Commentary

While leafing through my stack of stuff, contemplating a subject for my commentary, the word “democracy” surfaced in a number of articles I had saved for future comment.

Most of us have our own idea of what democracy means to us.  Some people equate democracy with patriotism. The simple definition is “rule by the people.” 

Of course, we are a “republic,” a definition derived from the Latin phrase, res publica – “the people’s concern” – which presents an obvious overlap with democracy.

In this commentary, I will draw from articles from my stack of stuff, inserting my views along the way.

In a lengthy hit-piece in The Atlantic, “The My Pillow Guy Really Could Destroy Democracy,” Anne Appplebaum writes of her concern that My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell is “a clear threat to the nation.” What!

“He is helping create profound distrust in the American electoral system, in the American political system, in the American public-health system, and ultimately in American democracy,” she writes.

A supporter of former President Trump, Lindell is convinced that the Chinese are behind Trump’s loss in 2020 and his pursuit of the facts to support his belief has cost him millions of dollars.  His belief has also cost him millions in sales of his merchandise with the boycotting by Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, and others. He continues to advertise heavily on Fox News Channel and Newsmax, offering discounts to believers.

“He will not stop believing that Trump won the 2020 election,” says Applebaum. “Lindell’s logic: If lots of people object to what you’re doing, then it must be right.”

While Applebaum seemingly understands Lindell’s right to take a position on which he believes, saying “He is our country after all … firm in the belief that we are exceptional nation and we along have access to exceptional truths,” however, she believes that he “is destroying our country.”  It’s obvious that Applebaum continues to suffer from Trump derangement syndrome.

How is Lindell any different from the likes of Mike Bloomberg and George Soros, who throw money at causes they support?  I forgot – he supports Trump.

In a New York Times op-ed by Atossa Araxia Abramamian, “There Is No Good Reason You Should Have to Be a Citizen to Vote,” she writes of the 15 million people living legally in the United States, “most of whom contribute as much as any natural born American to this country’s civic, cultural and economic life, (yet) do not have a say in matters of politics and policy … (because they) cannot vote.”

“It’s time for Democrats to radically expand the electorate.  Proposing federal legislation to give millions of young people and essential workers a clear road to citizenship is a good start.

“Expanding the franchise in this way would give American democracy new life, restore immigrants’ trust in government and send a powerful message of inclusion to the rest of the world.”

If immigrants don’t trust the United States and view it not to be inclusive, why are they sacrificing their lives crossing the border to live here?

Then there are those like the Squad – Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib, Omar and Pressley – that like to talk about democracy, but want America to fail.  They resent its success. They believe its success amounts to an argument against them and their world view – their identity, according to Peter Savodnik in his Washington Examiner piece, “Why the Left Wants America to Fail.”

Patriotism … I made reference to those who conflate democracy with patriotism.  In “My Country, Right or Left,” in the Spectator, Bridget Phetrasy told of going to the Hollywood Bowl to celebrate the Fourth of July.  She wore American flag leggings and a headband that spelled out USA.

While making small talk with a woman sitting next to her, the woman said, “Can I ask you a question?  I hope it doesn’t offend you. Then in a lowered voice, she asked, “are you a Republican?”

“We had said nothing political, so I had no idea what made her to draw that conclusion.  What made you think I’m a Republican?”

Gesturing to her headband and leggings, the woman quietly said, “I just don’t see many people your age, or any young people for that matter, expressing any patriotism, so I assumed.”

That’s a sad commentary, I thought, recalling the New York Times reporter who was disgusted with seeing flags flying from pickup trucks during her visit to Long Island.

Finally, not from my stack of stuff, but from memory.  I recalled being appalled when I heard that Nancy Pelosi had received the National Democratic Institute’s 2020 Democracy Award.

The award was presented by NDI chair Madeleine Albright, who commended Pelosi for being “not only an advocate of democracy, but also an inspiring example of how to practice democracy,” citing that the award recognizes those who “have demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to democracy and human rights.”

How ludicrous.  If I had heard those remarks, not knowing who they were in reference to, the name Nancy Pelosi wouldn’t even cross my mind.

Now, more than ever … may God continue to bless the United States of America.