The demise of democracy?
Are we watching the demise of democracy in the United States of America? The mire of corruption and political divisiveness in our country is catastrophic. The rising racism with certain politicians blatantly demoralizing Blacks and Black History, Gay and Transgender people is absolutely abhorrent.
We have Ron DeSantis spewing his thinly disguised malicious rhetoric of hate. Why is DeSantis so afraid of teaching children about Black history? Wouldn’t it be righteous to show how these courageous people persevered under the most torturous circumstances? How can it be wrong to teach children about Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King to name just some.
Then we have the ex-president of the United States, Donald Trump, with more than 50 corruption charges against him, flagrantly lying and ignoring the constitution and the laws of democracy. He removed more than 300 boxes from The White House of classified documents and stored them at Mar-a-lago. The January 6th insurrection at the Capitol left 5 people dead shortly before, during, and following the event.
Many people were injured, including 138 police officers. Clearly Donald Trump was the instigator and yet this narcissistic, misogynistic, blowhard continues to be supported by the Trumpers and Trumpettes.
The level of violence towards LGBT people has increased exponentially. They are nearly 4 times more likely to be victimized than straight people. Hate filled politics are targeting LGBT people by fueling prejudice and loathing. This propagates known lies and pseudoscience that disparages gender and sexual minorities. The stereotypes abound and are dangerous.
How did the United States democracy become so dysfunctional? Part of the reason is race. Our country has been extremely slow to address the legacy of racism. The Civil Rights Act wasn’t a reality until 1964. Unfortunately the excruciatingly apathetic path towards equality for all has caused great dysfunction.
Another reason for our flawed democracy is the backlash from a group of white Americans-many from rural areas-feel their status in society is being threatened. The feelings of resentment hit a fever pitch during the Trump years.
The inequality of opportunity has contributed to the dysfunction of the United States. Blue-collar workers feel left behind by free trade in a globalized world. Automation and AI are slowly displacing workers across socioeconomic classes. People are worried about how they will survive and support their families.
The challenges facing our country are many. I can only hope we can end the terrible political divisiveness among groups of people. Our democracy is at stake.
Gretchen Gordon
Sharon
Amenia voters fill out their ballots at Church of Immaculate Conception. Voters weighed in on a variety of high-profile positions, including governor and attorney general.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Eric Alexander, back right, watches voting results for his County Legislator race alongside his staff and fellow Dutchess Democrats. Alexander retained his seat, defeating challenger Stefanie Hubert by 440 votes. Photo by Graham Corrigan
Amenia's polling location is Church of Immaculate Conception on Lavalle Road.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Dave Jones, owner and chief mechanic at Lakeville Auto. Laurie Fendrich
