From this morning's New York Times, Jonathan Weisman's take on Republican whitewashing and gaslighting their party's grab for illegitimate power:
"Almost daily, Democrats warn that Republicans are pursuing racist, Jim Crow-inspired voter suppression efforts to disenfranchise tens of millions of citizens, mainly people of color, in a cynical effort to grab power. Metal detectors sit outside the House chamber to prevent lawmakers — particularly Republicans who have boasted of their intention to carry guns everywhere — from bringing weaponry to the floor. Democrats regard their Republican colleagues with suspicion, believing that some of them collaborated with the rioters on Jan. 6.
Republican lawmakers have systematically downplayed or dismissed the dangers, with some breezing over the attack on the Capitol as a largely peaceful protest, and many saying the state voting law changes are to restore 'integrity' to the process, even as they give credence to Mr. Trump’s false claims of rampant fraud in the 2020 election.
They shrug off Democrats’ warnings of grave danger as the overheated language of politics as usual." (our emphasis)
With Republicans controlling many state legislatures, where Congressional boundaries are manipulated and election laws are promulgated, they have the tools to rig the next two election for starters:
"Because Republicans control the legislatures of many states where the 2020 census will force redistricting, the party is already in a strong position to erase the Democrats’ razor-thin majority in the House. Even moderate voting-law changes could bolster Republicans’ chances for the net gain of one vote they need to take back the Senate.
And in the nightmare outcome promulgated by some academics, Republicans have put themselves in a position to dictate the outcome of the 2024 presidential election if the voting is close in swing states." (our emphasis)
The entire article is well worth a read.
Is this moment the fire alarm in the night? You bet your freedom it is. Their Dear Leader severely damaged the guard rails provided in our laws and Constitution with his unlawful and seditious acts. His party has shown, with very few exceptions, that they will continue his project to undermine our democracy to achieve political power for themselves contrary to the majority's will.
