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"Like loggers torching the Brazilian rainforest, Johnson and Cummings have traded short-term profit for devastating structural harm". My view on the suspension of Parliament, for the @ObserverUK. theguardian.com/politics/2019/…
@ObserverUK Despite the headline, I was not asked whether this was a "coup". My answer would have been "no". It is dangerous, unconstitutional & shows contempt for parliamentary democracy, but talk of a "coup" has very serious implications. It is not an allegation to be thrown out lightly.
@ObserverUK Talk of a "coup" implies that our democracy has been overthrown & that the govt no longer has a legitimate claim to its citizens' consent. Its overthrow by unconstitutional and even violent means becomes a patriotic and democratic duty. That is not a claim to be made frivolously.
@ObserverUK We are approaching a situation in which Leavers deny the democratic legitimacy of Parliament, while Remainers deny the democratic legitimacy of the govt. Johnson bears much of the blame on both counts, but the potential for civic violence is obvious. We should all walk with care.
