The article discusses the unsettling relevance of the concept of 'competitive authoritarianism' in the United States, illustrated by an incident where Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly restrained by federal officers while attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video evidence contradicts the administration's claims regarding the event, which raises concerns about truthfulness and accountability in governance. The outrage from both Democrats and Republicans highlights the growing anxiety surrounding political conduct and the implications for democratic norms.
Like knowing the names of lots of federal judges, widespread familiarity with specific theories of authoritarian rule is not generally a hallmark of a healthy society.
The idea came to mind again when federal officers manhandled and then handcuffed Senator Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, yesterday as he tried to ask a question...
Collection
[
|
...
]