By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Alexis Coe’s testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform regarding the JFK assassination files devolved into a partisan spectacle. The lone historian witness, called by the minority party, faced attacks from Republican representatives who prioritized conspiracy theories over facts and historical accuracy. The hearing was marked by low attendance, superficial questioning, and the projection of a Tucker Carlson image, highlighting the lack of seriousness. Coe’s attempts to introduce relevant context and promote transparency regarding other declassified documents were largely ignored, underscoring the committee’s political motivations.
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I’m a presidential historian, and what’s happening in Congress is terrifying. The level of unseriousness displayed by those in power is deeply unsettling, especially given the gravity of their responsibilities. My recent testimony at a congressional hearing on the JFK files revealed a chamber dominated by individuals who seem more interested in posturing than in substantive policymaking. This lack of seriousness is deeply troubling.
I attempted to remind them that history judges harshly those who enable demagoguery and shield abusers from accountability. Their actions, or rather, their inaction, are paving the way for a dangerous consolidation of power. My patriotic duty compels me to speak out, to participate in this American experiment, even as I fear for its future. The current Congress, in my view, is failing to protect the very foundations of our nation. While their term will eventually end, the damage they inflict will linger long afterward.
The rise in partisan rhetoric, as many have documented, is alarming. Studies suggest a correlation between the advent of C-SPAN and the escalating polarization of Congressional discourse. The perception of functionality shifted once the public could witness—and be swayed by—the televised spectacle of political debate. The pervasive nature of legalized bribery further compounds the problem, eroding transparency and accountability.
It’s practically impossible to hold these individuals answerable for violating their oaths of office. The situation isn’t just a failure of our political system; it’s a failure of the American people’s participation. It’s terrifying to see a significant segment of the population failing to engage in the democratic process, or worse, actively supporting those who undermine it.
The election of a convicted criminal who attempted a coup, pledging to rule as a dictator, was a horrific moment in American history. The lack of widespread opposition to this development is even more frightening, suggesting a disturbing level of acceptance, or at least apathy, towards fascism. There is a concerning absence of significant organized efforts to rally a majority against this creeping authoritarianism. The greed driving these actions is truly breathtaking.
The system needs reform. The power must be returned to the people. The current system, where voting occurs only once every four years, is insufficient. We need direct input on crucial matters such as budget allocation and healthcare access. The voices and power of ordinary citizens need to be restored to their rightful place, instead of the current focus on the opinions of the wealthy and powerful elite. The Republican Party’s endgame remains enigmatic, a puzzle with little in the way of a comprehensible solution. The individuals they blame—long since deceased—offer no real explanation for their actions.
Many share these concerns, expressing outrage and bewilderment at the current state of affairs. It feels as though we are hurtling towards a precipice with little in the way of a clear path back from the brink. The sheer scale of the crisis, however, shouldn’t lead to despair or complacency. This is not unprecedented, some argue, citing historical parallels to our current situation.
The historical context is vital. While this moment may not be utterly without precedent, it shares striking similarities with past crises of governance, and the consequences could be just as dire. The Kennedy assassination, for example, serves as a cautionary tale of how personal grudges and the confluence of chaotic events can have catastrophic consequences. This event, however, serves more as a warning of what chaos can produce, not as a specific example.
The comparison to McCarthyism, while relevant, doesn’t fully capture the scope of the current situation. This is not merely about political witch hunts; it’s about a systemic undermining of democratic institutions and values. Citizens United and the subsequent flood of dark money in politics amplified the problem. The historical roots extend further back, however, perhaps to desegregation and the backlash it provoked.
The erosion of public trust in institutions, fueled by partisan media, is a significant contributing factor. While the advent of C-SPAN is pointed to as a potential turning point, the rise of partisan cable news and social media echo chambers exacerbated the issue significantly. The problem is multi-faceted and calls for comprehensive solutions, not just blame. The current climate is ripe for demagoguery and the rise of authoritarianism, which makes the entire situation even more precarious.
Voting frequency and access are issues we must address. While there are arguments both for and against mandatory voting, making voting significantly easier and more accessible is critical. The current system, in its design, actively suppresses voter turnout. Ultimately, however, the success of any reforms depends on renewed engagement from the citizenry. This will require addressing the underlying economic anxieties that push many Americans to prioritize immediate survival over political participation. The end game of this situation is quite likely found in Project 2025, a detailed plan by the Heritage Foundation, revealing the extent of the plot against our democracy.
The current situation is a crisis, and it requires a response worthy of the gravity of the moment. Ignoring this crisis under the guise of political pragmatism would be a fatal error, for history will not be kind to those who stand idly by while democracy crumbles. We can’t simply focus on the headlines; a deeper understanding of the historical context and underlying forces at play is essential for effective action. The American experiment is far from over, but its future hangs precariously in the balance. The time for apathy has ended; we must act now, decisively and unitedly.