It is a punch in the gut that another large Democracy can have the same situation and manage to prosecute the leader of a coup attempt. In the US we can't prosecute or impeach / remove the leader of a coup attempt who also stole Top Secret documents, lied about it, and refused to give them back.
I spent several weeks for work in Brazil and while I enjoyed its physical beauty, as well as the incredible food and warm hospitality, I could not imagine living there given the bureaucracy, high crime rate and stark wealth gap. However, its people certainly demonstrated a low tolerance for a coup plotting would be dictator. Hats off to the citizens of Brazil.
Olivia, I am probably grasping for hope where none exists. But I take some degree of comfort in watching Brazilian institutions and its people stand up not only to Bolsonaro, but to Trump, as well. Just think of it—Americans having to look abroad for inspiration and a reason to hope their democracy might survive. Many thanks for your insightful piece.
La de da de dd. La de da de di...." (Sonny and Cher)
America has certainly shot itself in the foot. This is just one more insult among many. We'll be lucky to get out of this one as a medium, regional power with some of our rights intact.
Meanwhile, I suspect that Pence was one of the most conflicted people in politics. Sure, he wanted to be on the national stage, but he appears to have had a conscience, and he must have watched what was going on with alarm.
Its a shame that its the lieutenants (Kinzinger, Cheney, you) of the GOP are the opposition voices against Trump rather than former heads (Bush, Pence, Perry, McConnell, Ryan, Boehner)... it seems like bravery only happens once people are no longer economically or socially optimized to remain silent and "retirement" from politics is a cop out.
Let’s hope we have a Congress that wakes up and holds Trump and his entire Administration accountable. Right now that seems impossible. Media outlets are falling in line with whatever makes Trump happy. Democrats are neither strong enough nor loud enough to provide genuine solutions. I give props to Gavin Newsom for showing how ludicrous the President’s behavior is. We have no credibility on the world stage. Our system of checks and balances is currently failing. One of the main reasons is the Supreme Court is packed with Trump loyalists.
Thank you for this well-written piece. It is so hard to keep up with all the terrible blows to democracy laid at Trump's doorstep. I am so over hating on Trump. Now, I am more angry at all the Republicans who enable him. However, as a Democrat, I am most disgusted with the meek and mild congressional Democrats who don't seize the bully pulpit and use whatever procedural powers they can muster to be a check on his power. They could take a hint from Texas Democrats.
Nobody is going to run for office just so they can go to D.C., throw mad fits on the House or Senate floor, and publically set their hair on fire just to appease your "cage-match" wants. Things are shifting. Throwing fits are not the answer. Let's try thinking.
Of course Miller and his ilk did not welcome you. Your intelligence is beyond the stratosphere compared to theirs.
It is a punch in the gut that another large Democracy can have the same situation and manage to prosecute the leader of a coup attempt. In the US we can't prosecute or impeach / remove the leader of a coup attempt who also stole Top Secret documents, lied about it, and refused to give them back.
I spent several weeks for work in Brazil and while I enjoyed its physical beauty, as well as the incredible food and warm hospitality, I could not imagine living there given the bureaucracy, high crime rate and stark wealth gap. However, its people certainly demonstrated a low tolerance for a coup plotting would be dictator. Hats off to the citizens of Brazil.
Brilliant account and focus on the background information. Thanks again, Olivia, for your honesty and bravery.
Olivia, I am probably grasping for hope where none exists. But I take some degree of comfort in watching Brazilian institutions and its people stand up not only to Bolsonaro, but to Trump, as well. Just think of it—Americans having to look abroad for inspiration and a reason to hope their democracy might survive. Many thanks for your insightful piece.
I’ve heard you speak on shows and recall being quite impressed, but it didn’t occur to follow until Steph Miller mentioned the idea.
I like the cut of your jib very much. Better late than never! Carry on.
Bolsonaro, Bloated Yam, and let's not forget Brazil's other great dictator, Vargas.
Larry, Curly, and Moe.
Excellent article! So many parallels. I hope one day soon the US follows Brazil’s example holds Trump and his minions accountable.
"And the beat goes on,
and the beat goes on.
The drums keep pounding rhythm to the brain.
La de da de dd. La de da de di...." (Sonny and Cher)
America has certainly shot itself in the foot. This is just one more insult among many. We'll be lucky to get out of this one as a medium, regional power with some of our rights intact.
Meanwhile, I suspect that Pence was one of the most conflicted people in politics. Sure, he wanted to be on the national stage, but he appears to have had a conscience, and he must have watched what was going on with alarm.
Its a shame that its the lieutenants (Kinzinger, Cheney, you) of the GOP are the opposition voices against Trump rather than former heads (Bush, Pence, Perry, McConnell, Ryan, Boehner)... it seems like bravery only happens once people are no longer economically or socially optimized to remain silent and "retirement" from politics is a cop out.
Olivia, truly one of your best essays. You are one of my heroines in this political fiasco.
Thank you for your commentaries. Always interesting, if alarming, and always right on the mark. We need to be alarmed!
Bolsonaro and our leader are both corrupt and need to be prosecuted for the lies and deceit and disregard of the laws of the land.
Let’s hope we have a Congress that wakes up and holds Trump and his entire Administration accountable. Right now that seems impossible. Media outlets are falling in line with whatever makes Trump happy. Democrats are neither strong enough nor loud enough to provide genuine solutions. I give props to Gavin Newsom for showing how ludicrous the President’s behavior is. We have no credibility on the world stage. Our system of checks and balances is currently failing. One of the main reasons is the Supreme Court is packed with Trump loyalists.
Thank you Mitch McConnell, and a tip of the hat to Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Thank you for this well-written piece. It is so hard to keep up with all the terrible blows to democracy laid at Trump's doorstep. I am so over hating on Trump. Now, I am more angry at all the Republicans who enable him. However, as a Democrat, I am most disgusted with the meek and mild congressional Democrats who don't seize the bully pulpit and use whatever procedural powers they can muster to be a check on his power. They could take a hint from Texas Democrats.
Nobody is going to run for office just so they can go to D.C., throw mad fits on the House or Senate floor, and publically set their hair on fire just to appease your "cage-match" wants. Things are shifting. Throwing fits are not the answer. Let's try thinking.
Great article---- amazing-- but here we are---imploding as you write.