Democracy is a fragile institution. As has been said before, it carries its own seeds of destruction. Assuming that democracy is self-standing and eternal is a mistake. Without vigilance it doesn't take much for it to drift off path, for example toward socialism of fascism. From a historical perspective the US form of democracy is a relative new-comer, beginning with the constitution some 230 years ago. It's still in a test period. The governments of Egypt, Rome, Greece and others existed for many more years before falling.
The strength of our system of government, the constitution is being tested now. The President of the United States has asked a state election official to manufacture votes in order to change the outcome of the 2020 election. And a large number of republicans and citizens are rallying to his support.
There was a time when I was highly critical of Trump but I have softened my opinion. Trump is a man with the maturity of a petulant child. He has his own reality. He actually believes that the presidency and the country are his own personal play things. He can't understand why he is criticized instead of worshiped. He can't comprehend having lost the election. In his world that was simply not possible.
The people I criticize are those who for whatever reason remain in Trump's orbit and encourage the charade. Tomorrow the congress is supposed to meet to to confirm the electoral votes. And Vice President Pence is supposed to confirm the outcome of the vote and pronounce Biden as the President-elect. But that is not what's going to happen. Instead there are Republican Senators who are lined up to challenge the electoral collage votes. If I remember correctly there are six states whose votes will be challenged. I believe there is a two-hour limit for discussion on each challenge, so there will potentially be twelve hours of discussion probably spilling over into Thursday and maybe Friday. For what is supposed to be a simple short formality recognizing the voice of American voters. Pundits say that even though the histrionics will be an annoyance nothing will change. I am not so sure, but if the process makes it through that stage, the final piece of the process will be Pence acknowledging the outcome of the votes. That is supposed to be his role. There is no provision for him to do anything but that. But what if he doesn't? What if Trump has bullied him into doing something different? Or if Pence has his own agenda? Then what? There is no precedence for that situation. Can't happen? Don't bet on it. I remember a 'can't happen' in the 1960 election when Kennedy, though popular was given no chance to win because he was Catholic, and we can't have the Pope running this country. I hope that the electoral conformation procedure goes as expected; that there will be some turmoil but the constitution will prevail. I hope I don't have to write an I-told-you-so post.
The senatorial election today in Georgia is another cause for concern. The Republican candidates Perdue and Loeffler are Trump puppets. Perdue, instead of denouncing Trump's call to Georgia Secretary of State Raffensperger to manufacture votes, has attacked Raffensperger for taping and releasing the conversation. Loeffler rubber stamps anything Trump says or does. I voted for them. I had no choice. I don't want liberals controlling the House.
In my opinion Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pelosi, Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer would lead us down the path of socialism tomorrow if they could. The thought of Raphael Warnock as a United States Senator scares the hell out of me. I don't know enough about Jon Ossoff to form an opinion but my impression is that he's too far left.
Really, I wish it were possible for all four candidates to lose. I am waiting for the day when the elections of 2020 are settled and behind us. Then I can use the money I've been spending on Tums for something else.
(Later) I just now read that Trump has said that, "The Vice President has the power to reject fraudulently chosen electors." I guess we know what his next move will be. Folks, the constitution is under attack. We are seeing fascism in action. I hope that we have the wisdom to see it and the courage to stop it.
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