "we're going to cancel voting and stay in power indefinitely" bad, which is what people fear from the Republican party now. It's not "we led a group of fanatics to Capitol Hill in an attempt to overthrow democracy" bad.
I wonder why people fear that?
If it wasn't clear, I wasn't saying it was an unreasonable fear. They attempted a literal coup. It's a legitimate fear.
I think I misread your post. Sorry.
It's cyclical. There was an uncannily similar fascist movement in the US immediately prior to WW2. We had members of Congress on the Nazi payroll, for example. It's happening again; fascism and authoritarianism are on the rise across the globe.
You can just tell everyone you are an idiot instead of suggesting you know something they don't.