We’re in a period of politics where popularism is expanding. Everyone wants a “trump” - even the leftists, they just want a “trump” who aligns with their ideology.
The problem is the “trump” figure everyone wants is one who doesn’t care about the framework of government. The rules, norms, laws, etc. In the same way that religions are much more than their holy book our country is much more than our founding document. Most of the behavior of our government, and the executive branch in particular, is not defined in the constitution - it was created by laws and norms established over time. Often that is just “the executive does ‘war things’” without getting into details.
A “trump” doesn’t give a shit about those norms, ideals, or rules. They don’t care if they’re “breaking with tradition” or “trashing long-standing norms”. A “trump” is an ends-justifies-the-means monster.
You want a “leftist trump” - somebody who will trash the same institutions to get your way. Because your way is the right way and Trump is already destroying things so lets just aim the wreaking ball in a different direction.
But - in a representative democracy there needs to be compromise and debate. The parties should work together to find paths forward. Grandstanding on appointees isn’t really “a thing” you do because the president gets to choose his cabinet officers. Congress was never really supposed to block them on ideological grounds - it’s not really their role. And if you do it, then they might do it. It’s a bit of a “mutually assured destruction” scenario that keeps both sides willing to work together.
These norms are important though. They have traditionally kept the government more stable through transitions so that we don’t radically switch from left to right each election cycle.
You can, and will, say that “nothing at all matters anymore because Trump doesn’t care” and I hear you. But I caution about seeking your own “trump” because the framework of our government is more important than the policies its passing over the long run. The framework limits Trump to 4 years, for example. He was chosen by the people, we just need to hope that we can limit his damage in that time. God willing he’ll serve less given his advanced age.
So that’s why I think democrats are voting for his nominees. They’re upholding the norms and traditions as they have.
Did you mean “populism” or is this a distinct term with a different definition?
Everyone wants a “trump” - even the leftists, they just want a “trump” who aligns with their ideology.
Actual leftist here, our ideology is that there should be no "trump"s. You seem to be talking about right-wing liberals like the Democrats, who explicitly reject populism in favor of legalism and bipartisanship.
You want a “leftist trump” - somebody who will trash the same institutions to get your way.
Again, if we got our way then no one person would be able to “trash institutions”. Please stop projecting, we know that every right-wing accusation is a confession.
But - in a representative democracy there needs to be compromise and debate. The parties should work together to find paths forward.
You can, and will, say that “nothing at all matters anymore because Trump doesn’t care” and I hear you.
Please, do expand upon this acknowledgement that we shouldn’t bother with “norms” when they are being so flagrantly ignored.
But I caution about seeking your own “trump” because the framework of our government is more important than the policies its passing over the long run.
For the third time, please stop accusing “the left” of sharing “the right”'s ideology re: authoritarian leadership. It’s extremely transparent.
He was chosen by the people
America has never had democratic elections. Our electoral system is designed so that “the people” don’t have any agency to resist the dominance of capital.
that’s why I think democrats are voting for his nominees. They’re upholding the norms and traditions as they have.
Is this an admission that the norms and traditions are bad, or an admission that the Democrats care more about bipartisanship than the threat that Trump’s administration poses?
If you’re unwilling to engage in political discourse because the tone is insufficiently defferential, then you’re letting the sensitivity of your ego override your commitment to your ideals.
I think your issue is less about my tone than the fact that you have no response to justify why you think political norms should be prioritized over the lives and livelihoods that are threatened by politics.
We’re in a period of politics where popularism is expanding. Everyone wants a “trump” - even the leftists, they just want a “trump” who aligns with their ideology.
The problem is the “trump” figure everyone wants is one who doesn’t care about the framework of government. The rules, norms, laws, etc. In the same way that religions are much more than their holy book our country is much more than our founding document. Most of the behavior of our government, and the executive branch in particular, is not defined in the constitution - it was created by laws and norms established over time. Often that is just “the executive does ‘war things’” without getting into details.
A “trump” doesn’t give a shit about those norms, ideals, or rules. They don’t care if they’re “breaking with tradition” or “trashing long-standing norms”. A “trump” is an ends-justifies-the-means monster.
You want a “leftist trump” - somebody who will trash the same institutions to get your way. Because your way is the right way and Trump is already destroying things so lets just aim the wreaking ball in a different direction.
But - in a representative democracy there needs to be compromise and debate. The parties should work together to find paths forward. Grandstanding on appointees isn’t really “a thing” you do because the president gets to choose his cabinet officers. Congress was never really supposed to block them on ideological grounds - it’s not really their role. And if you do it, then they might do it. It’s a bit of a “mutually assured destruction” scenario that keeps both sides willing to work together.
These norms are important though. They have traditionally kept the government more stable through transitions so that we don’t radically switch from left to right each election cycle.
You can, and will, say that “nothing at all matters anymore because Trump doesn’t care” and I hear you. But I caution about seeking your own “trump” because the framework of our government is more important than the policies its passing over the long run. The framework limits Trump to 4 years, for example. He was chosen by the people, we just need to hope that we can limit his damage in that time. God willing he’ll serve less given his advanced age.
So that’s why I think democrats are voting for his nominees. They’re upholding the norms and traditions as they have.
Did you mean “populism” or is this a distinct term with a different definition?
Actual leftist here, our ideology is that there should be no "trump"s. You seem to be talking about right-wing liberals like the Democrats, who explicitly reject populism in favor of legalism and bipartisanship.
Again, if we got our way then no one person would be able to “trash institutions”. Please stop projecting, we know that every right-wing accusation is a confession.
This reads like an admission that the USA is not a representative democracy, as has been well established academically: https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-27074746
Please, do expand upon this acknowledgement that we shouldn’t bother with “norms” when they are being so flagrantly ignored.
For the third time, please stop accusing “the left” of sharing “the right”'s ideology re: authoritarian leadership. It’s extremely transparent.
America has never had democratic elections. Our electoral system is designed so that “the people” don’t have any agency to resist the dominance of capital.
Is this an admission that the norms and traditions are bad, or an admission that the Democrats care more about bipartisanship than the threat that Trump’s administration poses?
Your entire tone indicates you’re more interested in “blasting” my response than reading it. Have a nice day.
If you’re unwilling to engage in political discourse because the tone is insufficiently defferential, then you’re letting the sensitivity of your ego override your commitment to your ideals.
I think your issue is less about my tone than the fact that you have no response to justify why you think political norms should be prioritized over the lives and livelihoods that are threatened by politics.