To the editor:
To end democracy we need:
A supreme judiciary that sanctions the deaths of incompetents, weakens inalienable rights, and promotes the welfare of corporations. Unsupervised funding of campaigns and elections hastens the process.
A two chamber legislature with little interaction. Each should have at least one stalwart controlling a bloc of members who refuse to compromise. The blocs should resist deviations no matter the consequences for the country or vulnerable groups. They hasten the process so dissatisfied people will angrily disparage the government.
The executive branch has to be made to look weak. It might be competent, capable, and productive, but the legislature must oppose senior executives and thwart all efforts to reach compromises on as many issues as possible.
Talk show hosts must attack the senior executive and prominent members of his party. The attacks need no validity but it is better when there is a hint of accuracy; refutation wastes time and energy. Once a threshold has been crossed, further refutation just convinces that the believers that the stories are true.
Finally, we need voters who never examine voting records. Some politicians survive by saying they voted one way while doing the opposite. When challenged, they shout “smear campaign” and attack any who dare ask. They benefit when only a minority of eligible voters bother to register. They benefit when they are supported by those they have frightened. A bonus happens when talking heads and online posters make personal attacks without addressing issues. This also hastens the process of losing our freedoms.
I name no country. I identify no party.
When all citizens are no longer required to defend their country, when many citizens stop being active participants in their democracy, there will be a change in the government.
The label won’t matter. Whatever the flavor, it will be just a few making decisions for all, a few who will control everything.
Don’t assume you will be welcomed.
ARTHUR THOMAS
Gloucester
