US: Democracy’s self-correcting capacity is weakening

The Chinese newspaper Global Timespublished this Wednesday (18 – in China the edition is already that of Thursday, 19) an unsigned article (that is, it reflects the opinion of the vehicle) about the dilemmas of “American democracy”. The diagnosis is harsh. For the GTthe US has “a political system that is out of control, a lighthouse that is slowly going out” and, most seriously, it is not just a matter of adjusting secondary defects, the system itself does not work: “the machine’s operating system is faulty, not just some parts or components. It either produces faulty results or gets damaged in the process”. Read the full text below.

US Democracy’s Self-Correction Capacity Is Weakening, With Serious Consequences

Former US President Donald Trump has again been the target of an assassination attempt, marking the second such incident in two months.

How many more bullets are being targeted at American political figures? This event has highlighted the issue of escalating political violence in the US.

Politicians have resumed their usual routines in Washington: condemning violence and calling for unity. But behind these grandiose words lies a political system that is out of control, a beacon that is slowly fading.

American media and analysts have offered several explanations: rising social inequality, political polarization, the spread of fake news, and rampant gun ownership.

Some even provide historical context, suggesting that political violence has always been a part of American politics.

The evolution of the US democratic system to its current state is tied to early defects in this machine. However, it has self-correcting capabilities, and the problem today is that this capability is weakening.

It can no longer keep pace with global progress and the development of democracy, nor adapt to political and social changes within the US.

The flaws in this bipartisan rivalry are becoming increasingly evident over time.

The American electoral system is gradually becoming a money game. Whoever has the financial resources can manipulate the election results. Corporations and wealthy individuals easily influence political directions through donations.

In the process, the voices of ordinary citizens are feeling completely marginalized. This money-driven politics exacerbates social inequality and undermines public trust in the political system.

The two-party system has degenerated into a dishonest operation. Republicans and Democrats appear to be at odds, but in reality they are engaged in a back-and-forth power struggle.

Their conflicts are not about solving problems, but about winning elections. In this process, the true spirit of democracy is left aside, deepening social division and polarization.

Social media in the US has become a tool for spreading lies and hate. In such an informational environment, it is difficult for the public to make rational judgments, and extreme ideologies and conspiracy theories flourish.

The American judicial system has also become politicized. Supreme Court justices have ceased to be neutral arbiters and have become representatives of partisan interests. The law has ceased to be a symbol of justice and has become a weapon in political disputes. Most critically, this machinery no longer solves these problems, but instead creates more impasses.

Even the most astute politicians cannot discern whether it was social polarization that caused partisan polarization or the other way around.

This touches on a more fundamental problem: it is the system itself that perpetuates political violence. In other words, the operating system of the machine is flawed, not just a few parts or components. It either produces faulty results or breaks itself in the process.

Washington politicians seem aware of the gravity of the problem, but they are powerless. They continue to exploit the system for political gain, trying to divert attention by creating new adversaries.

The United States needs political reform. It needs to redefine what true democracy is and establish a political system that genuinely represents the interests of all people. Such inclusion is crucial to rebuilding public trust in politics.

Meanwhile, Washington’s political elites should be careful about using the term “democracy” on the international stage, as it may further remind people to pay more attention to the challenge they face at home, damaging their reputation.

Bullets are flying, and the potential consequences are grave. Who will they hit? Let’s wait and see.

Source: Global Times / Translation with online translator and editorial review