Recent polling data suggests a concerning trend: Americans’ pride in their country’s history and democracy is on the decline, and fewer people are feeling proud to be American. This shift in sentiment appears to be a complex issue, with many pointing to the current political climate and perceived erosion of democratic norms as significant contributing factors.
Specifically, pride in the way American democracy functions has seen a noticeable drop. Surveys indicate a substantial percentage decrease in Americans feeling good about their democracy, a stark contrast to previous years. This sentiment is often linked to dissatisfaction with leadership and the perception that the country has veered away from its foundational ideals.… Continue reading
White House withdraws nomination of Ryan Baasch for FTC, official says, and frankly, the news barely registers a blip on the radar anymore. Honestly, what’s surprising is that anything actually *gets* withdrawn. It almost feels like a tactic at this point: float a name, gauge the reaction, and if it’s not a complete rubber stamp of approval, pull the plug. But the real game here isn’t the withdrawal itself; it’s what lurks beneath. You have to wonder what skeletons are hidden in the closet, or perhaps even worse, what the replacement candidate has in store.
The initial reaction, and it’s a perfectly understandable one, is cynicism.… Continue reading
The America we knew is rapidly slipping away, and the sentiment is far from new. It’s a feeling of a fundamental shift, a tectonic plate of cultural and political values fracturing, and the landscape we once recognized is undeniably changing. This isn’t a recent phenomenon; many feel it’s been underway for quite some time, perhaps even decades. The election of certain figures, with their disregard for established norms, acted as a catalyst, accelerating a process that was already in motion.
The erosion of critical thinking, the ability to discern truth from falsehood, and the increasing prevalence of disinformation, especially through social media, have created fertile ground for this change.… Continue reading
Trump is breaking things we can’t just fix. The damage extends far beyond simple policy reversals; it’s a fracturing of trust, both domestically and internationally, that undermines the very foundations of American power and influence. This isn’t about a single policy disagreement; it’s about a systematic dismantling of norms and institutions.
The erosion of international alliances is a prime example. Our allies now understand that agreements with the United States are contingent on the whims of a single individual and the unpredictable nature of American elections. This uncertainty makes long-term strategic planning and collaboration nearly impossible, rendering the US a far less reliable partner and jeopardizing vital defense and trade relationships.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood