African democracy

‘Damning non-answer’: Vance refuses to acknowledge Trump lost the 2020 election

I watched the recent debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz with keen interest, hoping to see a glimpse of integrity and honesty in our political discourse. However, my hopes were quickly dashed when Vance refused to acknowledge the simple fact that Trump lost the 2020 election. The gravity of this moment cannot be overstated – Vance’s inability to accept reality and commit to the peaceful transfer of power is not just disappointing; it is downright alarming.

Lawrence O’Donnell’s apt observation that Vance is “the first vice presidential candidate who doesn’t know who won the last election” resonates deeply. How can we trust someone who aspires to hold a position responsible for certifying future elections when he can’t even acknowledge the outcome of the previous one?… Continue reading

Jimmy Carter turns 100

Jimmy Carter turns 100 today, a remarkable milestone for a remarkable man. Against all odds, he has reached this incredible age, becoming the only president in history to hit the century mark. His grandson shares that his motivation for keeping going is the upcoming election, as he wants to cast his vote for Harris as soon as voting opens. This speaks volumes about Carter’s dedication to democracy and his unwavering commitment to using his voice, even at the impressive age of 100.

One cannot help but marvel at Jimmy Carter’s journey from the Oval Office to a centenarian icon. His presidency may have been underrated, but his post-presidential career is nothing short of extraordinary.… Continue reading

Thousands of people purged from Georgia’s voter rolls reregistered after Kamala Harris’ rally in Atlanta

As a concerned citizen, the recent news about thousands of people being purged from Georgia’s voter rolls and then re-registering after attending Kamala Harris’ rally in Atlanta deeply troubles me. The fact that this blatant attempt at voter suppression is still happening in our country is both infuriating and disheartening. It is clear that these actions are a deliberate effort by certain political factions to undermine the democratic process and prevent eligible voters from exercising their rights.

It is appalling to think that those in power are resorting to such underhanded tactics in order to cling onto their positions. The idea that certain individuals have the authority to simply purge voters from registration lists, especially so close to an election, is a clear abuse of power.… Continue reading

McConnell: Democrats would end the filibuster if they sweep on Election Day

McConnell’s recent statements regarding the potential elimination of the filibuster if Democrats sweep on Election Day has sparked quite the reaction. While some may view this as a threat, for many, including myself, it is seen as a promising development. The filibuster, in its modern form, has strayed far from its original purpose and has been used as a tool to hinder progress and maintain the status quo rather than foster meaningful debate and consensus.

The filibuster, which was once a theatrical display of endurance and passion, has devolved into a mere procedural hurdle that allows for obstruction without accountability. The shift to a “silent filibuster” in 1975 only compounded the issue, leading to a system where legislation can be endlessly delayed without any real effort or commitment from those invoking it.… Continue reading

Protesters wave Hezbollah flags at Australian rally

Protesters waving Hezbollah flags at an Australian rally is not just a cause for concern, but a signal of something deeply troubling in our society. The sight of people, thousands of miles away from the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, proudly displaying the emblem of a designated terrorist organization is not just misguided, but dangerous. It is a reminder that extremism and radical ideologies have seeped into our communities, even in countries like Australia, where democratic values are supposed to be cherished.

These individuals, who choose to fly the flag of a group responsible for countless acts of violence and terror, are not protesters exercising their right to free speech.… Continue reading

Misinformation running rampant on Facebook has officials concerned about election disruptions

Misinformation running rampant on Facebook has officials concerned about election disruptions. It’s a headline that seems all too familiar, yet the issue persists with no real solution in sight. The problem is not new, with Facebook being a cesspool of fake news, conspiracy theories, and propaganda for years now. Yet, despite the clear danger it poses to the democratic process, little has been done to truly combat the spread of misinformation on the platform.

The recent revelations about Russia’s use of social media to fuel instability in Western nations is just the tip of the iceberg. It is not just foreign actors that are using Facebook as a tool to manipulate public opinion, but also domestic groups and individuals who have realized the power of spreading lies and falsehoods to achieve their own agenda.… Continue reading

Wisconsin mayor carts away absentee ballot drop box, says he did nothing wrong

As a citizen of Wisconsin, it is extremely alarming to hear of the recent incident where a Wisconsin mayor decided to take matters into his own hands and physically remove an absentee ballot drop box, claiming that he did nothing wrong. The implications of this action are deeply concerning and highlight the fragility of our democratic processes.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has made it clear that interfering with the voting process is a serious offense, and anyone who tampers with drop boxes could be guilty of a felony. The fact that this mayor felt entitled to take it upon himself to remove a drop box, without proper authorization or legal basis, showcases a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the principles of democracy.… Continue reading

Justice Department sues Alabama for purging voters from rolls too close to election

As an American citizen, the recent news of the Justice Department suing Alabama for purging voters from rolls too close to the election is deeply concerning. This is not an isolated incident but rather part of a pattern where various states are engaging in similar voter suppression tactics. When U.S. citizens, both born in the country and naturalized, find themselves on a path to being removed from the voter registration list, it raises questions about the integrity of our democracy.

The fact that these voter purges are happening right before a crucial election highlights a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters and suppress their voices.… Continue reading

Wisconsin mayor carts away absentee ballot drop box, says he did nothing wrong

As I delve into the unfolding events surrounding the Wisconsin mayor who removed the absentee ballot drop box, claiming he did nothing wrong, a sense of outrage and disbelief washes over me. The audacity of Mayor Doug Diny to brazenly flout the law and interfere with the electoral process is nothing short of alarming. It is disheartening to witness elected officials engaging in such reckless and undemocratic behavior, especially in a time when the sanctity of our electoral system is under heightened scrutiny.

The fact that Mayor Diny was explicitly warned against his actions, yet chose to proceed with his illegal removal of the ballot box, only serves to highlight his blatant disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles.… Continue reading

MAGA Sheriff’s Post About Harris Yard Signs Gets Department Booted From Election Duties

I can’t believe that in this day and age, we are still dealing with issues of voter intimidation and discrimination. The recent incident involving a MAGA Sheriff’s post about Harris yard signs getting his department booted from election duties is truly disheartening. It’s alarming to see a law enforcement official using their position to target individuals based on their political beliefs.

The fact that people had to take down their yard signs out of fear is a clear indication of the impact such irresponsible behavior can have on our democratic process. Threatening lawsuits for invasion of privacy, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil rights violations just shows how serious this issue is.… Continue reading