The essence of a democracy – a peaceful transfer of power – is no longer a matter of course in the USA.
(Photo: Reuters)
What’s wrong with America? A man breaks into the home of Nancy Pelosi, the most powerful woman in Congress in San Francisco, and attacks her husband with a hammer. President Joe Biden also sees responsibility for this cruel act among Republicans. For them, such excesses of violence are the result of an overly liberal attitude towards criminals in democratically governed cities.
It is always questionable to draw general conclusions about the state of a democracy from an individual crime, no matter how heinous it may be. But even the biggest fans of America will not be able to deny that the democratic culture and the quality of political debate are at a level that would not have been thought possible in the leading Western power a few years ago. And this political culture undoubtedly forms the breeding ground in which such crimes become possible.
Neglect – that’s perhaps the right word. There are no political opponents who need to be persuaded with arguments. There are enemies to be destroyed. The other party is not a competitor in the struggle for the best political idea. She is the traitor to the country.
It can get scary a week before the landmark congressional elections. Politicians and scientists who should be taken very seriously meanwhile even consider a civil war to be a possibility.
Top jobs of the day
Find the best jobs now and
be notified by email.
One thing is certain: the essence of a democracy – a peaceful transfer of power – is no longer a matter of course in the USA. The storming of the Capitol on January 6 showed that. It was the most visible sign to date of the devastating consequences of the Trump revolution.
More are likely to follow – especially if Donald Trump is re-elected in 2024. He definitely has a chance.
More: ‘Someone’s going to die’ – Pelosi attack raises fears of more attacks