Warren/Kennedy and the Future of Democracy

By now it should be fairly clear that trimp is already attacking the institutions of democracy. He is obscenely blatant in his assaults on democracy's legitimacy and its popular support (which have been under siege since at least since the 1970s). If trimp does not actually try to launch some kind of coup, he is busily laying groundwork for a future, more capable, tyrant to build upon.

Strengthening the institutions of democracy is now essential. Doing that will require an energetic, but serious, program of education about democracy and the historical struggles to advance it. This must include a critical focus on its institutions in the context of other social structures - especially those related to inequality and capitalism. It also requires an emphasis on critical thinking regarding media and the popular press (especially tacit and subliminal messaging) as well as the overt rhetoric of politicians. (This, of course, is why public education is being defunded and undermined in so many nefarious ways.)

Strengthening democracy also requires leadership capable of offering positive options for the future. The Democratic Party, has been understandably focused on defending past gains.  This partly because of corporate donations, and partly because of concerted attacks on democracy and social justice by kleptocrats and the GOP.  Unfortunately protecting the status quo offers little inspiration or satisfaction to the frustrated populace.

The most important requirements for democracy are hope, faith, and serious participation from everybody. Without these there is no way responsible politicians can lead or even survive.

BUT, perhaps regrettably, there may be no escaping the human hunger for myth and enchantment although these need not be delusionary.  Charismatic leadership is simply just as important (or even more important) than a serious well informed approach to policy. Of course both are essential, but one without the either is likely to be dangerous (in the case of the former) - or unconvincing (in the case of the latter).

Right now my fantasy is that the next Democratic presidential ticket will be Elizabeth Warren for president and Joe Kennedy for Veep. Warren may not be charismatic in any familiar sense, but she is bright, firm, and capable of inspiring all sorts of people, but especially women - and quite more likable than Hillary. Kennedy, of course, is a Kennedy. But aside from his name and physical appearance, his rhetoric evokes the social justice aspect of Roman Catholicism which may still have a galvanizing appeal to certain segments of the older electorate that actually vote. 

We cannot underestimate Kennedy's connections to deep mythological aspirations which would offer a potentially devastating contrast to the brutal ignorance of a trimp or the cynical manipulativeness of a Bannon. And Warren has demonstrated she is more than capable of dispatching morons like "Downtown Scotty Brown". I think she'd spank the trimp in an election just like Kennedy would outclass any veep creep the GOP might nominate whether it was some preposterous blustering bully or an unctuous grifter like Pense.

Of course, this is all contingent on whether there actually will be another meaningful election.