Democracy on the Edge
Democracy On The Edge is a look at the potential end of democracy and how we got here, from the rise of the Tea Party to Donald Trump’s election, the Jan. 6 insurrection and the shift in ethos for the Republican Party from conservative Christian and fiscally responsible to hyperbolic and outwardly racist. The stories will dig into the rise of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, how conservatives became Karens, why truth has become inconsequential and an alarming question: If we lose democracy, what’s next?
How we began chipping away at Democracy
A look at all of the ridiculousness that led to a Trump presidency–the rise of the Tea Party, a shift from the christian conservative to a more hyperbolic, fear mongering, and demonstrative Republican–and how democratic process kept Trump out of office and what could’ve happened if that was not in place.
Is This The End?
While many would argue that we are headed toward a dictatorship, I think many Republicans would disagree. Many GOPers appear to be in favor of an authoritarian or a totalitarian government. Either way, we are screwed. A recently released Quinnipiac University poll shows that Democrats and Republicans don’t agree on anything, which isn’t shocking. They can’t agree on President Biden’s job in office, or former president Donald Trump’s draconian reign of terror, the economy or you-name-it, all of their views diverge widely. There are not many things that Americans agree upon these days, except one thing: the risk to our democracy.
Democracy Dies In a Circus
While Trump was a wild card who governed depending on how the wind blew, Ron DeSantis governing has been a look at what an American dictatorship could be. He governs with a stern hand and openly defies federal government mandates. He treats Florida like a sovereign country. He’s held public meetings in which the press and the public have not been allowed to attend. Most recently, “DeSantis signed legislation that would create a new security office to investigate allegations of voter fraud,” MSNBC reports.
The Rise of Ron DeSantis
In the Venn diagram that is conservative movement and Karenism there is a unique overlap which shows that both groups thrive by being both perpetrators and victims of their own decision making.
How Conservatives Became Karens
A look at how people are decidedly obtuse and willfully ignorant to the truth. How America (middle america specifically) no longer cares about polls, facts, experts.
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What Happened To The Truth?
is this the end?
Democracy Dies In a Circus
The rise of
Ron DeSantis
How conservatives became Karens
What happened To The Truth?
Head of Visuals Christy Havranek; Art Directors Benjamin Currie, Jianan Liu; Senior Photo Editor Damon Scheleur; Opinion Editor Stephen A. Crockett Jr.; Header/Footer Illustration Karolis Strautniekas