If you study history, you cannot miss numerous signs of a weakening. Attempts to weaken our democratic way of life, our democratic norms and policies, and even the institutions that for the last 236 years (since the passage of the Constitutional government in 1787) have been the envy of the world, are assaulted by ever growing forces for authoritarian rule much as they did in Germany. These forces gnaw at the three branches of government, the voting system, the Bill of Rights and Amendments refining how the nation is continually tweaking its laws to become “a more perfect union.”
A pack of wolves at the neck of the nation.
A free press that serves the governed (not the governing) but the people, is considered the most influential function to maintain a “government by the people and for the people.” The right has denigrated the free press ever since Donald Trump began that assault out of his own fears that they reveal him for what he is: a power monger and usurper.
Since the rise of populism in the U.S.A., we have witnessed a steady erosion of the branches of government, none more than the Supreme Court, and the inability of the House and Senate to carry on a decent discussion that is not a screaming match or one of slander and derision, back and forth.
The voting system is being steadily eroded in red states by removing Electors and casting doubt on the most critical tool the citizen has for guiding and providing the necessary oversight of government: his, her, or their vote. Gerrymandering has rendered many voters vote meaningless by redistricting to water down majority voting blocks. This has been egregiously utilized by Republicans.
Citizens have lost reproductive rights, gender identity rights, and protective justice in employment and higher education, even in sports. Every social and political area of our civic lives is being reduced with very judgmental policies and denigrating language for the citizens denied of their rights. Attacks to weaken environmental protections unleash forces that will impact water, air, and general health and the wellbeing of our people and their homelands.
What is more disturbing is the way that authoritarian forces are using Christianity as a weapon against people who have been targeted by the populist doctrines. This is an old play from the books of our worst characters and history. Use Christ to shame and denigrate people into submission. He must be packing his bags to leave town about right now. Or maybe He’s long gone from their ranks. Serves them right.
Donald Trump has been the agent with the greatest force influencing Republicans and all sorts of fascist fringe groups to cobble together his “base” – an apt word. He is an insurrectionist and a danger to democracy. He has openly joined with other authoritarian leaders around the world.
A friend of mine sent me a link to an insightful article by a historian who in studying the roots of the Civil War, discusses similar forces and tactics arrayed over time, and the “group think” that developed among slave owning states and voters. Referring to the Bible was a prime tool to justify injustice.
I urge all of you to read it and to send it on to your friends and others in your sphere of influence. Our democracy has never been at a greater risk than it is now. Only we can stop these forces. It is up to you and me.
On the American Battlefield Trust webpages: “Why Non-Slaveholding Southerners Fought” – Address to the Charleston Library Society, January 25, 2011. The article is by Gordon Rhea. The American Battlefield Trust.org.
Susan Feathers 
I was surprised to learn how much the South cited Biblical scripture to justify slavery. In my 30-plus years in Maryland, my religious activity was mostly connected to the Quakers and the UU church. Even though my mother was born and raised in Escambia Co, Alabama, and my father grew up in Southwest Arkansas, I somehow managed to avoid the influence of the Southern Baptist Church.
A few years ago, as Donald Trump was being elected president, my first cousin Jan, daughter of my mother’s younger brother Jimmy, posted a Facebook message that really stunned me. Said Jan, “God has sent Trump to us to save America.” I responded, “Jan, do you really believe this?” She immediately “unfriended” me and I have not been in touch with her since. I wonder if she still sees Trump as our “savior.”
There is a backstory to this in that for years my brother and I have been caste as the Yankees of the family. In 2016, I sent out to family and friends a Christmas letter (remember those?) in which I said we needed a president who would bring us together and, instead, we we getting a president who would only divide us further. I sometimes think we are more divided now than at any time since the Civil War.
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I agree with you on our division. My last two posts are expressing my renewed belief that we are in serious danger of losing what’s left of our democracy. Today in my diary I wrote that democracy is ephemeral and is something among all of us, like a spirit if you will. It is that delicate a thing and requires discernment of which there seems to be an ever decreasing supply. I have a close relative who has expressed much the same as the young lady in your family. It has caused a schism in our communications as a family. The church has played an important role on both sides of the debate and just proves also that the church is us, like democracy. As I wrote, I am sure Jesus has packed up and left town until we come to our senses. His discernment is correct! Thanks for engaging on my blog. I’m getting ready to put up a Mary Oliver poem that made my day! Best, Susan
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I am a big fan of Mary Oliver’s poetry. One of my favorites is “The Summer Day,” which closes with these lines:
“Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
I am still asking this question.
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I have been reading from Mary’s book, Evidence. One poem each morning to contemplate over the day. It has been an uplifting practice!
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