A Progressive Viewpoint

U.S. institutions are critical to the functioning of our democracy and everyday life. While this might seem like a dry or boring topic to some, the stability and reliability of these institutions are crucial for the United States to thrive. I’ve been reading The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution by Francis Fukuyama, and his insights highlight how reliable institutions and the rule of law are the foundation of a successful society. Fukuyama compares countries with strong institutions, such as Denmark, to those where institutions have failed. The lesson is clear: without strong institutions, nations face instability and authoritarianism.   In the U.S., our institutions—including the Census Bureau, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Supreme Court—play a key role in maintaining order and supporting democratic governance. However, these vital institutions are under attack by former President Dona...

  Violence has no place in a democracy. The essence of democratic governance lies in the ability to engage in spirited debates, protests, and discussions—where disagreements can be aired without fear of physical retaliation. However, the increasing presence of political violence, such as the recent second assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the continuing unrest in Springfield, Ohio, raises a disturbing question: Are we losing our democracy?   Civil discourse and the peaceful transition of power are the bedrock of any functioning democracy. When political discourse gives way to violence, it signals the erosion of these very foundations. In recent years, political polarization has escalated to alarming levels, creating a climate of fear, distrust, and division that is further eroding trust in democratic institutions. Violence, whether threatened or actualized, undermines these institutions and fosters an environment where extremism thrives.     The Rol...

  The false accusation that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are eating dogs and cats is a blatant example of racist and xenophobic rhetoric, peddled by figures like Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. This narrative fits neatly into a long-standing fascist playbook that scapegoats immigrants, particularly people of color, as the source of societal problems. It serves as a distraction, a convenient smokescreen to shift blame away from the real issues afflicting the United States—such as systemic inequality, corporate influence in politics, and the erosion of workers' rights—and instead place it on vulnerable populations. Such disinformation echoes the propaganda tactics employed by authoritarian regimes throughout history, most notably the Nazis in pre-war Germany. In a similar fashion, the Nazis promoted falsehoods about Jews, accusing them of all manner of social ills in order to justify their brutal policies of marginalization and extermination. The goal was not merely to vilify but ...