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Leo B Watkins's avatar

Agreed with the gist of your editorial. Disagree with your analysis of the underlying problem.

You have developed this ideal that if only we expect democracy with a small "d" to act correctly, somehow that will cause our overall system to do so. And while noble, in the real world, it is not only unrealistic, but harmful.

You ignore the elephant in the room.

Although you put your blinders on and studiously ignore it, democratic principles are not only under systemic attack at the local, state and national level, but even at the international level.

There are now (and probably always were) two world orders competing for the soul of the species.

One which is based upon rule of law, principles, and civil liberties. The other based upon the ideal that might is right, whether that might be based upon theocracy, greed, or power by any other name.

And in case you haven't noticed, the tyrants are winning.

With the consent of the governed or without.

And in such an environment, why WOULDN'T our local officials feel they are above accountability to their citizens beyond the ballot box, and not necessarily then? Who will call them to account?

Durant? Youngkin? Miyares? Trump? Gaetz? Alito? Musk? Putin?

Puh-leaze...

Your outrage reminds me of someone expecting children to act with reserve, intelligence, principle, respect and reason at the same time every adult they see is acting like they are on a reality show.

These government officials at every level see what WE value, as evidenced by our votes not only to return Donald Trump to office, but also every Republican who stood with him.

Why wouldn't they act as they now do?

The wonder is that they don't do it more. I expect it to worsen. Knowing that folks such as yourself will never call it to account, with your selective indifference presented as equanimity is a large part of the reason why.

If you're not willing to call out the adults for bad behavior, why you picking on the kids?

Moving on.

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Theodore C Marcus's avatar

The objects of good democratic government, and its guarantees, are partication, transparency, integrity and accountability. There are paragraphs of explanation behind each word. Those things aren't included in "STEM". We're forfeiting our ability to have a principles nation by not knowing, and demanding and ensuring good democratic government. The costs will be un-payable. "We the people" must engage better and with fortitude.

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