By Matt Underwood Just the GOP trying to legislate the death of Democracy
It honestly baffles me how the American political system operates. As an outsider, I can’t help but notice the blatant barriers that are put in place to discourage people from voting. In my country, the Netherlands, the government sends the ballot to your home address automatically once you turn 18. There’s no need to register, stand in long lines, or travel great distances. Voting is accessible and convenient. It seems as though the US government is actively working against the idea of democracy.
What is even more concerning is the Republican Party’s continuous effort to suppress the vote. They have done their best to prevent initiatives like automatic sending of ballots and have been successful in reversing some of these measures. What possible arguments can they even give for such ridiculous policy stances? It appears that they are more interested in maintaining their political power than ensuring the fundamental democratic right to vote.
The right has systematically eroded the freedoms and rights of Americans right in front of us. It is evident to anyone with even half a brain that there is an enemy among us. However, it is disheartening to see that many Americans are willingly working against their own interests. It’s almost as if a collective mental illness has taken hold, making people highly susceptible to propaganda. Increasing mental health literacy could potentially help us understand why certain individuals behave the way they do, but it may take a grassroots movement to bring about change.
One of the key strategies employed by the GOP is spreading the false narrative of rampant voter fraud. They claim that illegal immigrants are showing up to the polls and voting multiple times. Despite multiple GOP-led investigations into voting fraud, not a single one has proven the existence of such fraud. Yet, they continue perpetuating these myths, using them as a basis to pass legislation that hinders people’s ability to vote. It’s an admission of their own fear of a fair and inclusive democracy.
The voter suppression tactics run deep. From shutting down polling places to requiring multiple forms of ID, every move they make is aimed at preventing the “voter fraud” that they themselves have no evidence of. The fact remains that without voter suppression, the Republican Party’s chances of winning decrease substantially. It’s clear to me that they are afraid of the will of the people and are doing everything in their power to maintain control.
Gerrymandering also plays a significant role in diminishing true representation. The way districts are set up allows Republicans to control the House of Representatives despite the fact that the majority of votes cast are for Democratic candidates. It’s a distortion of democracy that must be addressed.
The hypocrisy of the GOP is astounding. They claim to be against moral relativism, yet they are willing to bend their own values to serve their political agenda. The ends always justify the means for them. It’s evident that they are bad-faith actors in society, operating on brainwashing, identity politics, and toxic ideals of hierarchy. They cannot be trusted.
So why are Republicans so opposed to making voting more accessible? Their arguments range from preventing voter fraud to requiring effort from citizens to demonstrate their “skin in the game.” However, these arguments are nothing more than flimsy justifications for their actions. The truth is that they know the easier it is to vote and the higher the voter turnout, the worse their chances of maintaining power become. They fear a truly democratic and engaged public.
It’s frustrating to witness the erosion of democracy right before our eyes. Every step taken by the GOP to restrict voting rights is a step closer to legislating the death of democracy. If the majority of eligible Americans voted in every election, the political landscape would undoubtedly be different. But in their quest to retain power, the Republicans are willing to undermine the very foundation of democracy.
We must recognize these tactics for what they are: a threat to our democracy. It’s time to stand up and fight against these attempts to silence our voices. We cannot let the GOP legislate the death of democracy. We must strive for a fair and inclusive system that allows every citizen to exercise their right to vote without unnecessary barriers. Only by doing so can we truly uphold the principles that our great nation was founded upon.