Friday, January 8, 2021

Wither American Democracy? — MK Bhadrakumar


A view from India.
Pro-Trump Riot at US Capitol In a poignant remark, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas reacted to the dramatic events in Washington, DC, on Wednesday — the storming of the Capitol building and President Donald Trump’s attempted coup — by recalling that Hitler’s seizure of total power started with the burning of the Reichstag in 1933. The apocalyptic imagery brings home how the outside world is looking at the United States.

It will take decades before American officials can talk to foreign countries about the importance of elections and peaceful transfer of power without the horror of yesterday’s event being thrown back at their face. Without doubt, America has been fundamentally weakened on the international stage.
It has become a hopeless task to try to restore U.S. deterrence and prestige. Rival powers will see new vulnerability in the United States. Even the US’ firmest allies in Europe are wondering about the future of the transatlantic alliance. Why should they place trust in building a durable alliance with NATO at its centre when American politics is so febrile, given the high degree of polarisation in the country? ...
India Punchline
MK. Bhadrakumar | retired diplomat with the Indian Foreign Service

Also

One can argue about the facts, but it is the perception that counts.

Counterpunch
Frontal attack on the State: Fascist March on Rome Revisited Almost a Century Later 1922-2021
Pete Dollack

See also

Yep.

Sputnik International
Trump Was Wrong But Swamp Still Needs Draining!
John Gaunt

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