“We’re not a democracy,” Republican Senator Mike Lee tweeted in the middle of Wednesday night’s vice-presidential debate.
✁
Why did Lee choose this moment—less than four weeks before an election in which his party seems likely to suffer defeat—to make the familiar, even pedantic, point that we live in a republic rather than a pure democracy?
Why did he insist on the point so vehemently that he neglected to mention that power in the American system ultimately lies with the people, which means that our system could also be called a representative democracy?
Did he mean rank as in “foul,” “rancid,” or “outright”? If the last, does that mean the tyranny of the majority leading to perverse rule by “the few”?
What did this short, misleading course in Civics 101 have to do with anything?
✁
These incidents, coming faster than anyone can absorb, are all expressions of raw, undemocratic power—of might making right.
They signify that Trump and his enablers will trample on any rules, and finally majority rule.
Senator Lee made a constitutional case on Twitter for what President Trump will try to do by chin-jutting fiat.
What Lee calls “rank democracy,” Trump calls a “rigged election.” Later, Lee explained that he’s concerned about the protection of minority rights from a coercive majority.
That sounds like a hedge against an election blowout.
Lee’s contortions recall the antidemocratic arguments of Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, whose theory of nullification by concurrent majorities claimed constitutional grounds for the slave states to defy federal authority.
History rendered a negative verdict on Calhoun’s theories and the evil system he defended to his last breath.
Like the antebellum South, today’s Republican Party is composed of a demographically and economically weakening population.
I’ve already voted by mail, so have more than 1 million of my fellow Californians. Its looking like there is going to be a record turnout in spite of all the actions of Trump and his minions. At least here in California that does not bode well for Trump and the Republicans.
Have you seen that it has finally occurred to the Republicans that Trump might not win and that could be bad for them? They are starting to back away. It is too late for that! Thou has supped at the devil’s table and your spoon was waaaay too short, it is the Pit for you!
braindead Premium Member about 4 years ago
Not to worry, Trump Disciples.
Giuliani is on the case, feeding Russian KGB lies to the American electorate.
.
You know, ‘cause Trump doesn’t lie enough without Russian assistance.
kaffekup about 4 years ago
trump’s running against Hunter, Hillary, and President Obama.
dotbup about 4 years ago
Trump Threatens to ‘Leave the Country’ if He Loses to Biden-
Failed dictators always flee the country when they get ousted. If they don’t they end up in prison or dead.
Failed Casino Owner (3X) – Check
Failed University Founder (2x) – Check
Failed Steak company Owner – Check
Failed husband (2ish x) – Check
Failed dictator – Ongoing
Silly Season about 4 years ago
“We’re not a democracy,” Republican Senator Mike Lee tweeted in the middle of Wednesday night’s vice-presidential debate.
✁
Why did Lee choose this moment—less than four weeks before an election in which his party seems likely to suffer defeat—to make the familiar, even pedantic, point that we live in a republic rather than a pure democracy?
Why did he insist on the point so vehemently that he neglected to mention that power in the American system ultimately lies with the people, which means that our system could also be called a representative democracy?
Did he mean rank as in “foul,” “rancid,” or “outright”? If the last, does that mean the tyranny of the majority leading to perverse rule by “the few”?
What did this short, misleading course in Civics 101 have to do with anything?
✁
These incidents, coming faster than anyone can absorb, are all expressions of raw, undemocratic power—of might making right.
They signify that Trump and his enablers will trample on any rules, and finally majority rule.
Senator Lee made a constitutional case on Twitter for what President Trump will try to do by chin-jutting fiat.
What Lee calls “rank democracy,” Trump calls a “rigged election.” Later, Lee explained that he’s concerned about the protection of minority rights from a coercive majority.
That sounds like a hedge against an election blowout.
Lee’s contortions recall the antidemocratic arguments of Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, whose theory of nullification by concurrent majorities claimed constitutional grounds for the slave states to defy federal authority.
History rendered a negative verdict on Calhoun’s theories and the evil system he defended to his last breath.
Like the antebellum South, today’s Republican Party is composed of a demographically and economically weakening population.
~
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/10/republicans-are-suddenly-afraid-democracy/616685/
Bruce1253 about 4 years ago
I’ve already voted by mail, so have more than 1 million of my fellow Californians. Its looking like there is going to be a record turnout in spite of all the actions of Trump and his minions. At least here in California that does not bode well for Trump and the Republicans.
Have you seen that it has finally occurred to the Republicans that Trump might not win and that could be bad for them? They are starting to back away. It is too late for that! Thou has supped at the devil’s table and your spoon was waaaay too short, it is the Pit for you!
RobinHood about 4 years ago
“Nobody gets it, nothing you think, matters, matters. This isn’t special. This is happening infinite times across infinite realities”
Rick Sanchez
Durak Premium Member about 4 years ago
The election is over, I voted. All we’re waiting for is to find out who won. And wait for the losers to go away.
mi_sbs about 4 years ago
17 days until the election. And I fear a whole lot drama for a long time after
MollyCat about 4 years ago
No troll today ??
mistercatworks about 4 years ago
Then we’ll have to deal with a depressed madman for a couple of months.
Kurtass Premium Member about 4 years ago
Here ya go @doesn’tplaywellwithothers. 166.6 days since Georgia’s egonomic recovery, all is well.
Carl Premium Member about 4 years ago
Don’t forget its 1479 days until the next election for which the campaign has already started.
fritzoid Premium Member about 4 years ago
Wow. If this was written two weeks ago, how did he know?