by Shawn Wathen, Hamilton
At the end of June, I crossed into Canada to spend time with friends. As I crossed the border, I left behind a democracy on life support. Democracies demand an engaged citizenry, willing to debate ideas and policies without resorting to demonizing those with whom you disagree. In the US, this trait is in short supply.
A substantial percentage of the population is committed to supporting a convicted felon; a person whom a civil court awarded millions of dollars in damages to a woman who had accused him of raping her; and as an outgoing, defeated president, sought to prevent the peaceful transfer of power to the winner of the 2020 election. Many of his supporters advocate violence to attain their power grab, screeching that they are taking the country back. From whom? Fellow citizens of the same country who happen to have a different vision of a just, equitable society. One not based on greed, misogyny, whiteness, and violence. In the face of these differences, a hate-fuelled red mist prevails in place of dialogue. Not the foundation of a healthy democracy.
Authoritarian and neo fascist currents are sweeping the globe. Anyone with even a basic knowledge of history has seen this political swing before, in countless variations. The common denominator, however, is death. Pick a dictator of the past: Franco; Pol Pot; Videla; Milošević; or current ones: Modi; Sisi; Lukašenko. They are propped up on a mountain of skulls, but for now lack the capability to wreak havoc on the world. Now, look at those dictators who control weapons of mass annihilation: Putin; Xi Jinping. The number of dead could rise to many millions.
Back to Canada. I crossed back into the US on July 4th. The irony was impossible to ignore. On that day of declaring independence from King George III in 1776–although it must be pointed out that this idea of independence would not be extended to women, slaves, or indigenous people–which we celebrate annually, I entered into a new political reality. Just days previously, ruling on presidential immunity, six ideologues on the nation’s highest court redefined the United States as a kingdom. As Justice Sotomayor wrote in a scathing dissent, the President is now a king above the law.
Did we just add the US to that list of dictatorships above? Six conservatives in black robes staged a bloodless coup, and put a pillow over the face of our failing democracy.
RIP.
Mike Mercer says
Some of our founding fathers qualify as founding teenagers; this Nation was built by young warriors but is now run by ancient political thespians, so nothing kind comes to mind when addressing politics. It is an ugly business run by corrupt people hiding behind a few noble minded but dispensable people. These noble warriors are few but my optimism wants to say a third of them at least start out being righteous. Both parties bow to “BlackRock” and other corp. thugs so direct your research there and prepare to be amazed.
Gomez says
Alan. Stop being so obstinate. His opinion was based on the following claims. Which of these are factually untrue?
“A substantial percentage of the population is committed to supporting a convicted felon”
“A person whom a civil court awarded millions of dollars in damages to a woman who had accused him of raping her.”
“As an outgoing, defeated president, sought to prevent the peaceful transfer of power to the winner of the 2020 election”
“.Many of his supporters advocate violence to attain their power grab, screeching that they are taking the country back.”
Alan says
On the first two “facts” as you call it, the American people have deemed it political law fare and rejected this nonsense as such, and I agree. Why can’t you accept that most people are calling bs on the legal crap? When the felonies are over turned and they will be, will you be on here to publicly apologize for gaslighting Bitterroot folk?
s for the third charge it is patently false.
Finally, as far as the right inciting violence seems to me only one candidate has been shot at. Have a nice day.
Gomez says
The only ones who have called it law fare have been members of the Trump cult.
“Most people” are calling the Trump convictions bs? My, my you have a small universe.
Yes, have a nice day. Go back to your imaginary Libertarian utopia and let it go already. Trump is now, and will always be a shit stain on the flag of this great country.
Alan says
Trump cult? Let me ask you something Gomez, when is the last time you didn’t vote a straight D ticket? Who is the real cult member here?
Gomez says
You are a Libertarian, right?
Bill Stroud says
Seriously man, you’re trolling right? If not, how can any argument hold cred when it’s defended with……
“ the American people have deemed it”, or
“ that most people are”.
That’s no more brilliant than “well, everyone I talk to”.
Nice try but not too savvy.
Alan says
Well Bill we will see at election time, I am basing that on the latest polls. We need only wait, that is if the democrat elite and money changers are able to select there next candidate. All this time you democrats thought your primary vote mattered, lol. Btw, if Biden were ahead in the polls your handlers wouldn’t be throwing out your useless vote. Must suck to realize y’all got played.
WMA says
Better get current with the news, Alan.
WMA says
Alan, you mimic Trump really well. The American people have not deemed anything. A small segment of Trumplicants have, the same microcosm who are “calling bs on the legal crap…”
And get back to me when his felony convictions are overturned.
Mike Mercer says
A substantial percentage of the population couldn’t care less about a “government” conviction. Perhaps a few tea bags in the Boston harbor would do the trick.
WMA says
Then, Mike, a substantial percentage, you included, I assume, doesn’t care about the Constitution. Trump was charged, tried and unanimously convicted of all the charges. He is guilty until a higher court says otherwise.
Mike Mercer says
Please don’t equate the U.S. Constitution with what took place in the State of New York, you just sound foolish as the Feds threw it out long ago, but if you refer to the New York Constitution you may have a point.
WMA says
The feds threw out what long ago? I must have missed the story where the Constitution has been vacated. Trump is certainly trying but hasn’t succeeded – yet.
Mike Mercer says
I refer to the tax fraud case in NY not election fraud case…oranges and oranges but I digress. As for trying to vacate the Constitution “Me thinks the lady doth protest too much”
Alan says
Eyes rolling. Sheeze you leftist can’t even wait until the geriatric tool in the white house loses before you start the crybaby routine?
Gomez says
Alan. What in the letter is factually incorrect? Please be specific.
Alan says
Gomez, you realize the OP published an opinion piece right? He is spewing his opinion here, I disagree, what evidence do you need? Are you saying I don’t disagree? I ran it past my wife and she says I clearly disagree. I told her apparently Gomez wants evidence and sources that I disagree, he doesn’t believe me. She called me an idiot and walked away, at which point I accused her of agreeing with you. See the mess you have made?
Gomez says
So you can’t point out anything that the writer said that you disagree with was factually incorrect.
You may not like what they wrote, as we are all entitled to our own opinions, but we are not entitled to our own facts.
Alan says
What facts? It’s an opinion. Democracy is over says he, not it’s not says I. I wouldn’t know how to present any facts and neither did he. I don’t require facts from the OP because he is giving his opinion On a completely subjective topic, savvy?
Bill Lacroix says
“Crybaby”, huh? “Leftist” (sic), huh? What are you and yours gonna do if trump loses? Cry like the river of babies you’ve been ever since you lost (and keep losing), cuz people don’t like your flavor of fascism? I’m a vet, a descendant of founding fathers and mothers, know my history and the history my family has lived through here, and I’m here to tell you that I’m thoroughly sick of posing “patriots” who stroke AR 15s while wearing red white and blue undies in a bunch. Not sayin’ you’re one of those but just reacting with 400 years of family history over the words you unwisely quipped. Read some.
Mike Mercer says
From your use of (sic) I will assume you are an accomplished writer and your flair for the dramatic tells me you are an activist of sorts…I can almost see your arms flailing in the air. It. troubles me that all we seem to remember and continue to cite is family history of war, conflict and struggle, is that all we are now? I too served and have deep roots but it does not define me nor can it be allowed to color my view of my fellow Americans. As for posing patriots well, thats just us unwashed, unenlightened red necks acting out so please show us some loving patience as we try to catch up with you, maybe you can go start another war while we stroke our AR-15.
Howard S. says
“unwashed, unenlightened red necks acting out” might as well be Trump’s campaign slogan. Put it on a t-shirt.
Mike Mercer says
As long as it comes with a secret decoder ring.
Alan says
Jibberish. Whether or not Trump loses my routine will be unchanged, and frankly I’m not vain enough to give two flips where I or anybody else descended from. You’re not the only one who is a vet either, and btw, nobody cares. It all ends the same way, in every single society in history, maybe your the one who needs to “read some”.
Bill Lacroix says
Hit a nerve, eh? Good. Then quit spouting fictitious “patriot” gibberish not grounded to historical reality and driving around with American flags up your butts while threatening everybody who doesn’t agree with your twisted views with civil war. WTF? Really? As if you’re proving a point? All you’re proving is that you’re wannabe bullies who aren’t “afraid” to show everyone how beyond-ignorant you are. Proud of that?
Alan says
Who is “your” and “we” etc? What group are you trying to box me into? I think maybe you should start there Bill. I personally only care about the American people, specifically citizens, even more specifically the working class active and retired. I consider both Republicans and Democrats enemies of such. You jump on your blue pony and ride it to oblivion, your choice. However, don’t try to sell the Trump=end of democracy crap, because nobody is buying that narrative. The OP is whining with his pony not even out of the gate yet. Finally, I have no idea what your spewing on your last post here, but I assure you that you sound ridiculous.
Bill LaCroix says
Alan says
JULY 17, 2024 AT 10:08 PM
“Eyes rolling. Sheeze you leftist can’t even wait until the geriatric tool in the white house loses before you start the crybaby routine?” Your words, your boxes, Alan. Don’t know you and I predicated my first comment by saying I was responding to your words, written down in this silly-and-getting-sillier chain of thoughts, not to you personally. Yeah, I’m doing it too (sigh) but just for the record: calling BS. It’s important these days, don’t you think? BTW: Hey Shawn, congrats for hitting a home run on # of comments. The Star should buy you a taco and beer over at the Blacksmith!
Gomez says
Very well said.