Der Spiegel: "The attack on the Capitol in Washington, D.C., isn't just an assault on American

[triron]

democracy – it's an assault on every democracy around the world."

https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-foreign-minister-heiko-maas-those-who-incite-bear-responsibility-a-9e808002-67ee-4175-93b0-a01bf8e6dde2

"This should be extremely clear: Those who, like Trump, have spent years using words to constantly inflame and incite their own supporters, ultimately bear responsibility for this attack on the heart of American democracy. We see all around the world what happens when radical populists come to power and systematically stir up resentment against democratic institutions. Yes, democracy thrives on contradiction, even disagreement. But it dies when brute force silences the other, when sheer hatred breaks all bounds of decency and respect."

[Karadeniz]

1. Excellent point... American power grab affects the world. Author trashes conspiratorial GOP.

[soldierant]

2. And the staff of Der Spiegel is certainly in a position to know.

Good for them.

[elleng]

3. ((Democracy)) dies when brute force silences the other,

when sheer hatred breaks all bounds of decency and respect."

[dalton99a]

4. "Those who disrespect that election result are disrespecting their own people."

A Trump supporter carrying a Confederate flag through the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Foto: Mike Theiler / REUTERS

This should be extremely clear: Those who, like Trump, have spent years using words to constantly inflame and incite their own supporters, ultimately bear responsibility for this attack on the heart of American democracy. We see all around the world what happens when radical populists come to power and systematically stir up resentment against democratic institutions. Yes, democracy thrives on contradiction, even disagreement. But it dies when brute force silences the other, when sheer hatred breaks all bounds of decency and respect.

The radical mob does not represent the majority in the United States. The vast majority of American voters stand firmly behind democracy and voted decisively against a right-wing populist. And it’s not just Donald Trump who needs to finally accept that. Every Republican with a modicum of responsibility needs to finally repudiate Trump once and for all. The American courts have ruled clearly that this was a lawful election. Those who disrespect that election result are disrespecting their own people.

America’s strength is its diversity. It is admired around the world for the freedom of its democracy. U.S. president-elect Joe Biden knows this. His call yesterday for mutual respect and reconciliation were the soothing words of a president. And the confirmation of the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris by the U.S. Congress was the best democratic response to those who sowed chaos and discord in Washington yesterday.

As friends of America and as friends of democracy, we wish Joe Biden and Kamala Harris great strength in the difficult task of overcoming America’s division. We stand together with them in the fight for democracy. In keeping with the quintessential American motto: "E pluribus unum" – out of many, one.

[mountain grammy]

5. K&R. Great article

“ We need all democrats around the world to stand shoulder to shoulder“

[mitch96]

6. "radical populists" I was trying to think of the term to use and this nails it...

Like the Pied piper...
One that offers strong but delusive enticement, a leader who makes irresponsible promises,
a charismatic person who attracts followers.

Sound familiar?
m

[BobTheSubgenius]

7. Sometimes, Der Spiegel seems like an American paper.

For one thing, their linguists are first-rate, obviously. Their clear and well-thought-out points are never muddied by awkward English...and the points that make are almost always aligned with mine.

[Hav]

8. I think it's noteworthy to mention that this wasn't just a normal opinion piece

It was apparently written by the minister of foreign affairs, so not a journalist but an actual member of the current german government. The whole piece was a good read.