By the Way, This Time Democracy Itself is On the Ballot
Powerful words. I hope we’re listening.
Unfortunately, the value of American democracy has itself become a tragically partisan issue as each party finds ways to call the other a bigger threat.
Biden’s speech ignited a spirited round of the “You’re another” game as the Republican National Committee called Biden’s speech “Desperate and dishonest,” even before it was delivered.
“Joe Biden promised unity,” the RNC statement said, “but has instead demonized and smeared Americans, while making life more expensive for all.”
Well, as demonizing, smearing and dividing go, members of the Grand Old Party have not been slouches. Following their party line, Republicans scoff at Biden’s alarm over democracy as little more than a distraction from their own poll-tested issues: crime and inflation.
Granted, crime and inflation are very important issues, real issues that hit Americans where we live, or try to live.
But can we hear some solutions? Even serious suggestions?
I’ve seen this political dance too many times. It’s fine to push a hot-button issue like crime or inflation, but political campaigns seldom have room for serious fact-finding or problem solving.
Without hearing any specific remedies, beyond those — like, say, mass incarceration — that create as many problems as they solve, I can’t help but wonder whether this issue will disappear, as so many others have, the day after Election Day.
But who cares about issues? Campaigns are all about winning, preferably with some ethical behavior in mind, although some people seem to think that’s too much to ask.
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