Conversation

@simsa0.bsky.social

It’s nice that you jumped right to the expression “living democracy.” Because even looking at democracy by regular standards, things look bleak.

The executive branch? Our favorite president - no comment needed there. The legislative branch? Well, the Republicans have the majority in both chambers. Are the Democrats at least using their - somewhat pathetic - means? No, they’re essentially waiting until the king’s (I mean the clown’s) second term is over. Because real resistance costs the people money, and that hurts, so they won’t vote for the Democrats again next time. The judiciary? At least there, Trump’s massive interference does not seem to have had the hoped-for success. But that doesn’t matter. The wheels of justice turn slowly. But Trump comes up with something new every morning. He’s wearing seven-league boots, and the courts are stuck in their slippers.

But what interests me far more is living democracy, democracy in action, outside of the political system. For me, two institutions are particularly crucial here: the newspapers (today “the media”) and the universities. The universities have come to terms with the situation and are maintaining the status quo. And as a lifelong reader of The New York Times, I blush with shame when I witness their toothlessness. And that's almost the most radical left (you hear my sarcasm) media outlet of any influence.

The rest is the people: folklore - yesterday the Super Bowl and today No Kings.