Is this the end of liberal democracy in the United States ?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

11 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Yes
	3 (27%)
	No
	8 (73%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
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[no_hypocrisy]

1. Paraphrasing Benjamin Franklin, no, if we can keep it.

The deliberations of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 were held in strict secrecy. Consequently, anxious citizens gathered outside Independence Hall when the proceedings ended in order to learn what had been produced behind closed doors. The answer was provided immediately. A Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” With no hesitation whatsoever, Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” (Benjamin Franklin)

http://www.ourrepubliconline.com/Author/21


It comes down to our choice and our will as citizens and Keepers of the Flame.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

2. I have to believe the Founders would be aghast by Trump using the office of the presidency...

I have to believe the Founders would be aghast by Trump using the office of the presidency for personal enrichment.

[athena]

3. The U.S. has strong institutions.

It has a very strong constitution. Years ago, I read a book about how Hitler came to power. Weimar Germany had a very weak constitution, and its people did not believe in democracy. We have to be vigilant, but I believe the U.S. will be O.K. (The economy, on the other hand, will not be O.K. I predict a new Great Depression in about two or three years.)

[el_bryanto]

4. Possibly but not likely

But even recognizing it's possible is kind of terrifying.

Bryant

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. Trump is the first president in my lifetime who doesn't believe in liberal democracy.

Rule of law
Pluralism
Habeas corpus
Due process
Individual rights
Sanctity of the ballot


...

[MADem]

6. I do think it's the end of the tyranny of the minority, though.

Our party doesn't put up with racism and sexism and xenophobia, and we shouldn't pretend that we do. Anyone who puts Bros before You Know Who isn't in OUR club. No one should ever again be allowed to get away with blatant misogyny such as that we've tolerated in the past year.

We know full well there was plenty of shit-stirring on the ""alt-left" by people who were more interested in Divide and Conquer than advancing the causes of equality and fairness for all. The very mocking of people who give a shit about how our fellow humans are treated is a good clue. Those scolds were way too quick to switch their votes to a fascist without even thinking were the ones who led the charge as "Busters" and it is quite likely they were never truly in the BS corner to begin with.

[First Speaker]

7. It's the beginning of the end...

...I've felt this coming on since the 90s, and Gingrich's "revolution" on 1994. Since then, we've had the impeachment of Clinton, the stolen election, and the general slide of the GOP into a one-party mentality. Look at the way they dealt with the death of Scalia, and the nomination of Garland. They regard the Court as their personal property. They no longer regard the opposition as legitimate. Given that, a crisis point is inevitable. Trump is merely the boil on the skin--a superficial symptom of a larger disease. The GOP won't stop until we are literally a one-party state. Maybe something will save us, as Lincoln did in the 1860s, and FDR did in the 30s and 40s. But I think the odds are against us this time. Maybe our national luck has finally run out...

[CanonRay]

8. Possibly, but too early to day

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

9. No, but Trump has revealed a winning formula that is going to be a problem

There will be more Trumps at the state and local level.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

10. I will give Drumpf credit for one thing. He has brass ones.

He lacks the governor most of us have that prevent us from saying and doing outrageous things. I am not sure other pols can pull it off. Who knows?