Article Summary –
The article discusses recent political events in America, emphasizing Joe Biden’s poor debate performance and a Supreme Court decision declaring presidential immunity. The author quotes scholar Ruth Ben-Ghiat, who suggests that the GOP and courts are taking aggressive measures to limit rights due to America’s shifting towards progressive ideologies. The author also criticizes mainstream media’s biased coverage but remains hopeful for the future of the U.S., citing mass protests, a surge in political diversity, and impactful journalism as reasons for optimism.
The Tumultuous Week in American Democracy
Events of the past week have delivered significant blows to the American Experiment. Joe Biden, the man viewed as the best bet against another calamitous Donald Trump term, faltered in a recent debate, visibly reflecting his 81 years of age.
Moreover, the Supreme Court has made a problematic ruling essentially asserting that a president is immune from the law when acting officially. This decision, along with others, has left a significant mark on the pillars of democracy in the United States.
Despite this, there’s still hope for a course correction. Encouraging developments within politics, justice, and media give reason for optimism.
The Fight for Democracy
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a respected scholar examining how democracies fare under authoritarian rule, shared her insights. She suggests that the Republicans’ aggressive tactics to strip away rights, including free and fair elections, stem from America’s growing progressivism. The GOP struggle to win without resorting to lies, threats, and election interference, sometimes with foreign assistance.
Ben-Ghiat also observes that the U.S. is partaking in a global resurgence of mass, nonviolent protest against authoritarianism. The Women’s March against Trump in 2017, followed by the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, are powerful examples.
These mass protest movements have influenced elections, leading to many women, non-white, and LGBTQ+ individuals being elected to office. Another round of protests may be on the horizon, with the stakes higher than ever before.
Justice and Journalism
While it is alarming that the Supreme Court has granted presidential immunity for official acts, there have been some positive developments. For instance, Trump recently became the first former US president convicted of felonies.
Despite some disappointment with mainstream journalism, outlets like ProPublica have done stellar work in exposing the threats of Project 2025, a plan by Trump allies to dismantle democratic norms should he secure a second term.
As Jelani Cobb, the dean of Columbia Journalism School, states, “good journalism is part of the solution.” The young journalists of today, Cobb believes, will be a support for democracy despite the formidable challenges faced today.
The Road Ahead
The valiant efforts of ordinary citizens remain a source of inspiration. As one friend involved in voter protection efforts notes, grassroots volunteers are tirelessly working to preserve democracy, fueled by a surge of small-dollar donations following Biden’s debate performance. Additionally, there are many in the judiciary who continue to uphold justice in the cases against Trump, despite personal risks.
Despite the pessimistic views of some, many remain hopeful about the future of the United States. This Fourth of July, it is vital to recall how far we have come and remember that the journey towards a more democratic nation is far from over.
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