Let us debate this question. Have we fallen into despotism, or do we still hold the imperfect republic Franklin urged us to accept?

[CyberGhost615]

I argue that we have not fallen into despotism.

Despotism meant absolute power with no real elections, no independent courts, no free press, and no way for the people to remove those in charge. That is not what we have. Franklin stood in that Convention hall and admitted the Constitution was imperfect, yet he still urged every delegate to sign it for the sake of union. He chose an imperfect republic over chaos. That same imperfect frame still stands.

We still vote. Power still changes hands without violence. Courts still overturn laws. Citizens still openly call the government corrupt and walk free. The state has grown too large and too pushy, yes. Surveillance is real. Speech gets pressured. Both sides abuse power when they can. None of that equals despotism. It is strained republican government under pressure, not tyranny.

Franklin already knew it would be flawed. He still chose it. I still choose it. We have not fallen into despotism. We still have a republic if we can keep it.

[strateguy632]

They just redefine words. I saw a video recently where the alien was invited to do sex. It checked the computer what is sex. The definition "sex. 1, gender" but they just change the meaning.

They say sex is not gender. 2 sexes does not mean 2 genders.

Same fascism or despotism MEANS trump. So teump is despot they say. Communism means wear red so democrat not commie.

[RachyRach]

We aren't there yet. Thankfully. But who knows how long before we get there.

[strateguy632]

Yes that is what they say. While liberals are ALREADY doing fascist censoring opinions, they fear-monger: "trump is becoming a fascist. See he already does part" the good part like emphasized tradition. Not the bad part like censor opinions- that liberals ALREADY DO.