How low should we go?
Details
At the Democratic convention in 2016 Michelle Obama, discussing how she and Barak advised their children to respond to bullies, famously said “When they go low, we go high.” This was obviously also a comment on the Presidential campaign at that time.
Today, politics seems to have sunk much lower than in 2016 when some argued Barak Obama was not really a US citizen. Vengeance, enabled by the power of the federal government, has become routine. Gerrymandering, previously occurring in dark, smoke filled room, is an explicit, publicly proclaimed strategy. California, in reaction to Texas, is likely to approve new congressional districts designed to secure five additional Democratic seats in Congress. Other states (Missouri, Virginia, and more – see reference below) are entering the pigsty. In recent months our California governor seems to have adopted some of Trump’s tactics (such as belittling based on personal characteristic rather than substantive policy discussion).
Has Michelle’s advice “go high” been tossed aside because it is too idealistic, impractical against opponents who gleefully abandon the norms of government? What are the long term implications for democracy in the United States? Is Newsom’s approach to the Trump administration healthy for democracy? Is it necessary? Will each new administration now attack, using investigations and dubious charges, their personal enemies, particularly officials of prior administrations while pardoning previously convicted supporters?
Our hope is this discussion will focus on the political environment in the US today, where we are going and whether we can do anything about it. Trying to put aside specific policies and individuals, the question is whether this is the best way to govern. When a party knows what they support is in the best interest of the people of the United States, why shouldn’t they push the boundaries not only of civil behavior but of the law to achieve their goals?
Optionally bring a dish or beverage to share.