Apropos discussion of how well the ‘guardrails’ have held up in the face of a vicious frontal assault: my perspective is ‘pretty well.’
Notwithstanding McConnell’s maniacally obsessed “court packing,” the judiciary has largely maintained its independence and been a reliable bulwark (look at the box score Marc Elias’ team has compiled).
The MSM has performed patchily at times, but has never come under Trump’s sway (which is what happens in authoritarian states), and has been a key source of information throughout.
The most representative body in our govt. (the House) gathered strength as the crisis worsened, and offered dogged resistance. They educated us about the threat, as they did so.
Civil society, in all its manifestations, formed a powerful resistance. This was, in the end, the deciding factor.
Having lived and worked in authoritarian countries, I can tell you that these things don’t happen there. The judiciary is neutered. The press is muzzled. NGO’s that protest are banned. Protest leaders are jailed.
Don’t sell our flawed democracy short. We have at our disposal the key tools in what will be a long fight against fascism. People have learned, I think, that democracy is not a birthright. Ours remains very much under threat, but there is reason to be hopeful.

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More from @RickPetree

15 Nov
Emily Murphy’s cavalier disregard for her statutory duty is emblematic of the entire Trump regime’s attitude: laws mean nothing. They’ve stood “government of laws, not of men” on its head. It’s the essence of authoritarianism.
Here’s how another official’s refusal to perform statutory ministerial duties went. Lawyers need to look at suing @GSA Murphy in her individual capacity. Officials can’t act or refuse to act on the basis of personal beliefs. It’s the LAW that governs.
google.com/amp/s/www.nbcn…
Read 4 tweets
13 Nov
THREAD (please RT, and spread info to friends beyond Twitter):

An old friend in Atlanta who’s deeply involved in Dem Party of GA (DPG) efforts in the 2 U.S. Senate run-offs sends this important information about how to contribute:
If you want to max out to Warnock ($2800/person) and Ossoff ($2800/person), plus give an additional amount to DPG, use this link secure.actblue.com/donate/dpg-fin….
If you have already maxed out to the candidates and want to give more to DPG, use this link: secure.actblue.com/donate/dpgfina…. Funds sent to the DPG will go to the Voter Protection team and other critical efforts, including GOTV.
Read 5 tweets
9 Nov
Thread. The reported resignation of Berat Albayrak (Erdogan’s son-in-law) as Turkish Finance Minister reminds Americans of his reported involvement with Michael Flynn in discussions abt ‘renditioning’ Fetullah Gulen.
google.com/amp/s/www.wsj.…
The WSJ article also reminds us that it was VP Biden to whom James Woolsey, former Director of CIA, reported the Essex House meeting (Woolsey was a Trump advisor at the time).
The Turkish Government has been silent on Biden’s election. There is apprehension (exaggerated IMO) abt what his election will mean for U.S. - Turkey relations.
Read 6 tweets
8 Nov
In Aug. 2011, VP Biden spoke at Sechuan University in Chengdu, China. His subject was U.S.-China relations. It's well worth reading.
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-offi…
The speech gives strong indications that Pres. Biden will approach our relationship with China constructively. The foreign relations savvy shown in this speech is one reason why we're fortunate to have elected Biden.
Near the end, in answer to a Q about the role of public speaking, Biden speaks w/ striking honesty about overcoming a severe stutter. It's a more detailed account of his struggle than I've seen. To have given it to a foreign audience shows real self-confidence and humanity.
Read 5 tweets
12 Jul
Thread: Following is a brief speech I've written for @JoeBiden. Its principal purpose is to go on record saying that a Biden Administration will pursue Trump related crimes "without fear or favor." Saying so now is, I believe, important.
START: "If I’m elected, I pledge that we’ll again have a Government that serves *all* the people. A Government committed to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. A Government that is, above all, committed to a restoration of law and justice.
While many departments of Government have been severely damaged, and must be rebuilt, none has been so undermined as the Department of Justice. DOJ must never again be allowed to become a partisan political tool. The Nation cannot, and will not, allow that to continue.
Read 8 tweets
4 Jul
Since his installation, Barr has engaged in flagrant, serial obstructions of justice. It continues, in plain sight. Proving the crime of obstruction of justice under 18 U.S. Code § 1503(a), however, will be a tall order.
It will need indisputable evidence of corrupt intent similar to that which put John Mitchell away. In Barr's case, the *pattern* of his obstructive acts will be a key factor in showing intent.
Every time he pushes against a valid investigation of Trump or associates, Barr adds to the pattern, and increases his exposure. This will not be settled before the election, but will be an urgent matter for the Biden administration.
Read 4 tweets

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