Democracy
Violent extremists like the Minnesota shooter are not lone wolves
Violent extremists like the Minnesota shooter are not lone wolves Violent extremists like Vance Boelter are not lone wolves, but rather part of a larger network of far-right extremists who believe in white replacement and other hate-based ideologies. The myth of the lone wolf shooter misdirects people from the actual causes of extremist violence and […]
🏛️ Politics
The use of federal troops to quell Los Angeles protests recalls militarized law enforcement during the Civil Rights Movement
The use of federal troops to quell Los Angeles protests recalls militarized law enforcement during the Civil Rights Movement The use of federal troops to quell Los Angeles protests over immigration raids without state approval recalls militarized law enforcement during the Civil Rights Movement. President Donald Trump has activated 4,000 National Guard troops and sent […]
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A radical proposal to abolish state government and strengthen American democracy
A radical proposal to abolish state government and strengthen American democracy Stephen Legomsky, a legal scholar, proposes abolishing state government and moving most functions to local levels in his book “Reimagining the American Union”. The author argues that states are the root cause of many threats to US democracy, including the Electoral College, gerrymandering, and […]
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Along with the ideals it expresses, the Declaration of Independence mourns for something people lost in 1776 − and now, too
Along with the ideals it expresses, the Declaration of Independence mourns for something people lost in 1776 − and now, too The Declaration of Independence is not just a founding document, but also a reflection of the country’s current struggles with identity and unity. The document was drafted by Thomas Jefferson in June 1776, amidst […]
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Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains
Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains Millions of Americans protested against President Donald Trump’s authoritarianism and expansion of executive power on June 14, 2025, in rallies organized under the “No Kings” banner. The protests were largely peaceful, but some incidents of violence did occur, […]
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Forcible removal of US Sen. Alex Padilla signals a dangerous shift in American democracy
Forcible removal of US Sen. Alex Padilla signals a dangerous shift in American democracy US Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on June 12, 2025, after interrupting her remarks and being handcuffed by federal agents. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of members […]
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Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation
Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation Modern autocrats use manipulation and spin to gain and maintain power, rather than relying on violence or overt repression. The term “informational autocracy” or “spin dictatorship” describes this approach, where leaders craft an image of competence and democratic […]
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Trump’s West Point speech brought partisanship to the home of the US military − 2 essential reads
Trump’s West Point speech brought partisanship to the home of the US military − 2 essential reads President Donald Trump’s speech at West Point included scripted and unscripted segments that showcased his partisan politics, making it unusual for a military setting. The level of partisanship in Trump’s speech was concerning, as it attacked presidential predecessors […]
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3 things to watch as South Koreans head toward the polls following turbulent political period
3 things to watch as South Koreans head toward the polls following turbulent political period South Koreans will head to the polls on June 3, 2025, to vote for a new president after a tumultuous election season marked by impeachment and martial law. The opposition Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, is expected to win […]
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Could a bold anti-poverty experiment from the 1960s inspire a new era in housing justice?
Could a bold anti-poverty experiment from the 1960s inspire a new era in housing justice? The Model Cities Program, launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, was a pioneering effort to address urban poverty and inequality through community-led planning and participation. The program aimed to tackle structural causes of poverty, such as housing […]
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