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...

  Curtailing immigration has been a linchpin of former President Donald Trump's platform. His simplistic solution has been to shut down the southern borders of the United States, using the slogan "Build the Wall" as a rallying cry for his supporters. For Trump and his surrogates, this rhetoric masks deeper racial motivations, as it disproportionately targets people of color. Immigrants, particularly those from Latin America, are often painted as the source of all societal ills. This tactic mirrors the vilification of Jews preceding Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Nazi Germany. Trump's followers, many of whom align with the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, often overlook these historical parallels, blindly following a demagogue who offers scapegoats for complex problems.   To Trump, immigration represents an existential threat to the American way of life, and his solutions reflect this fear. By focusing on racial and nationalistic fears, the far-right ...

  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...