Political Theatre category archive
Stray Question 0
I wonder whether trying to overthrow the results of an election would qualify under Article III, Section 3, of the United States Constitution.
True Colors 0
At the Bangor Daily News, long-time Republican Kurt Bardella laments the current state of the Republican Party, which he has chosen to abandon. A snippet; follow the link to see his reasoning:
The party’s true platform has become a toxic combination of authoritarianism and white nationalism.
The Man from Martial 0
Writing at the Las Vegas Sun, Ed Koch (not the late New York Mayor, the Sun reporter) explores the legal and political history of martial law in the United States. It is, sadly, a timely read; here’s a bit:
There was an attempt in 2006 to give the chief executive the right to call out state national guards without getting the OK from state governors. It rode in as part of much larger legislation.
The Senate later repealed that part of the law and restored the 1807 Insurrection Act to limit the president’s martial law powers to its original — and current — limits.
My guess is that 14 years ago, lawmakers must have feared that one day a lunatic wannabe autocrat would wind up in the White House and would not want to leave after losing a reelection bid in a lawful balloting procedure. For the sake of the republic, I pray that never happens.
Afterthought:
Methinks his prayers were not answered.
War Correspondence 0
In a fascinating read full of history that may surprise you (some of it certainly did surprise me), Charles Ludington reviews the history of Christmas as a celebration, as well as explores its use as a political weapon by the right-wing. A nugget:
The True Believers 0
At The Roanoke Times, Andy Parker argues–and methinks he has a point–that Trumpism has become a cult. A snippet:
Yet here we are with a cult of millions that make Scientologists look like mainstream Methodists.
Follow the link for the rest.
Bitter Enders 0
One is mildly taken aback that Trump supporters would look to Stalin for inspiration.
But only mildly, as their bent to plumb the depths has been amply demonstrated aforetimes.
The Point of Propaganda 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Rob Henderson reviews recent research and argues that the point of propaganda is not to convince, but, rather, to coerce. A nugget (emphasis in the original):
Alongside their desire to brainwash people, authoritarians also want to remind them of their power. When people are bombarded with propaganda everywhere they look, they are reminded of the strength of the regime.
The vast amount of resources authoritarians spend to display their message in every corner of the public square is a costly demonstration of their power. Propaganda is intended to instill fear in people, not brainwash them.
Much, much more at the link.
Originalist Sin 0
Dave and his guest discuss the role of the Supreme Court and the severely flawed reasoning of “Constitutional originalists.”