We the Falling People

A Nation on Hold

America, once seen as a beacon of democracy and freedom, is now increasingly falling under the grip of tyrannical rule. The rise of authoritarian tendencies within the government has sparked fear and concern among many citizens, leading to a gradual erosion of democratic norms and principles.

America has long been a proponent of democracy and freedom, championing the idea that leaders should serve limited terms to prevent the accumulation of power and ensure a healthy turnover of leadership. However, recent events have raised questions about America’s commitment to these principles, particularly in regards to its stance on the Russian law that reinstates the presidency for multiple terms.

America’s response to Russia’s decision to allow individuals to serve as president for more than two terms has been met with criticism and condemnation. Many see this move as a power grab by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has already been in power for more than two decades. America and other Western nations have accused Russia of undermining democratic principles and consolidating power in the hands of one individual.

However, America’s own actions in recent years have raised eyebrows and cast doubt on its moral authority to criticize Russia for extending presidential term limits. In the United States, there has been a trend towards extending the influence of former presidents beyond their two terms in office. Former presidents are often called upon to serve as advisors, ambassadors, and representatives on the world stage, effectively maintaining a level of power and influence long after their time in office has ended.

This shift towards using former presidents to exert influence and shape policy has raised concerns about the consolidation of power and the erosion of democratic principles. By continuing to rely on individuals who have already served their time in office, America is effectively circumventing the will of the people and allowing a select group of individuals to dictate policy and direction for the country.

America’s Decent into Tyranny

One of the key factors contributing to the country’s descent into tyranny is the increasing consolidation of power in the hands of a few individuals. The executive branch, in particular, has been granted sweeping authority through executive orders and other measures, allowing the president to bypass Congress and govern with impunity. This concentration of power in the hands of a single individual is antithetical to the principles of democracy, as it undermines the system of checks and balances that is supposed to prevent the abuse of power.

Eroding Civil Liberties and Rights

The erosion of civil liberties and human rights has become increasingly prevalent in America. The government has employed tactics such as mass surveillance, censorship, and the suppression of dissent to quash opposition and maintain control. These tactics not only infringe upon the rights of individuals but also serve to stifle free speech and inhibit political activism, further entrenching the government’s grip on power.

Erosion of American Institutions

Another factor contributing to America’s descent into tyranny is the erosion institutions. In recent years, there has been a notable decline in the independence and effectiveness of institutions such as the judiciary, the media, and civil society organizations. These institutions are supposed to act as checks on government power, but their ability to do so has been undermined by political interference, political bribery, secular intimidation, and attempts to undermine their credibility. Without strong and independent institutions to hold the government accountable, there is little to prevent the slide into tyranny.

The Depletion of Democratic Norms

The depletion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism in America is a concerning trend that must be addressed before it is too late. The country’s founding principles of democracy, freedom, and equality are at risk of being eroded, and it is up to the people to demand change and hold their leaders accountable. By remaining vigilant, informed, and engaged, citizens can work to ensure that America remains a beacon of democracy and freedom for generations to come. This is our hope as “We the people.” This is not where we stand today as the American people. There is much to be done to ensure this future and it begins by acknowledging our faults, the system we abide by and those that lead it astray.

In the current state, the American people are blindsided by meaningless entertainment that’s hosted by select elites who demand to think for the people, we have become a nation caged by the reality we know as a two-party system.

Disadvantages Of The Two-Party System

• Lack of Political Diversity. …

• Limited Choices for Voters. …

• Eventually Leads to Political Polarization. …

• Stifled Debate and Ideological Rigidity. …

• Lack of Representation. …

• Partisan Politics and Gridlock. …

• Challenges Faced by Third Parties and Independent Candidates. …

• Voter Disillusionment.

• Lack of Political Diversity. …

• Limited Choices for Voters. …

• Eventually Leads to Political Polarization. …

• Stifled Debate and Ideological Rigidity. …

• Lack of Representation. …

• Partisan Politics and Gridlock. …

• Challenges Faced by Third Parties and Independent Candidates. …

• Voter Disillusionment.

The two-party system in America has long been a topic of debate, with many arguing that it compartmentalizes the nation into distinct factions that perpetuate inner conflict and limit the growth and maturity of the people. This system, which has become entrenched in American politics, often disregards other fundamental factors that play a crucial role in shaping the principles and values of the populace.

The two-party system in America, consisting of the Democrats and Republicans, has created a binary view of politics that fails to capture the complexities and nuances of society. This system forces individuals to align themselves with one of these two parties, even if their beliefs and values do not fully align with either. This creates division and polarization among the American people, as they are forced to choose sides rather than consider issues on a case-by-case basis.

The American two-party system limits the diversity of thought and opinion within the political landscape. By only offering two choices, the system suppresses the voices of third parties and independent candidates who may have new and innovative ideas to bring to the table. This stifles creativity and progress, as only the ideas of the two major parties are given serious consideration in the political arena.

Powerful political elites can undeniably dictate the direction of the parties and manipulate the political landscape to their advantage in a two-party system. These puppet masters pull the strings behind the scenes, ensuring that their interests and agendas are prioritized over the needs and desires of the American people. This creates a system where true democracy is compromised, as the voices of the people are drowned out by those in power.

In order to truly promote the principles and maturity of the American people, it is essential to move beyond the confines of the two-party system. This can be achieved by opening up the political landscape to third parties and independent candidates, allowing for a more diverse range of ideas and opinions to be heard. It also requires breaking free from the control of the puppet masters who manipulate the two-party system for their own gain.

Ultimately, the two-party system in America is a barrier to progress and unity, as it compartmentalizes the nation into factions and promotes inner conflict. By disregarding other fundamental factors that contribute to the principles and maturity of the people, this system prevents the American people from straying outside the iron clasp of the puppet masters who dictate American control. It is time to break free from this outdated system and embrace a more inclusive and diverse political landscape that truly represents the will of the people.

DANGERS OF TWO-SIDED POLITICS

Because the parties are so polarized and focused on winning elections, they are often willing to adopt extreme positions to appeal to their base. This can lead to a lack of compromise and cooperation in government, as each party becomes more focused on defeating the other than on working together to solve problems.

America is facing a dangerous path towards a tyrannical government, and it is imperative that we address this growing threat before it is too late. There are five primary objections to the rise of tyranny in America, each of which highlights the various ways in which our democracy is being eroded. The two-party system plays a significant role in deterring the American people from a free thinking society and becoming ultimately an enslaved nation.

THERE WILL BE SIGNS:

Firstly, the erosion of civil liberties is a clear sign that America is trending towards tyranny. The government’s increasing encroachment on privacy rights, freedom of speech, and other fundamental freedoms is a direct threat to democracy. From warrantless surveillance to the stifling of dissent, our government is slowly but surely eroding the very foundation of our democracy.

• 43% of Americans feel their protest rights are less secure

• 42% of Americans feel their ability to voice their opinion has diminished since the start of the pandemic

• More than one in three Americans feel their religious liberties are less secure

REALITY CHECK: In 2017, political rights and civil liberties declined to their lowest point in more than a decade. The United States has also experienced setbacks in the conduct of elections and criminal justice.

Mass surveillance infrastructure has intensified the criminalization of marginalized and racialized groups. This has normalized an erosion of privacy and freedom, and entrenched an expanding surveillance infrastructure.

Secondly, the concentration of power in the hands of a few is a dangerous trend that must be confronted. As corporations and wealthy individuals exert more influence over our political system, the voice of the average American is being drowned out. This consolidation of power leads to policies that benefit the few at the expense of the many, furthering the divide between the rich and the poor.

REALITY CHECK: According to The Conversation, BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street are the companies that control corporate America. These companies are known as index funds, which are businesses of scale that make it difficult for competitors to gain market share. This concentration of ownership has led to a quasi-monopolistic position, and some say that regulatory scrutiny of corporate America’s “de facto permanent governing board” will increase in the coming years.

In 2018, MacroPolo reported that Chinese investors and firms own the majority of almost 2,400 American companies, employing 114,000 people. This is roughly the same number of people employed by Google, Facebook, and Tesla combined.

Thirdly, the erosion of independent institutions and the rule of law is a clear sign that America is falling to tyranny. From attacks on the press to attempts to undermine the judiciary, our system of checks and balances is under siege. Without independent institutions to hold those in power accountable, tyranny can easily take root.

REALITY CHECK: According to the Brookings Institution, the United States is experiencing democratic erosion in its governing institutions. This erosion includes:

• Election manipulation: State legislatures have passed laws to reduce voter access, politicize election administration, and limit electoral competition.

• Executive overreach: Executive power has grown, threatening civil service independence.

• Lack of impartial executive oversight: A gridlocked, hyperpartisan Congress has led to a lack of impartial executive oversight.

• Questionable judicial impartiality: Judicial impartiality is in question.

Democratic erosion is the slow decline of a democracy. It’s different from a coup, which is a dramatic event where a dictator overthrows an elected government.

Other erosions in American institutions include:

• Civil rights

The Bush administration used the courts and the judicial appointment process to narrow civil rights protections and repeal remedies for legal redress.

• Border control

According to Nadia Schadlow, the erosion of border control at America’s southern border is a threat to national security.

• Press and an independent judiciary

The Cato Institute says that press and an independent judiciary have been significantly eroded.

Some proposed causes of democratic backsliding include: economic inequality, culturally conservative reactions to societal changes, populist or personalist politics, and external influence from great power politics.

Fourthly, the rise of authoritarian leaders who seek to consolidate power and undermine democratic norms is a troubling trend in America. From attacks on the media to efforts to discredit the electoral process, these leaders undermine the very foundations of our democracy. Without a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, tyranny can quickly take hold.

REALITY CHECK: Among Democrats, views are more mixed: Three-in-ten have a positive view toward socialism but not capitalism, 19% express a positive view toward capitalism only, 27% of Democrats view both socialism and capitalism positively, and about two-in-ten (21%) do not have a positive view of either term.

● Democratic socialism is defined as having a socialist economy in which the means of production are socially and collectively owned or controlled alongside a democratic political system of government. Democratic socialists reject most self-described socialist states, which followed Marxism–Leninism.

● Karl Marx believed that socialism was a society where the government or society owns a large portion of production, unlike capitalism. He called this type of socialism scientific socialism, and believed that it would lead to a communist society that is stateless and classless. Marx believed that socialism was a response to the exploitation of the proletariat by capitalists, and that it would eventually replace capitalism due to the structural contradictions within capitalistic societies. He believed that socialism would create the conditions for a free, rational, active, and independent man, and that it would allow people to “actualize their essence” by overcoming their alienation.

Finally, the erosion of trust in our democratic institutions is a dangerous sign that America is falling to tyranny. From rampant corruption to the spread of disinformation, Americans’ faith in their government is waning. Without trust in our institutions, democracy cannot function properly, opening the door to tyranny and authoritarian rule.

REALITY CHECK: Multiple challenges such as voting restrictions, election fraud, and loss of trust in government are accelerating the disintegration of American democracy.
We find that negative perceptions of the economy, scandals associated with Congress, and increasing public concern about crime each lead to declining public trust in government.

Public trust in the federal government, which has been low for decades, has returned to near record lows following a modest uptick in 2020 and 2021. Currently, fewer than two-in-ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (1%) or “most of the time” (15%).

IRONY UNRAVELED

In summary, the United States is experiencing a concerning shift towards authoritarianism, highlighting the urgent need to confront this peril. By addressing the encroachment on civil liberties, the consolidation of power, attacks on independent institutions, the emergence of authoritarian figures, and the erosion of trust in essential establishments, we can strive to protect our democracy for the well-being of future generations.

In Ancient Greece, tyranny represented a distinct variant of governance. Democracies employed elections to determine their leaders, while monarchies typically transmitted ruling authority through hereditary lineage. In contrast, tyrants ascended to power by seizing control, often under the guise of safeguarding the security of the city-state.

REALITY CHECK: The US government utilizes state security measures to monitor and regulate its citizens through clandestine surveillance initiatives, including covert surveillance programs and mass surveillance tactics. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978 grants the government the authority to conduct wiretaps, gather phone call data, execute physical searches, and compel companies to divulge information. Under Section 702 of FISA, the government is permitted to engage in sweeping, warrantless monitoring of Americans’ international communications, encompassing phone conversations, text messages, emails, social media correspondence, and internet browsing activities.

Additionally, the Patriot Act empowers government operatives to enter residences, apartments, or offices with a search warrant in the absence of the occupant, conduct searches of the premises, and capture photographs. In certain scenarios, they may confiscate possessions and electronic communications without immediate notification to the owner.

CONCLUSION: The phrase, “When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty,” is commonly attributed to Thomas Jefferson. This sentiment conveys the notion that in instances where the government surpasses its lawful boundaries and enacts tyranny, individuals are obligated to rise against such authority in order to restore the fundamental rights of freedom and consent among the governed. While Jefferson did not directly coin this exact phrase, a similar principle is reflected in his articulation within the Declaration of Independence, where he expresses that individuals subjected to oppressive governance possess both the right and duty to resist and eliminate such a regime.

It is up to us to stand up and defend our human values before it is too late.

“We the People“

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We the Falling People