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turbinetree

(24,631 posts)
Sat Jan 20, 2018, 04:44 PM Jan 2018

This impasse bodes poorly for American democracy

American democracy has always been a complex and complicated institution. Rarely has every American community seen the nation’s challenges through a single prism. Even more rarely have we all agreed on any given solution. But through the decades, and with rare exceptions, those representing us in Washington have found ways to work things out. They’ve collaborated and compromised, bantered and bartered. And it’s through those negotiations that the flame of American democracy has survived.

As illustrated by the current impasse over border security and immigration, that light has begun to flicker. Deep down, I have no doubt that Democrats and Republicans both want what’s best for America. It’s just that they’ve lost their ability to negotiate with one another. They’re so entrenched in their various positions—so convinced that their worldview should transcend everyone else’s—that they’re unwilling to meet anyone halfway. The result is a democratic unraveling.

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/369933-this-impasse-bodes-poorly-for-american-democracy


After reading this opinion, I kept thinking of what the republicans did to The Constitution and what it says: that the president will advise and consent for nominations------------when that was thrown out the window----------------the republican party attacked the Constitution, they do not bode well for democracy






November 2018 cannot get here fast enough

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This impasse bodes poorly for American democracy (Original Post) turbinetree Jan 2018 OP
I do not believe the GOP wants what is best for America. Irish_Dem Jan 2018 #1
it's a matter of semantics. they want the best for "america". it's just that, to them, "america" unblock Jan 2018 #2
Some think that, for others it is just red meat for the base. Irish_Dem Jan 2018 #3

Irish_Dem

(45,618 posts)
1. I do not believe the GOP wants what is best for America.
Sat Jan 20, 2018, 05:02 PM
Jan 2018

So we have an area of disagreement.

The GOP is only interested in protecting and growing their own wealth and that of the elite.
They don't care about the rest of us, and enact punitive, mean and petty laws for the 99%.

I do agree that we are in trouble.
We are not really a democracy any more, but have been an oligarchy for some time now.
We are also in the process of losing our super power status.

unblock

(51,973 posts)
2. it's a matter of semantics. they want the best for "america". it's just that, to them, "america"
Sat Jan 20, 2018, 05:57 PM
Jan 2018

means white people over non-whites, men over women, christians over everyone else, straight people over gay people, etc.

to their thinking, taking from a poor black person to give to a rich white person does make "america" better.


this may seem like just a rephrasing, but it's important to understand their thinking. they really think they're making "america" a better place, and it's important to identify the dehumanization and relegation to second-class (or worse) status of the non-preferred people as a key means that lets them justify their horrible conclusions.

Irish_Dem

(45,618 posts)
3. Some think that, for others it is just red meat for the base.
Sat Jan 20, 2018, 06:44 PM
Jan 2018

Last edited Sat Jan 20, 2018, 07:36 PM - Edit history (1)

Some really think it will be better if we are an all white society and go back to the 1950's.
Others just use that nonsense to further their agenda of obtaining wealth and power.

Edited to add: An example would be Mitch McConnell. I seriously doubt he cares about anything but money and power. He doesn't care if America is black, white, pink or purple.
As long as he can maintain his fame, wealth and power, the rest is immaterial to him.
His posturing about various issues is just a means to an end.

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