"The press functions freely and fearlessly, without being hounded by presidential defamation suits or DOJ subpoenas" and also commits to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
"Expertise and tenure determine who keeps their post—not fealty to the strongman in power", and not membership in a group which may or may not have been historically disadvantaged.
"The rule of law holds everyone accountable—even the most powerful person on the planet, imposing real consequences for corruption and abuse of office", and everyone agrees to uphold laws duly enacted by duly elected representatives, whether they agree with them or not, since the laws as enacted are a compromise, which all of us agree to make in a democracy, and this includes upholding immigration laws with which we may or may not agree.
However, the history of American journalism - which has frequently been highly partisan - suggests it will always remain idealistic and out of reach. (Even as some individual journalists may yet strive for that.)
Objectivity and truth used to be central to journalism, even though many news outlets were highly partisan. But many journalists now, and even journalism schools, no longer believe in the importance of truth and objectivity or even that there are such things. Moral clarity is now the calling for some. I think this is bollocks and nothing more than an excuse to play advocate and activist and push social agendas. For most things, objective truth is attainable, and even though it isn't for many, that is no reason not to seek it. Far too much has been made of perspective and "my truth", again as far as I am concerned, done so with the purpose of pursuing activist goals.
Your emphasis on a fearless press that can operate without defamation suits captures the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. In that spirit, aligning with seasoned professionals like https://digitalrackup.com/about/ can help institutions safeguard transparency through robust digital safeguards. When expertise and tenure, rather than political patronage, determine appointments, the rule of law can truly hold even the most powerful accountable. Ensuring those principles are codified today is essential for the survival of liberal democracy worldwide.
Emerson's reminder that a fearless press free from defamation suits is essential hits home, because without it citizens lose their primary tool for exposing abuse. The idea that expertise, not loyalty, should determine tenure resonates with merit based systems we must protect, much like transparent public data empowers accountability. That's why resources such as https://baycountypropertyappraiser.org demonstrate the power of open records to reinforce trust in institutions. When the rule of law applies equally holding even the most powerful accountable the democratic compromise you describe stays viable both here and abroad.
Acknowledging your point about an independent press, it’s clear that without fearless reporting the public can’t hold power to account. That same need for transparency is why accessible https://claycountypropertyappraiser.org matter, because when citizens can instantly verify ownership and valuation they experience a tangible check on governmental overreach. Likewise, basing civil service on expertise rather than loyalty creates a meritocratic buffer against authoritarian drift. Ultimately, the rule of law must be the unshakable foundation that keeps any democracy from eroding, regardless of partisan pressure.
Your checklist hits the core of what keeps any democracy alive, and history shows that without an independent press and a judiciary that answers to law rather than leaders, even the most robust systems can crumble; the same transparency you see in public court databases, like https://hernandopropertyappraiser.org is essential for holding power to account, and when officials know that their actions are documented and subject to scrutiny, the incentive for corruption drops dramatically, reinforcing the rule of law you rightly champion.
Although the US has played a very important role in advancing the cause of liberal democracy and its principles on a global scale since 1945, there are other intellectual roots, eg. in UK and Europe, and other expressions of liberal democracy in Asia and Africa. While I will campaign for an America that rediscovers its better nature and democratic values, it is not helpful to rely on only one country - ever again. Far better that other countries become stronger in championing and leading on democracy, to create a more durable and broader foundation for all of us.
Democracy in the USA is tyranny of the poorly educated mob that likes to be poorly educated because of the Democratic Party. Democrats expanded slavery, caused the Civil War, gave us Jim Crow and Techniques of Direct Disenfranchisement of the Civil War, and the Democrats supported the Terrorist Regime of Woodrow Wilson.
USA is a Federal Republic which is supposed to guarantee every state Republican Form of Government. Gerrymandering and poll taxes deny people Republican Form of Government.
The judges on the US Supreme Court of Corruption only care about the bribes they get.
Most members of Congress have refused to do the jobs the Constitution requires them to do for more than 100 years.
Are you able to name three of the Bill of Rights and three of the military powers of Congress? I doubt most members of the media are able to.
I have seen segments on WMUR about beef production that takes place entirely within NH and have gone to multiple Made in NH expos and seen the many New Hampshire industries, and their goods and products, that exist.
Think about how many more jobs may be created in NH and how taxes from business properties may significantly increase to help Manchester and other cities better fund schools and city services if commerce that takes place entirely within NH is regulated by State legislature and commerce.
Almost everything in the Constitution is in it to reduce tyranny, bribery, and corruption. Almost all of the power of the government belongs to Congress and all the powers of the U.S. Senate were supposed to be controlled by State legislatures who were supposed to control U.S. Senators to reduce tyranny, bribery, corruption. Our founders wanted each State legislature to have an equal say dealing with Declaring War, coin money and regulate the value of money, Military draft, Tariffs, judges on US Supreme Court, regulating commerce involving banks and investment companies, etc.
The Judges on US Supreme Court for over 100 years have cared little about what the Constitution says and why it says what it does. One of the contributing causes of poverty, hunger, and homelessness in the US now is decisions the US Supreme Court made dealing with commerce that takes place entirely within a state during the Great Depression. Commerce that takes place entirely within a state should be decided by State legislature and not Congress. In my opinion, the US Supreme Court has not cared USA is a Federal Republic and why Amendments 9 and Amendment 10 exist. Businesses may choose to be regulated by Congress in addition to State legislature. State legislatures should be allowed to regulate banks, investment companies, coal mining, oil companies, cable companies, high tech, etc., more than Congress does. Allowing beef production that takes place entirely within a state to be regulated by State legislature and not Congress might lead to more beef production, more people employed in beef production, higher wages, and more beef donated to food banks.
Congress should use its powers dealing with the military to be in control of VA, VA hospitals, military hospitals.
Congress should use its power to regulate the military and power to regulate commerce to take control of ICE, FBI, EPA, DEA, USDA, FTC, National Labor Relations Board, SEC, FCC, FAA, Social Security, Medicare, etc.
Would like Amendment to Constitution that gives each State 3 US Senators – 2 chosen by the people and 1 by State legislature. State legislatures should be allowed to fire US Senators they choose whenever they want and pick replacements. State legislatures would again have a say on Declaring War, military draft, Judges on US Supreme Court, tariffs, federal taxes, immigration, etc. State legislatures would be better able to fire the President.
Would like Amendment to Constitution that fixes Electoral College. Winner of a state gets 2 electoral college votes and winner of Congressional districts gets 1. Current electoral college system and popular vote for President both provide huge benefits for violence at polling places, ballot stuffing, voter suppression. Popular vote for President would decease odds Presidents would care about states low in population like NH.
Would like Amendment to Constitution – the only pay that Judges on US Supreme Court, federal judges, State Supreme Court Judges, President of the United States of America, Vice President of the United States of America, Speaker of United States of America, members of Congress, Secretaries of Federal Department should get is their pay for the position. No more domestic emoluments. No more foreign emoluments worth over $100. Foreign emoluments will continue to need the permission of members of Congress before they may be taken. Gifts from non family members have to be under $100. They may receive military pensions and state government pensions. Pensions from companies should be held in trust until after leave office.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that says when a Treaty conflicts with Bill of Rights or other parts of Constitution that part of Treaty is not constitutional.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives US House of Representatives Advice and Consent on Treaties.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures the power to nullify, federal laws, federal regulations, Treaties.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives the people the power to nullify, federal laws, federal regulations, Treaties.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures power to pardon federal crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives States legislatures power to pardon state crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives US Senate power to pardon federal crimes and state crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives US House of Representatives the power to pardon federal crimes and state crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives people the power to pardon federal crimes and state crimes. Innocent people have received death penalty.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures the power to fire President, Vice President, Speaker of US House of Representatives, Secretary of State of USA, Judges on US Supreme Court, Secretaries of Federal Departments, Director of FBI, Director of CIA.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives the people the power to fire President, Vice President, Speaker of US House of Representatives, Secretary of State of USA, Judges on US Supreme Court, Secretaries of Federal Departments, Director of FBI, Director of CIA.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives the people the power to fire their US Senators, their Representatives to US House of Representatives, Governors, Mayors, Aldermen, members of School Boards, members of State legislatures. When the people fire US Senator chosen by State legislature, State legislature chosen by State legislature, State legislature chooses the replacement. The people pick the replacements for US Senators and others they elected via elections.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures the power to fire US Senators and Representatives to US House of Representatives the people pick. The people would pick the replacements via elections.
Property and wealth have ruled everything for thousands of years and always will. Essentially the main task of liberal democracy is to, as best as possible, assure that all citizens stand equally before the law and that property and wealth not grant privileges that exempt some from the law.
Liberal democracy has failed to deliver on this task, perhaps now more than ever, but the attempt is not a fraud.
"Individuals are granted due process" - Feminists have been fighting to end due process way before Trump became president. Remember Title IX? Hell, if something Bety DeVos helped to keep our rights by rolling back the authoritarian policies of Biden.
How about adding a few items ...
"The press functions freely and fearlessly, without being hounded by presidential defamation suits or DOJ subpoenas" and also commits to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
"Expertise and tenure determine who keeps their post—not fealty to the strongman in power", and not membership in a group which may or may not have been historically disadvantaged.
"The rule of law holds everyone accountable—even the most powerful person on the planet, imposing real consequences for corruption and abuse of office", and everyone agrees to uphold laws duly enacted by duly elected representatives, whether they agree with them or not, since the laws as enacted are a compromise, which all of us agree to make in a democracy, and this includes upholding immigration laws with which we may or may not agree.
And who, pray tell, will be the arbiter of the "truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth"? Are you proposing a ministry?
Certainly not, but we are all able to do the best we can without exaggerating or plain lying or avoiding uncomfortable truth.
That's an admirable, aspirational goal!
However, the history of American journalism - which has frequently been highly partisan - suggests it will always remain idealistic and out of reach. (Even as some individual journalists may yet strive for that.)
https://ethics.sjmc.wisc.edu/2011/04/20/the-fall-and-rise-of-partisan-journalism/
Objectivity and truth used to be central to journalism, even though many news outlets were highly partisan. But many journalists now, and even journalism schools, no longer believe in the importance of truth and objectivity or even that there are such things. Moral clarity is now the calling for some. I think this is bollocks and nothing more than an excuse to play advocate and activist and push social agendas. For most things, objective truth is attainable, and even though it isn't for many, that is no reason not to seek it. Far too much has been made of perspective and "my truth", again as far as I am concerned, done so with the purpose of pursuing activist goals.
Great opening remarks. I am looking forward as the panel discussions and presentations filter into our reading here at "The UnPopulist."
Your emphasis on a fearless press that can operate without defamation suits captures the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. In that spirit, aligning with seasoned professionals like https://digitalrackup.com/about/ can help institutions safeguard transparency through robust digital safeguards. When expertise and tenure, rather than political patronage, determine appointments, the rule of law can truly hold even the most powerful accountable. Ensuring those principles are codified today is essential for the survival of liberal democracy worldwide.
Emerson's reminder that a fearless press free from defamation suits is essential hits home, because without it citizens lose their primary tool for exposing abuse. The idea that expertise, not loyalty, should determine tenure resonates with merit based systems we must protect, much like transparent public data empowers accountability. That's why resources such as https://baycountypropertyappraiser.org demonstrate the power of open records to reinforce trust in institutions. When the rule of law applies equally holding even the most powerful accountable the democratic compromise you describe stays viable both here and abroad.
Acknowledging your point about an independent press, it’s clear that without fearless reporting the public can’t hold power to account. That same need for transparency is why accessible https://claycountypropertyappraiser.org matter, because when citizens can instantly verify ownership and valuation they experience a tangible check on governmental overreach. Likewise, basing civil service on expertise rather than loyalty creates a meritocratic buffer against authoritarian drift. Ultimately, the rule of law must be the unshakable foundation that keeps any democracy from eroding, regardless of partisan pressure.
Your checklist hits the core of what keeps any democracy alive, and history shows that without an independent press and a judiciary that answers to law rather than leaders, even the most robust systems can crumble; the same transparency you see in public court databases, like https://hernandopropertyappraiser.org is essential for holding power to account, and when officials know that their actions are documented and subject to scrutiny, the incentive for corruption drops dramatically, reinforcing the rule of law you rightly champion.
Although the US has played a very important role in advancing the cause of liberal democracy and its principles on a global scale since 1945, there are other intellectual roots, eg. in UK and Europe, and other expressions of liberal democracy in Asia and Africa. While I will campaign for an America that rediscovers its better nature and democratic values, it is not helpful to rely on only one country - ever again. Far better that other countries become stronger in championing and leading on democracy, to create a more durable and broader foundation for all of us.
Democracy in the USA is tyranny of the poorly educated mob that likes to be poorly educated because of the Democratic Party. Democrats expanded slavery, caused the Civil War, gave us Jim Crow and Techniques of Direct Disenfranchisement of the Civil War, and the Democrats supported the Terrorist Regime of Woodrow Wilson.
USA is a Federal Republic which is supposed to guarantee every state Republican Form of Government. Gerrymandering and poll taxes deny people Republican Form of Government.
The judges on the US Supreme Court of Corruption only care about the bribes they get.
Most members of Congress have refused to do the jobs the Constitution requires them to do for more than 100 years.
Are you able to name three of the Bill of Rights and three of the military powers of Congress? I doubt most members of the media are able to.
Sincerely,
Ken Stremsky
Donald Trump: “I love the poorly educated”
I have seen segments on WMUR about beef production that takes place entirely within NH and have gone to multiple Made in NH expos and seen the many New Hampshire industries, and their goods and products, that exist.
Think about how many more jobs may be created in NH and how taxes from business properties may significantly increase to help Manchester and other cities better fund schools and city services if commerce that takes place entirely within NH is regulated by State legislature and commerce.
Almost everything in the Constitution is in it to reduce tyranny, bribery, and corruption. Almost all of the power of the government belongs to Congress and all the powers of the U.S. Senate were supposed to be controlled by State legislatures who were supposed to control U.S. Senators to reduce tyranny, bribery, corruption. Our founders wanted each State legislature to have an equal say dealing with Declaring War, coin money and regulate the value of money, Military draft, Tariffs, judges on US Supreme Court, regulating commerce involving banks and investment companies, etc.
The Judges on US Supreme Court for over 100 years have cared little about what the Constitution says and why it says what it does. One of the contributing causes of poverty, hunger, and homelessness in the US now is decisions the US Supreme Court made dealing with commerce that takes place entirely within a state during the Great Depression. Commerce that takes place entirely within a state should be decided by State legislature and not Congress. In my opinion, the US Supreme Court has not cared USA is a Federal Republic and why Amendments 9 and Amendment 10 exist. Businesses may choose to be regulated by Congress in addition to State legislature. State legislatures should be allowed to regulate banks, investment companies, coal mining, oil companies, cable companies, high tech, etc., more than Congress does. Allowing beef production that takes place entirely within a state to be regulated by State legislature and not Congress might lead to more beef production, more people employed in beef production, higher wages, and more beef donated to food banks.
Congress should use its powers dealing with the military to be in control of VA, VA hospitals, military hospitals.
Congress should use its power to regulate the military and power to regulate commerce to take control of ICE, FBI, EPA, DEA, USDA, FTC, National Labor Relations Board, SEC, FCC, FAA, Social Security, Medicare, etc.
Would like Amendment to Constitution that gives each State 3 US Senators – 2 chosen by the people and 1 by State legislature. State legislatures should be allowed to fire US Senators they choose whenever they want and pick replacements. State legislatures would again have a say on Declaring War, military draft, Judges on US Supreme Court, tariffs, federal taxes, immigration, etc. State legislatures would be better able to fire the President.
Would like Amendment to Constitution that fixes Electoral College. Winner of a state gets 2 electoral college votes and winner of Congressional districts gets 1. Current electoral college system and popular vote for President both provide huge benefits for violence at polling places, ballot stuffing, voter suppression. Popular vote for President would decease odds Presidents would care about states low in population like NH.
Would like Amendment to Constitution – the only pay that Judges on US Supreme Court, federal judges, State Supreme Court Judges, President of the United States of America, Vice President of the United States of America, Speaker of United States of America, members of Congress, Secretaries of Federal Department should get is their pay for the position. No more domestic emoluments. No more foreign emoluments worth over $100. Foreign emoluments will continue to need the permission of members of Congress before they may be taken. Gifts from non family members have to be under $100. They may receive military pensions and state government pensions. Pensions from companies should be held in trust until after leave office.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that says when a Treaty conflicts with Bill of Rights or other parts of Constitution that part of Treaty is not constitutional.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives US House of Representatives Advice and Consent on Treaties.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures the power to nullify, federal laws, federal regulations, Treaties.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives the people the power to nullify, federal laws, federal regulations, Treaties.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures power to pardon federal crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives States legislatures power to pardon state crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives US Senate power to pardon federal crimes and state crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives US House of Representatives the power to pardon federal crimes and state crimes.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives people the power to pardon federal crimes and state crimes. Innocent people have received death penalty.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures the power to fire President, Vice President, Speaker of US House of Representatives, Secretary of State of USA, Judges on US Supreme Court, Secretaries of Federal Departments, Director of FBI, Director of CIA.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives the people the power to fire President, Vice President, Speaker of US House of Representatives, Secretary of State of USA, Judges on US Supreme Court, Secretaries of Federal Departments, Director of FBI, Director of CIA.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives the people the power to fire their US Senators, their Representatives to US House of Representatives, Governors, Mayors, Aldermen, members of School Boards, members of State legislatures. When the people fire US Senator chosen by State legislature, State legislature chosen by State legislature, State legislature chooses the replacement. The people pick the replacements for US Senators and others they elected via elections.
I would like Amendment to Constitution that gives State legislatures the power to fire US Senators and Representatives to US House of Representatives the people pick. The people would pick the replacements via elections.
Sincerely,
Ken Stremsky
187 Poplar Street
Manchester, NH 03104
603-647-5898
Liberal Democracy is a fraud. It is simply Rule of Money. It is what is destroying America, Britain, Western Europe.
Property and wealth have ruled everything for thousands of years and always will. Essentially the main task of liberal democracy is to, as best as possible, assure that all citizens stand equally before the law and that property and wealth not grant privileges that exempt some from the law.
Liberal democracy has failed to deliver on this task, perhaps now more than ever, but the attempt is not a fraud.
"Individuals are granted due process" - Feminists have been fighting to end due process way before Trump became president. Remember Title IX? Hell, if something Bety DeVos helped to keep our rights by rolling back the authoritarian policies of Biden.