We will always have forces that will always try to undermine our democratic republic. There are people especially wealthy people that want an authoritarian style of government that gets it base of power from the rich and powerful. All governments, even authoritarian governments, need a base of support to remain viable. Democratic forms of government require support from the majority of people to be able to survive. Basically, there will need to be a continuing fight to keep our democratic republic going.
I'm glad I saved this piece from Aug 3rd. Not much has changed and the danger of a Trump presidency grows stronger daily. Now prospective Trump V-Pres are saying they would not have taken the action Mike Pence took. And, in the same breath they say they are following the Constitution. - Crazy and dangerous.
Half through this article I realized I hope I never hear his name again. I realize I'm wrong not to understand this travesty more completely. I will try to finish it.
How is there a peaceful resolution? Whether he goes to jail, wins or loses, people are going to die. It seems the desire for civil unrest/civil war overrides any sense of self preservation.
Yet another BRAVO to you and Elliot. This post to STEADY, in language as powerful and clear as Smith's indictment itself, provide us with the real importance of the indictment. By invoking Benjamin Franklin's comment, Lincoln's in "The Gettysburg Address," and Reagan's 1st inaugural address, you highlight the vulnerability of a democracy, of OUR democracy, and it's a reality we're living through right now. I applaud you for this addition to STEADY, for through reading it, I connect to those who value what this country -- flawed as our system is -- has achieved, and can build on for the future. All we need now is a jury that listens to the evidence and isn't swayed by all the lies offered by, and claims of lies being leveled at, Defendant Trump.
And How... 235 Years ago, Madison wrote the following in the Federalist Papers No.51: "But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."
Human nature seems to not have evolved as much as we'd like to think. Thankfully, I guess we saw this coming. N
All great points, and very well stated. However, I wish you hadn't included the Reagan quote. Because it was then, with his election, that the Republican party began in earnest its plot to disintegrate our Democracy. We have lost SO much because of the Reagan policies, and we may never get them back.
We will always have forces that will always try to undermine our democratic republic. There are people especially wealthy people that want an authoritarian style of government that gets it base of power from the rich and powerful. All governments, even authoritarian governments, need a base of support to remain viable. Democratic forms of government require support from the majority of people to be able to survive. Basically, there will need to be a continuing fight to keep our democratic republic going.
I'm glad I saved this piece from Aug 3rd. Not much has changed and the danger of a Trump presidency grows stronger daily. Now prospective Trump V-Pres are saying they would not have taken the action Mike Pence took. And, in the same breath they say they are following the Constitution. - Crazy and dangerous.
I wonder who wrote Reagan’s speech.
(Saved this quote, then just read it again - seems great but uncharacteristic of Reagan) ?
Your writing is so clear and coherent. We, the readers, Americans all, are grateful that you are still writing, Mr. Rather. Thank you.
Well spoken. Thank you!
Exactly what Vivian said.
Well said. I have chillsfrom the last paragraph!
Awesome post! Well written! Thank you!
Half through this article I realized I hope I never hear his name again. I realize I'm wrong not to understand this travesty more completely. I will try to finish it.
How is there a peaceful resolution? Whether he goes to jail, wins or loses, people are going to die. It seems the desire for civil unrest/civil war overrides any sense of self preservation.
I think the USA is finished within a generation.
I hope beyond all hope that this is not the end but.i understand loss of hopefulness.
Yet another BRAVO to you and Elliot. This post to STEADY, in language as powerful and clear as Smith's indictment itself, provide us with the real importance of the indictment. By invoking Benjamin Franklin's comment, Lincoln's in "The Gettysburg Address," and Reagan's 1st inaugural address, you highlight the vulnerability of a democracy, of OUR democracy, and it's a reality we're living through right now. I applaud you for this addition to STEADY, for through reading it, I connect to those who value what this country -- flawed as our system is -- has achieved, and can build on for the future. All we need now is a jury that listens to the evidence and isn't swayed by all the lies offered by, and claims of lies being leveled at, Defendant Trump.
Thank you for sharing this with your Steady friends. Your words were most helpful to me. I will continue to learn and defend our Republic that I love.
Me, too!
And How... 235 Years ago, Madison wrote the following in the Federalist Papers No.51: "But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."
Human nature seems to not have evolved as much as we'd like to think. Thankfully, I guess we saw this coming. N
Wisely and eloquently stated, Dan and Elliot. This Steady piece should be required reading for high school Civics and American History classes.
After learning more about Jack Smith I believe President Biden nominated the wrong person to be Attorney General of the United States.
All great points, and very well stated. However, I wish you hadn't included the Reagan quote. Because it was then, with his election, that the Republican party began in earnest its plot to disintegrate our Democracy. We have lost SO much because of the Reagan policies, and we may never get them back.
I agree completely, Daniel. How many of today's ills can be traced back to Saint Ronnie? A LOT, for sure.