General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDan Rather 6/27 "in essence a coup led by Mitch McConnell"
The Supreme Court! It is the scene of what is in essence a coup led by Mitch McConnell, who flaunted democratic norms to help elect President Trump and install Neil Gorsuch on the bench. Now the retirement of Anthony Kennedy will likely further push back the tides of a progressive worldview in America.
For years Republican voters rallied around the court as a voting issue. And now this co-equal branch of government has largely become a rubber stamp for a far-right conservative government. Its rulings on unions and voting rights actively undermine the Democratic party, and democracy more generally. And should Democrats take back the White House and Congress, these men in black (for they are currently all men on the conservative/reactionary side) will likely be attack dogs on a progressive governing strategy.
These are statements of fact and they must be greatly disheartening to progressives or even moderates of all stripes. But it also clarifies the stakes of this nation. The power of the vote remains, even if that vote has become more difficult. The powers of the other two branches of government remain formidable, should a backlash among those who fear our nation's conservative lurch rally to the polls. And now, as a fight for a replacement for Kennedy looms, the voices of the people have to be heard.
Covering the civil rights movement, I saw many setbacks to the vision of Dr. King and his fellow activists that dwarf even this latest development. They responded with bravery, strategy, and an iron-clad resolution in the justice of their cause. So too did women suffragists, labor activists, and anti-war protesters. Ultimately the will of the people can prevail, even in the halls of tilted justice.
If you are deeply disturbed by what has happened, absorb the shock. But respond with even more determination. If you see this as a fight for the future of democracy, let those in power know that the will of the majority can still hold sway.
I remember many grave moments in our nation's history when hope seemed to be a largely extinguished sliver of light on a distant horizon. But those who responded to those odds with a determination to march forward time and time again helped grow that light into a bright new sunrise for a better day.
I leave you with two words that have served me well through life... #steady and #courage!
malaise
(269,157 posts)NOW
dem4decades
(11,304 posts)ailsagirl
(22,899 posts)he is right on
SWBTATTReg
(22,166 posts)G_j
(40,370 posts)#steady #courage
For decades, Republicans have been able to have it all ways. Promise a radical reactionary rethink of American democracy to its rabid base, and hide behind a court that protected them from what would be a very unpopular set of policies with the general public. Well no longer.
Do we really want to outlaw abortion? We may soon know. Do we really believe we can attack gay rights and other rights at unprecedented levels? We may soon know. Do we really believe that our corporations should have unfettered power and workers have relatively none? Here again, the movement is already afoot.
The farce is shattered, the fig leaf has disappeared, the obfuscations have been replaced by clarity. And what is in its place is a very unpopular President stoking the flames of a massive backlash.
I do not say this to be Pollyannish. The president and his supporters have a lot of power, and tens of millions of fervent members in their base. But we have seen a growing realization from not only moderates but conservatives who still care about the constitution and recognize how perilous is the threat of the modern GOP. Look at Michael Bloomberg pledging tens of millions of dollars to elect Democrats. Look at opinion writers who have preached for the GOP in the past say now is a time to elect Democrats. Look at men and women of power and fame who are arguing that this cannot stand.
I know there is a feeling among many progressives that they have lost, that the future is a foregone conclusion. They see the forces arrayed against them on the battlefield of justice and feel the doom of certain and impending defeat. But turn to your left and right and see the long lines of fellow citizens. Look behind you and see the formidable artillery of wealth and power that is on YOUR side. Take a deep breath and feel the cool air of hope and justice in your lungs, and then march forward.
#steady #courage
scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)Yours is the first post today that has given me any hope at all.
For that, I am profoundly grateful.
G_j
(40,370 posts)To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives.
Howard Zinn
ailsagirl
(22,899 posts)TomSlick
(11,108 posts)We cannot despair. Persevere. Resist.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)Dan knows what he's talking about.
Well stated. Thanx for posting.
nt
dalton99a
(81,570 posts)They are nothing but worthless rubber stamps for the regime
Initech
(100,101 posts)And there's nothing to stop them from doing that at this point - not Mueller, not the "Blue Wave", nothing. They want a country where it's socially acceptable to be a colossal dick as long as you wave the red, white, and blue, and worship Jesus as much as the next guy, if not more so. It's going to get worse before it gets better.
Cognitive_Resonance
(1,546 posts)voter turnout in ALL future elections including the Fall midterms. Even so it's going to take decades to undo much of the damage that's already been done. Many may not agree, but I think ideology and machine politics need to take a bit of a back seat to embracing basic democratic values and respect for the rule of law (i.e., integrity). The country is in deep trouble if firewalls aren't raised soon.