Ding Dong.....the US Politics Thread (Part 1)

How does the US get back to some kind of consensus?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/dan-kelly-wisconsin-concede

1 Like

My first reaction: ‘oh ffs!’

When one party rediscovers its respect for democracy , and an interest in actually governing for the common good rather than seeking power for its own sake. I wouldn’t hold your breath.

But how do we get to that point from where we are now?
In order for any kind of democracy to exist there has to be an acceptance of the rules and procedures on all sides. If one side refuses to accept the results of elections the whole system collapses.

The quickest way would be for the Republicans to be absolutely routed in 2024 , the party to see sense , disavow the MAGA nutcases and the conspiracy theory wing of the party and return to some semblance of normal politicking. Actually running on a manifesto instead of a list of grievances would be a start.

1 Like

I see the problem as the gap between what is legal and the multiple definitions of what democracy is. Legally, there is nothing any party can do much except to accept an election result, of course they are allowed to challenge the results in court and that is allowed legally. However, the problem is then what do you and do not allow under “democracy”? Are going on protests and encouraging people to protest to make their feelings know, democratic? Are protests and riots that involves looting and destroying public property not democracy or it is democracy as long they are responding to what they feel is unfairness? I would love a world where people and politicians can find the balance on both spectrums but as I am told many times, there is simply no such thing. Instead I see the people who trumpets democracy only wants democracy when it fits their narrative or world view.

Democracy requires all parties to accept certain conditions in order for it to work. They have to accept that their opponents are allowed to express their opinions, they have to accept criticism from a free media, they have to accept an independent judiciary, and they have to accept election results.
Yes, protest is absolutely an essential part of democracy, vandalism isn’t.
That’s not as complicated as you seem to think.
I don’t only want democracy when it fits my world view. It is my world view.

1 Like

That’s precisely my point. We all might have our definition of democracy because if there is only one universal one, why would the idiots illegally storm the capitol and despite being charged, plenty still think it’s right. Why would Antifa think it’s only right to fight what they perceive as unfairness with violence? From a person far away from the west, I was actually the one who had been asking here why on earth couldn’t people just seek balance and take the best of both parties but I was simply told, it’s pretty much impossible even if idealistic.

Democracy, like science, is a constant work in progress. It will never be perfect and is permanently being adapted and changed to fit new situations. That is both its strength and its weakness. Authoritarian government is absolute and inflexible, which can appear strong, but which leads to enormous problems sooner or later.
Democracy is an ongoing conversation about what is the best way to do things. It’s messy and it’s often chaotic, but as long as all the parties accept the conditions, it’s the least bad form of government.
Obviously, storming the government because you don’t accept an election result is not democratic, but protesting against a policy you disagree with, is.

2 Likes

This was the song played 30yrs ago at the Inauguration of Bill Clinton - A time when Orange Hippo Trump was scheming even back then. The Prophetic words are still worth listening to today

2 Likes

Another mass shooting in the land of the free (to be scared for your life). Makes it 146 in the 100 days of the calander year, but we all know that guns ain’t the problem yall

2 Likes

for reference

2 Likes

Loiusville is a very liberal city in a very red state. The current Mayor ran on a platform of trying to get illegal guns off the street (he’s coming for our guns). You know exactly what the response is going to be

Once again, Jim Jeffries video is 100% spot on

2 Likes

The thing is, of course, there is a ruling class and yes, they are out of touch with ordinary people, but the idea that they want to destroy the very system that they control, is completely nonsensical. Why don’t the audience see that?
If some people are profiting from the status quo, why would they undermine the very basis of their power and wealth?

True but they may want to undermine the elements that dilute their control - so trust in government, taxes and belief that democracy gives ppl power are all things that a mythical monolithic ‘corporate elite’ may want to destroy.

Bragg suing Jordan now.

FMD…could that dumpster get any more on fire?

Too out there and in a time like this, takes some doing….

He could charge the twat.