This might be an oversimplification but as Alabama said in the movie true romance:
“I kept asking Clarence why our world seemed to be collapsing and things seemed to be getting so shitty. And he'd say, "that's the way it goes, but don't forget, it goes the other way too.
This the best and most comprehensive explication of the current threats to democracy in the U.S. and around the world and how to fight back that I’ve read. Highly recommend. (FWIW, I found it helpful to think of “input legitimacy” as the means and “output legitimacy” as the ends.)
This is a terrific overview of where we are, what’s at stake, and both the urgency and the capability we have to turn the tide. I actually think that the endgame for the Trump 2.0 is the a world divvied-up between Putin/Russia, Trump/US, and Xi/China as three autocratic ruling syndicates, on the La Cosa Nostra model.
That’s why Trump is trying to undercut Europe on behalf of Russia, for that would be part of Putin’s domain. It’s also why Trump is laying claim to Greenland, Canada, Mexico and the Gulf, as well as the Panama Canal, etc. That would all fall under the Trump/U.S. domain. I present more evidence for this in my own latest post: https://open.substack.com/pub/jonthinks/p/trump-20-la-cosa-nostra-writ-large?r=mrvx1&utm_medium=ios
Clarity. Your essay brought clarity to a very delicate and difficult situation. We are on the precipice and we need to find our footing and balance to avoid falling off. Much of this reminds me of the important lessons you presented in your book “Corruptible.” Thanks, Brian, and please keep it up.
Thank you so much for this very helpful analysis. There are so many important points, but this one goes where I will see it daily: Don't wait for instructions. Make ripples now.
Thanks Brian. I listened to your BBC radio podcast discussion today, too,where you covered similar ground with the (somewhat self-absorbed) hosts from across the pond. This is a much more thorough elucidation for those more plugged -in-to-the-US-gestalt. As someone living in Northern Europe there is a palpable shock at the turn of US leadership and a sense of impending security and economic fallout. Yesterday I witnessed some panic buying of Johnny Walkers at the state-run alcohol store and commentary (exchanges that are highly unusual occurrence here in Sweden on any topic beyond the weather) that revealed bafflement and concern. So your writing and your podcast appearances are a step forward in offering clarity and historical context for those near and far. Swedes and other Europeans do understand the “through a glass darkly” complexion of ‘democracy’ at play in Hungry and Turkey.
"...still qualifies as a (admittedly badly broken) democracy."
True; appreciate the optimistic tone of your overview--much needed in today's climate.
Perhaps 'exhausted democracy,' managed democracy' ( see Sheldon. S Wolin) or what I think of as 'dumbocracy' ( when the demos choose to become spectatorial)--but still resilient, albeit currently in need of help.
The Output issue you describe above is starting to become harder to ignore. Hiring Cabinet based on fealty and TV chops? An oligarch with gov contracts fixing gov spending? Those decisions are now producing results... results in line with what Dunning-Kruger implies.
It’s quite astonishing how fragile the foundations of American democracy appear to be. They seem to be crumbling right before our eyes. You don’t have to be a diehard pessimist to believe that things will only get worse before they improve—if they ever do. All the revered institutions of American society—such as the legal system, free press, Congress, and freedom of speech—seem to be either collapsing or rendered ineffective. It’s tragic that the Democratic Party appears incapable of offering substantial resistance, save for a few individuals, at a time when it is most needed. They behave like institutionalized prisoners, unable to function outside the system they’ve been part of for so long.
Should be required reading for all undergrads. Along with - This is Water, by David Foster Wallace, and you on your way to becoming a critical thinker with a heart.
"Pit Elon Musk against Donald Trump." Stop saying, President Trump! It's president Musk. I wonder if one of the ways we can fight back is to constantly use "President Musk" and his puppet. President Musk made ____ decision, President Musk got Trump to _______, and so on. With Trump's narcissistic personality, this would drive him crazy and cause their relationship to fall apart.
Hey Brian. After reading this post I would like to do something but I'm not sure how to proceed in the face of this incredible mess. I'm not a big joiner. Would it be ok if I had bumper stickers, plain stickers, postcards, etc. made of your post's last sentence: "Democracy is worth saving, but time is running out, as it is far harder to resurrect it than to protect it in the first place."? You would get attribution.
Or maybe something a little shorter? Democracy is worth saving, but time is running out. It is far harder to resurrect than protect.
Thanks Rochelle! I certainly wouldn’t mind the bumper sticker quote, but a donation to a group that engages in more targeted activism would likely be more effective. My rule of thumb is that you need to use pressure points rather than just diffuse expressions. So, boycotting Tesla or picketing the Tesla locations is a pressure point in a way that posting a meme about Elon Musk isn’t. Or, trying to defeat a vulnerable Republican in Congress so that they fear voting for Medicaid cuts, that’s more of a pressure point than tossing money at winning a safe GOP seat, even if you really dislike the person in that seat. It’s all about targeted activism with specific goals. And if you don’t want to personally show up, money does help, but do research on which organization is the best fit for you.
Targeted activism makes sense, I can do research, and being effective even in a small way would make me happy. Thanks for your advice, and keep on keeping on with your excellent posts.
@brianklaas - Great read as always. With the recent ICE arrest of Mamoud Khalil for his support of Palestine, it got me thinking about protests under a regime that will use its power to stop dissent or unpopular views.
Do you have any advice or success stories you could share on how to show political opposition in the growing, hostile environment that America is in now? Is their safety in numbers? Is getting arrested for demonstrating productive or is it better to fight on different days? How does outrage at people getting arrested encouraged public backlash and is it an effective protest? How could we use social media and technology to amplify protesting even if we can’t physically participate?
Any information you could share would be appreciated by myself and surely others on all of your platforms. Many thanks and keep on writing great articles and books! Oh, good luck in the marathon as well!
This might be an oversimplification but as Alabama said in the movie true romance:
“I kept asking Clarence why our world seemed to be collapsing and things seemed to be getting so shitty. And he'd say, "that's the way it goes, but don't forget, it goes the other way too.
This the best and most comprehensive explication of the current threats to democracy in the U.S. and around the world and how to fight back that I’ve read. Highly recommend. (FWIW, I found it helpful to think of “input legitimacy” as the means and “output legitimacy” as the ends.)
This is a terrific overview of where we are, what’s at stake, and both the urgency and the capability we have to turn the tide. I actually think that the endgame for the Trump 2.0 is the a world divvied-up between Putin/Russia, Trump/US, and Xi/China as three autocratic ruling syndicates, on the La Cosa Nostra model.
That’s why Trump is trying to undercut Europe on behalf of Russia, for that would be part of Putin’s domain. It’s also why Trump is laying claim to Greenland, Canada, Mexico and the Gulf, as well as the Panama Canal, etc. That would all fall under the Trump/U.S. domain. I present more evidence for this in my own latest post: https://open.substack.com/pub/jonthinks/p/trump-20-la-cosa-nostra-writ-large?r=mrvx1&utm_medium=ios
Read the link, which is a fine companion piece to the above. Thanks!
Clarity. Your essay brought clarity to a very delicate and difficult situation. We are on the precipice and we need to find our footing and balance to avoid falling off. Much of this reminds me of the important lessons you presented in your book “Corruptible.” Thanks, Brian, and please keep it up.
Brian, how to I gift to several people? Do I need to make a gift for each person separately or is there a shortcut?
That’s extremely kind and generous. I’m not an expert on the mechanisms of these things but I found this article: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037489632-How-do-I-give-a-paid-subscription-as-a-gift-on-Substack
I did it the old fashioned way: one person at a time!
Extremely kind and generous. Thank you, J!
As a US citizen, this is both scary and inspiring. Will we act??
Thank you so much for this very helpful analysis. There are so many important points, but this one goes where I will see it daily: Don't wait for instructions. Make ripples now.
Thanks Brian. I listened to your BBC radio podcast discussion today, too,where you covered similar ground with the (somewhat self-absorbed) hosts from across the pond. This is a much more thorough elucidation for those more plugged -in-to-the-US-gestalt. As someone living in Northern Europe there is a palpable shock at the turn of US leadership and a sense of impending security and economic fallout. Yesterday I witnessed some panic buying of Johnny Walkers at the state-run alcohol store and commentary (exchanges that are highly unusual occurrence here in Sweden on any topic beyond the weather) that revealed bafflement and concern. So your writing and your podcast appearances are a step forward in offering clarity and historical context for those near and far. Swedes and other Europeans do understand the “through a glass darkly” complexion of ‘democracy’ at play in Hungry and Turkey.
So, so, so, so, so very sad.
"...still qualifies as a (admittedly badly broken) democracy."
True; appreciate the optimistic tone of your overview--much needed in today's climate.
Perhaps 'exhausted democracy,' managed democracy' ( see Sheldon. S Wolin) or what I think of as 'dumbocracy' ( when the demos choose to become spectatorial)--but still resilient, albeit currently in need of help.
The Output issue you describe above is starting to become harder to ignore. Hiring Cabinet based on fealty and TV chops? An oligarch with gov contracts fixing gov spending? Those decisions are now producing results... results in line with what Dunning-Kruger implies.
Another great piece, Brian.
Word.
It’s quite astonishing how fragile the foundations of American democracy appear to be. They seem to be crumbling right before our eyes. You don’t have to be a diehard pessimist to believe that things will only get worse before they improve—if they ever do. All the revered institutions of American society—such as the legal system, free press, Congress, and freedom of speech—seem to be either collapsing or rendered ineffective. It’s tragic that the Democratic Party appears incapable of offering substantial resistance, save for a few individuals, at a time when it is most needed. They behave like institutionalized prisoners, unable to function outside the system they’ve been part of for so long.
Should be required reading for all undergrads. Along with - This is Water, by David Foster Wallace, and you on your way to becoming a critical thinker with a heart.
"Pit Elon Musk against Donald Trump." Stop saying, President Trump! It's president Musk. I wonder if one of the ways we can fight back is to constantly use "President Musk" and his puppet. President Musk made ____ decision, President Musk got Trump to _______, and so on. With Trump's narcissistic personality, this would drive him crazy and cause their relationship to fall apart.
Hey Brian. After reading this post I would like to do something but I'm not sure how to proceed in the face of this incredible mess. I'm not a big joiner. Would it be ok if I had bumper stickers, plain stickers, postcards, etc. made of your post's last sentence: "Democracy is worth saving, but time is running out, as it is far harder to resurrect it than to protect it in the first place."? You would get attribution.
Or maybe something a little shorter? Democracy is worth saving, but time is running out. It is far harder to resurrect than protect.
Thanks Rochelle! I certainly wouldn’t mind the bumper sticker quote, but a donation to a group that engages in more targeted activism would likely be more effective. My rule of thumb is that you need to use pressure points rather than just diffuse expressions. So, boycotting Tesla or picketing the Tesla locations is a pressure point in a way that posting a meme about Elon Musk isn’t. Or, trying to defeat a vulnerable Republican in Congress so that they fear voting for Medicaid cuts, that’s more of a pressure point than tossing money at winning a safe GOP seat, even if you really dislike the person in that seat. It’s all about targeted activism with specific goals. And if you don’t want to personally show up, money does help, but do research on which organization is the best fit for you.
Targeted activism makes sense, I can do research, and being effective even in a small way would make me happy. Thanks for your advice, and keep on keeping on with your excellent posts.
@brianklaas - Great read as always. With the recent ICE arrest of Mamoud Khalil for his support of Palestine, it got me thinking about protests under a regime that will use its power to stop dissent or unpopular views.
Do you have any advice or success stories you could share on how to show political opposition in the growing, hostile environment that America is in now? Is their safety in numbers? Is getting arrested for demonstrating productive or is it better to fight on different days? How does outrage at people getting arrested encouraged public backlash and is it an effective protest? How could we use social media and technology to amplify protesting even if we can’t physically participate?
Any information you could share would be appreciated by myself and surely others on all of your platforms. Many thanks and keep on writing great articles and books! Oh, good luck in the marathon as well!