“The Grinch Who Stole Democracy” 7–1–2022
“The truth unquestionably is, that the only path to a subversion of the republican system of the Country is, by flattering the prejudices of the people, and exciting their jealousies and apprehensions, to throw affairs into confusion, and bring on civil commotion. Tired at length of anarchy, or want of government, they may take shelter in the arms of monarchy for repose and security.” -Objections and Answers respecting the Administration of the Government, Alexander Hamilton August 18, 1792
In a letter to George Washington primarily dedicated to addressing the economic impact of the public debt created by the Revolutionary War, Alexander Hamilton included words and warnings on the possible destabilizing effect a demagogue who “is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity” in an effort to undermine legitimate government and exploit the ensuing confusion for his own benefit.
Hamilton also includes a corollary as to why the need for impeaching a president is a necessary and proper constitutional remedy.
“…to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion — to flatter and fall in with all the non sense of the zealots of the day — It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may “ride the storm and direct the whirlwind.” -Ibid
Did Hamilton rightly predict the rise of Trump? Or, was it merely just a matter of time? We are all witnesses and victims to a 50 year scheme by the donor class/religious right to deny the American people their rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
They seek to gut our Constitutional protections in service of our natural, God given rights by keeping us in ill health, impoverished, and frightened for our future. They don’t seek to assist us or lessen our burden. They offer no practical or logical answers, only dogmatic predictions of certain death and damnation for disobedience for theirs is the way. The only way.
I must admit it is an elaborate plot they cooked up. Letting the Supreme Court pick up the charge where their faux president failed. Six unelected fools in six stained with scandal black robes of shame who have no intentions of administering or applying the law in the Constitution as they swore a sacred oath to do.
It’s all about creating confusion and dividing the country under the guise of State rights to enforce not laws really, but concepts that are wildly unpopular with the majority of the American public.
It is hard to estimate the loss of credibility of the Court and the impact on American democracy as we knew it. For without the knowing consent of the people, anchored in the legitimacy of their lawfully conscientious and prudent decisions, there can be no functioning democracy.
Today starts the 4th of July weekend. It’s our nation’s birthday and cause for celebration, for we are the affirmation that given the chance at self-rule we individuals are more than capable of coming together for the common good and make the right decisions, for one and for all.
As a part of the national discussion, there’s been a great deal of angst and discussion about cancelling the 4th of July over the loss of reproductive rights, expansion of gun owner’s rights and of all things, the ability to federally regulate clear air and water.
All big events and occurrences to be sure and worth pondering. Nonetheless, this is where perhaps we should all consider continuing our traditions in honor of this great country for if nothing else, America is still a social experiment that has yet to run its course.
Are we seeing fractures and fissures in our once rock solid like a truck Democratic way of life? Undoubtedly. Cracks that can both let in and let out the light? Or, as we are currently experiencing, the blackest of bile on an almost daily basis to keep us occupied, off-balance and distracted? Why yes, we are.
The puppet masters know big events make for big ratings. Selling pain and suffering with a tacit you are next is hard to ignore. Throw in a little extra violence for shock value and viola! That’s all anyone is talking about.
Loss of life? If you are following the J6 Committee Hearings and caught Trump’s comments on removing “mag” along with the very insurrection itself more than adequately solves the mystery of losses due to “collateral damage” for the “in” crowd.
So not to borrow from another time-honored American holiday, but exactly what is it I’m asking you to be thankful for? My answer is simple. It is for the small acts of kindness, compassion and awareness that we see every day. It is for the spirit of the rest of us, ready, willing and able to do what we can in pursuit of our right to form a more perfect union, and soon, world?
Find your strength, and courage in seemingly small but often enduring symbols and expressions of the inherent goodness of humankind.
I tell you truly, for every Holocaust there will be a Diary of Anne Frank. For every massacre of a small, Spanish village there will be a Guernica. For every Selma there will be a John Lewis and his legacy of good trouble. A John Lennon, Rosa Parks and a Maya Angelou. And yes, for every evil act there will be a reckoning.
In terms of politics, look to the midterms and consider the women who will be single issue Roe voters and come out in droves allowing Democrats the realistic opportunity to expand their majority in the Senate and hold the House.
In fact, you never know where you’ll find inspiration hiding right under your nose, every year, on the television, around Christmas time.
Remember the Grinch? The curmudgeon who had to stop Christmas from coming? So he stole all the presents? As I recall, upon seeing all the Who’s celebrate their faith his heart grew three times and he ended up serving the roast beast?
So, over this holiday weekend, celebrate not the gift, for freedom is not free, but the spirit of American pride and exceptionalism even when faced with what seems to be insurmountable odds, because they never are. In short, Be like Cindy Lou Who, who was only two.
Happy 4th of July!
