We are witnessing slow constitutional collapse in the US

[spot]

I stole the title. It's the title of an op-ed in today's Guardian by Moira Donegan, a Guardian US columnist.

It’s possible that later, when we know more about how the Trump regime reshapes the US and about how it ultimately comes to an end, we will look back at this moment in 2025 and conclude that we were already living under an autocracy. Checks on executive power seem to have all but vanished; the Trump administration is not acting like either the courts, the judiciary or the people have any prerogatives that they must respect.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/com ... -in-the-us

And it's entirely true, just as she says. It's what happens when you have majority voting by an electorate. You might mess up the list of who can vote, but even then the present Administration represents a majority of those who voted by such a margin that it's clearly a fair outcome.

I have no view on whether it's a good process for appointing an administration, but it's definitely a constitutional demand in America. The representative nature of the outcome, the selection of voters, the nine yards whatever they might be.

So - constitutional outcome: We are witnessing slow constitutional collapse in the US.

The purpose of this thread is to discuss whether that's a good outcome or a bad outcome. I can offer a dozen reasons why bringing an end to this self-obsessed American Empire is a good outcome but I'd rather not. I'd rather just put the question out there.

I'll offer a view on why it's come about though. It was the demand when the UN was created by the victors of WW2 that there should be vetoes. The creation of the Security Council. If your top body is unrepresentative then the organization is a mess from day 1. The existence of the Security Council neutered the UN. It invented superpowers. And when the White House becomes a love-in for yes-men with no administrative experience, the US will experience constitutional collapse. Go team - it's entirely down to the voters, it's what they chose. And to an extent the appalling public media and the even more appalling social media. You get what you pay for.

None of that answers the underlying question though - a good outcome or a bad outcome? And not just yes or no but especially why. And without trying to prejudice the discussion, the why is bound up with justice.

[LarsMac]

My first thought is, "It's not that slow."
I am reminded of a time when I was standing on a bluff near the ocean, when the entire thirty or forty foot embankment gave way, and I and my friend rode several tons of dirt and plant life down to the beach. I feel like I did then, looking back up, wondering when the next section is going follow.

I am planning a trip to Canada this summer, and several people have suggested that I might have a problem getting back home if I go there. My first reaction is something like, "that would be a problem?"

[spot]

It's good to see you in one piece. You're still on the road? Do you chat to people when you stop? Do you avoid politics or is it an inevitable topic?

Cold place, Canada, if you're still there that long. But then, you've done a lot of cold months over the years if I recall. Bracing though.

The rate of new stories from the administration is fast, I'll give you that. Some, like taxing foreign-made films, are undefinable, or at least undefined. What's a foreign-made film? What's a film? It's an intangible. Are you taxing each theater ticket? Each streamed viewing? Where did it cross the border? Where exported it?

We have a few sections of cliff like that around the UK coast. It tends to be houses that slide, not people.

If you want to sit out the remainder of the presidential term abroad, the notion might have attractions. See Canada for as long as the weather holds, put the RV into storage and fly somewhere warmer. It'll still be there when you get back. Disconnect the battery and grease a few bits before you leave.

Paris, the left bank, get a sketch pad and rediscover an old lifestyle. Busk with a clapped-out guitar. Talk to everyone who stops. Head for Hamburg with a light backpack. Avoid hotels. It's just a suggestion but it sounds active.

As for the Constitution collapsing, I'm not entirely convinced. The best replacement constitution to the present constitution as amended is the present constitution as amended and fully implemented. Those small fragments guaranteeing equality are what have been left undone in practice. Taken on their own terms, they would make illegal those practices and mental perspective we're criticizing. Instead of drafting a confrontational replacement we could just hold up a mirror and say look, you're not trying hard enough. Live up to your own stated principles. The 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection, the 15th Amendment's prohibition on racial voting discrimination. The country has explicit commands and they're being systematically ignored.

The abuse of the Constitution is the time it takes to crush non-compliance. If a month was the maximum time it took to repudiate unconstitutional behavior there could be compliance, but years or decades makes the law an ass.

[spot]

My first thought is, "It's not that slow."

And, looking back, and comparing with Project 2025, the pre-election manual has all the points that have been displayed.

You're quite right, it's moving and it's showing no sign of stopping. I don't think anyone in charge is listening to critics at all, they know where they want to get to and they're on their way.

How Congress gets sidelined I'm not sure but they'll have to do that before the mid-erm elections, surely.

[LarsMac]

I think that all the MAGAts are already lining up for their free ride on his new plane.

OH! The Humanity.

[Bryn Mawr]

I think that all the MAGAts are already lining up for their free ride on his new plane.

OH! The Humanity.

Our Standards and Ethics Committee would be having a field day!