TNT letters: Is democracy really at risk? Can you trust that election campaign mailer?
Democracy at risk?
Our democracy is everywhere in print and speech. Commentators of all kinds in the press, on the nightly news and on talk shows are constantly exhorting their viewers and listeners that our democracy is in danger of being lost or compromised, but exactly how is never made quite clear. It is just taken for granted that President Trump and his supporters are a threat to our democracy, though who constitutes the our is never specified.
From the context, however, it’s clear that those on the left of the political spectrum believe they are most at risk. So what exactly in the left’s understanding of democracy is at risk? Dominance of the national judiciary has been lost. The Supreme Court now has a solid five vote majority that favors a more strict reading of the Constitution, resulting in the reversal of Supreme Court decisions long favored by the left, enabling them to accomplish via judicial fiat what could not be accomplished through the legislative process. This has even led some on the left to advocate for expanding the number of judges on the Supreme Court to blunt the power of the current conservative majority.
Another threat to the leftest understanding of our democracy is any suggestion we need to tighten up voting procedures to ensure only legally qualified voters can vote. Democrats are pushing for the adoption of a voting rights bill that would restrict the ability of state election officials to control ballot access and regulate counting procedures.
Finally, the left’s understanding of our democracy presupposes the leftist cultural agenda must continue without challenge. This can be seen in the strident push back against attempts by parent groups to have greater knowledge and control over school curriculum relating to LGBTQ rights and other social and cultural issues.
Our democracy has long been characterized by a commitment to rule making by constitutional procedures, recognition of free market economic principles, the rule of law and regular free elections. While historically we have often fallen short of the perfect implementation of these principles, our democracy has thrived and survived. The adoption of an updated statist, radical understanding of our democracy will likely lead to a less certain long-term outcome.
Mike Jankanish, Tacoma
Election misinformation
Like scams that successfully steal money from even the smartest people, carefully constructed propaganda can steal our votes. Bad actors in other countries, unethical candidates and third-party PACs valuing profits over people heavily target voters right before elections. They design ads to influence our emotions. How can we avoid becoming victims? Stay alert for clues like alarming coloring, inaccurate claims and unusual sponsors (in tiny print).
Example: Recent mailers paid for by petroleum, building, and food industries used outdated misleading opinions to falsely portray Rep. Dan Bronoske as not supporting public safety.
In reality, Bronoske, a 20-year firefighter, National Guard member and a first responder, has a strong record of working with all stakeholders — communities, law enforcement, mental health professionals, government agencies — to forge regulations to better protect communities and first responders facing crimes and crises.
He has supported many policies and funds increasing safety, including law enforcement training and health services, crime prevention efforts and prosecution of catalytic converter theft.
Don’t be conned by propaganda.
Julie Andrzejewski, Steilacoom