democracy
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Why Germans Fled Hitler, And Americans Fear Trump, Dane County Dinner Conversation Hits The Mark
It was shortly after ten o’clock Sunday night when one of the nine people gathered around the large dining table posed the question. With a deliberative style, the question was asked about what criteria were used by German citizens who felt it necessary to leave their homeland as they witnessed the rise of Hitler and… Continue reading
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The Preposterous Panic Over Ballots That Arrive On Time
The Supreme Court is poised to decide whether states may continue accepting mail‑in ballots that arrive after Election Day. This ruling could upend long‑standing “grace period” laws in states such as California, Illinois, and North Carolina. The case, brought by (I know you will be shocked) conservative activists, argues that the Constitution’s Elections Clause bars… Continue reading
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Those Who Sided With Viktor Orban Will Be Damned, Authoritarianism Is A Loser
I spent some time this afternoon upstairs looking for a column in a back issue of Foreign Affairs. I knew it contained the essence of what I wanted to stress in this column. That followed the most welcome news that Peter Magyar’s center-right Tisza party was projected to win Hungary’s parliamentary election, bringing an end… Continue reading
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Republicans Are In A Pickle, A Very Sour One
One fact struck me this weekend as the No Kings rallies garnered huge turnouts nationwide. Not only were the rallies aimed at underscoring the need to strengthen democratic institutions, rejecting authoritarianism, and denouncing the Iran War, but they happened everywhere. They were held in all 50 states. They were held in every congressional district, including… Continue reading
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When Critical Thinking Breaks Down, Democracy Feels the Strain
I overheard a conversation that made me aware (again) that we should not make an effort to overhear what others are saying. One person was trying to make the argument that the war Donald Trump started in Iran had to take place as it was brewing for 47 years. It was expressed that Trump had… Continue reading
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The Curious Cultish Case Of The Great Big Marco Rubio Shoes
I could be a willful child when growing up. Probably even difficult for stretches of time. As an adult, when talking with a therapist, my willfulness at home was presented back to me as a coping mechanism I employed. The problem was that I used it on the wrong people; after all, the school bullies… Continue reading
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Violent Rhetoric, Like Dan O’Donnell On WISN, Undermines Democracy
The political climate in the United States is reaching a level of volatility that should alarm every citizen who values democratic stability. This past week, Milwaukee radio host Dan O’Donnell of WISN‑AM demonstrated just how dangerous reckless rhetoric can be. In a now‑deleted post reacting to U.S. military action abroad, O’Donnell wrote: “Now take out… Continue reading
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DeForest Village Board: Example Of Democracy Working
In the midst of so much awful news and absurd happenings, there was a news story that lifted the sails this week. The DeForest Village Board voted 5–2 to begin reintroducing fluoride into the water system. If you are asking yourself why ‘reintroduce’ this scientifically evaluated mineral to the water supply, you would be correct… Continue reading
Caffeinated Politics 