Celebrating the 250th

I’ve been to a number of meetings in which the participants have discussed celebrating the 250th anniversary  of the U.S.  They are using the Declaration of Independence as the starting point, although that was no sure thing in 1776.

I can let that slide.  What I can’t understand is how people can discuss celebrating when it is clear that we are losing our republic.  On Feb. 8 the Opinion Page of the New York Times contained a line graph of 12 Markers of Democratic Erosion.  One end of the line was democracy; the other autocracy.  For every marker the indicator was moving toward autocracy.

Here are the 12.  Incidentally, the two markers in which the indicator had moved the closest to autocracy were “Vilifying marginalized groups” and “Using power for personal gain.”

Stifling speech and dissent

Persecuting political opponents

Bypassing the legislature

Defying the courts

Declaring false emergencies

Using the military at home

Vilifying marginalized groups

Controlling information

Trying to take over universities

Creating a cult of personality

Using power for personal profit

Manipulating the law to stay in power

You look at that list and tell me what on earth we have to celebrate.