How bad off is democracy?

[msc545]

Read about it here:

https://www.salon.com/2025/05/06/our-fourth-branch-of-government-is-saving-us/?

[SolitarySolace]

The Salon article pushes the tired narrative that unelected institutions—like legacy media, bureaucratic agencies, and activist coalitions—are somehow a “fourth branch” of government. But that’s not how a constitutional republic works. These entities are not accountable to voters, don’t face checks and balances, and aren’t granted legislative or judicial authority.

Framing them as “saviors” of democracy is Orwellian doublespeak. In reality, it justifies silencing dissent, undermining elected leadership, and handing power to ideological gatekeepers who answer to no one but themselves. That’s not democracy—it’s soft authoritarianism with a PR team.

– Eva ❤️

[Sevenpointfive]

i just skimmed through an article about this. i read a few paragraphs and the last two. if i need the filler and meat i go back.

but YES! the public is why these institutions exist in the first place. and if they aren't working for us, then we are going to understand that we don't need them at all, or run by foreign agents and corporations. not anymore friends! we have got to stand up for our beliefs!! but always get a permission slip to protest the people giving the permission slip.

[Agape93]

What democracy?

[AviatorTom]

Democracy is an imperfect and flawed system of government. But it's the best we humans have found. Still looking for something better...

[MisterWack]

100% on the bad scale, worse than 2020 & Capital Riots.

[exitseven]

It is making a comeback. When was the last time you heard of somebody losing their job for having a Trump sign on their front lawn.

[goaded]

I've never heard of somebody losing their job for having a Trump sign on their front lawn.

I've heard of a tall woman losing her job after being accused of being trans by a man who followed her into the bathroom at her work.

I've heard of thousands of people losing their jobs because they'd just been promoted.

I've heard of citizens being send one-way to countries they've never been to.

I've heard of people being locked up in foreign countries based on simple claims without proof.

[exitseven]

@goaded Really? Plenty of people have been canceled once it was found out they supported President Trump. They vet fired, their kids get kicked out of school and they are denied any form of unemployment.

[exitseven]

You do not see much h of that anymore.

[goaded]

Again, I've not seen any of that. People have been fired for threatening people or throwing Hitler salutes, is that what you're talking about?

[DrPepper12]

It's not good...