Category: Democracy
November 2022: The Anti-Democracy Coalition
If such lethargy prevails this time, the outcome of a few key contests for secretary of state in November 2022 could lead to tragic consequences for American democracy in 2024 and beyond. by Steven Harper Sunday,…
Trump endorses Oath Keeper’s plan to seize control of the Republican Party
The “precinct strategy” widely promoted by Steve Bannon has already inspired thousands of Trump supporters to fill local GOP positions, intent on preventing a “stolen election.” by Isaac Arnsdorf, ProPublica March 3, 2022 ProPublica is…
On eve of key fight, Sanders asks: ‘Will Manchin and Sinema vote with GOP?’
“We are not going to win the elections in 2022 unless our base is energized and ordinary people understand what we are fighting for, and how we are different than the Republicans.” by Jake Johnson, Common…
Hundreds of Arizona schools report inaccurate civil rights data, violate federal law
by Sam Kmack, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting June 14, 2021 PHOENIX—Hundreds of Arizona’s public schools failed to report accurate civil rights data to the U.S. Department of Education for the 2017-2018 school year, a violation…
Is the military the last stronghold of US institutional values?
by Wade Rathke January 02, 2022 New Orleans We have an extended family WhatsApp group, as many families have. These things are a hodgepodge of advice and, usually, good will, attempts at humor, sports talk,…
Defending filibuster, Sinema imperils last-ditch voting rights push
“Sinema doesn’t support the voting rights legislation. The filibuster just lets her pretend she does.” by Jake Johnson, Common Dreams Thursday, December 16, 2021 Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) on Wednesday cast further doubt on Democrats’ nascent…
US military document puts socialists in same category as Neo-Nazis
The Intercept releases story ‘Disturbing’ The Navy’s new counterterrorism training guide says that socialists are “political terrorists,” just like neo-nazis. “Whoever is directing the Navy anti-terror curriculum would rather vilify the left than actually protect anything,”…
120+ Retired US Generals and Admirals pen ‘disturbing’ letter parroting Trump election lies
“This should bust the myth that generals automatically deserve our respect,” said Joe Cirincione of the Quincy Institute. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Wednesday, May 12, 2021 More than 120 retired U.S. generals and admirals…
‘Direct attack on the First Amendment’: Trump DOJ secretly obtained Washington Post journalists’ phone records
“When the government spies on journalists and their sources, it jeopardizes freedom of the press,” said the ACLU. by Kenny Stancil, staff writer Advocates for press freedom responded with outrage after the Washington Post reported…
Rights defenders decry advancement of Oklahoma anti-protest bills
‘The OK Legislature Wants Us Dead’ The head of the state’s ACLU accused Oklahoma lawmakers of “attempting to silence the voices of their constituents and criminalize vital calls for accountability and racial justice.” by Brett Wilkins,…
As Manchin yells he will ‘Never…Jesus Christ!’ vote to kill filibuster, Warren and Sanders demand end to Jim Crow rule
“Moderate Democrats in the Senate have a choice to make: They can either defend democracy and the Constitution by passing H.R. 1 or they can save the McConnell filibuster. They can’t do both.” by Jake Johnson,…
Indivisible launches For The People Project to ‘unrig our democracy and make it work for all’
“We’re holding nothing back as we work to make D.C. the 51st state, protect the rights of voters, and root out corruption in our government.” by Brett Wilkins, staff writer Wednesday, March 3, 2021 In…
Congress must fight for a better democracy and pass the For the People Act
Republicans and Democratic voters agree: We need to make sure leaders actually represent “we the people.” by Ben Jealous Thursday, February 25, 2021 More than 230 years ago, the founders of the United States enshrined their…
Little “d” democracy in action
by Wade Rathke February 7, 2021 Pearl River There’s no question democracy is under attack all around the world, and, sadly, we are all engaged in a battle to protect the semblance of it that’s…
Leading digital rights group warns section 230 reform bill will boost Big Tech while crushing smaller sites
“This bill, as written, would have enormous unintended consequences for human rights and freedom of expression,” warned Fight for the Future’s Evan Greer. by Brett Wilkins, staff writer Saturday, February 6, 2021 A leading digital rights…
John Dean: Insurrectionist Senators are Co-conspirators and should not sit in judgment of Trump
AOC: “Sen. Hawley is trying to wiggle out of inciting a riot that killed 5” by Common Dreams staff On Friday evening Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that opening arguments in the Senate impeachment trial…
Warning against further erosion of civil liberties, Tlaib leads charge against new domestic terrorism laws
“While many may find comfort in increased national security powers in the wake of this attack, we must emphasize that we have been here before and we have seen where that road leads.” by Kenny Stancil,…
Police, soldiers bring lethal skill to militia campaigns against US government
Militia members associated with the Three Percenters movement conducting a military drill in Flovilla, Ga., in 2016, days after Trump’s election. After his 2020 defeat, Three Percenters were involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at…
Senate Democrats prove ‘Democracy Reform is a top priority’ by putting ‘For the People Act’ first
“From a violent insurrection at the Capitol to the countless attempts to silence the vote of millions of Americans, attacks on our democracy have come in many forms,” said incoming Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. by Jessica…
Impeach Trump. Then arrest Trump. Then prosecute him for sedition
Unless all who participated in or abetted the attempted overthrow of the United States government are held accountable, it will happen again. Next time it may succeed. by Robert Reich Monday, January 11, 2021 Call me…
Members of several well-known hate groups identified at Capitol riot
A ProPublica-FRONTLINE review of the insurrection found several noted hardcore nativists and white nationalists who also participated in the 2017 white power rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. by A.C. Thompson and Ford Fischer Saturday, Jan. 9, 10:15…
US Capitol protesters, egged on by Trump, are part of a long history of white supremacists hearing politicians’ words as encouragement
Today, white supremacists appear to interpret politicians’ remarks as support for their cause of a new civil war to create a white-dominated government, and instead of protecting from that President Donald Trump facilitated an attack. These…
Trump Cabinet/advisors criticized for resigning. Running Is ‘Not Courageous, It’s Cowardly,’ Say Supporters of 25th Amendment Ouster
“At this late a stage, resignations help little beyond serving as late attempts at self-preservation,” argued Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. by Brett Wilkins, staff writer January 7, 2021 Progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups on Thursday urged members…
Nearly 100 lawmakers demand Pence invoke 25th Amendment
“Once removed, Trump should be criminally prosecuted,” said Robert Weissman of Public Citizen. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Thursday, January, 2021 Nearly 100 Democratic lawmakers are calling on Vice President Mike Pence and Cabinet members to…
