It started with Donald Trump’s attacks on the media. Calling any unfavorable news, QA or by his Special Counselor, Kellyanne Conway, labeling their lies alternative facts.
These are the tactics that authoritarian regimes and dictators use to limit the news the populace gets so that they in fact, become the sole providers of news. It is only because in America we have a strong media, one that defends their freedom of speech ardently. that their views were able to coexcist along side Trumps alternative facts.
Nevertheless, there was a large contingent of Trump followers that bought into his bizarre views and concept of fake news. As a result of this concerted effort to undermine the media, the conspiracy theorys began to take hold.
THE QANON PHENOMENON
QAnon was once a fringe group — the kind most people would safely ignore. But under Trumps rein, the QAnon conspiracies went mainstream. In 2020, QAnon supporters flooded social media with false information about Covid-19, the Black Lives Matter protests, the presidential election, and of course the so-called Pizza Gate.
The bizzare did not end there, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene warned of a conspiracy to use “state-of-the-art Jewish space lasers” to shoot down Santa.
On the day Congress officially counted the electoral votes making Joe Biden the next president, chants of “Stop the Steal” echoed through the U.S. Capitol. The deadly assault followed months of President Trump’s insistence that Mr. Biden’s win could only be explained by rampant fraud, and he encouraged his supporters to demand a different result.
6 conspiracy theories about the 2020 election – debunked
On January 6, 2021 due to Trumps lies, and at his and other high ranking Republican officials prompting, the Capitol was under seige by a mob of his supporters.
The danger of U.S. elected officials attacking the country’s institutions lies in the potential erosion of democratic principles, trust in government, and the stability of the nation. The United States, like any democratic country, relies on a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch of government or individual has unchecked power. This system is designed to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens and prevent authoritarian rule.
When elected officials attack institutions, such as the judiciary, media, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, or electoral processes, several risks emerge:
Undermining democracy: Institutions are the backbone of a functioning democracy. When officials attack or attempt to weaken these institutions, it undermines the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded. This can lead to an erosion of trust in government and democratic processes, potentially leading to political instability.
Polarization and division: Attacking institutions can deepen political polarization and exacerbate divisions within society. As officials seek to delegitimize opposing institutions or their decisions, it can create a toxic political environment and hinder cooperation between different branches of government and political parties
The danger of attacks on institutions by elected officials in the United States, can pose significant dangers to the functioning of a democratic society. For example:
UNDERMINING TRUST:
Institutions such as the judiciary, law enforcement, and the media play a crucial role in upholding democratic principles and maintaining a system of checks and balances. When elected officials attack these institutions, it erodes public trust in their fairness, impartiality, and integrity. This erosion of trust can have long-lasting negative effects on the functioning of democracy.
WEAKENING THE RULE OF LAW:
The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. When elected officials attack institutions like the judiciary or law enforcement agencies, it can lead to a weakening of the rule of law. This can result in selective enforcement of laws, favoritism, or the erosion of legal protections, compromising the rights and liberties of citizens.
POLARIZATION AND DIVISION:
Attacking institutions can further polarize society and deepen existing divisions. Elected officials who attack institutions often do so to delegitimize opposing viewpoints, discredit political opponents, or advance their own agendas. This can exacerbate societal tensions, erode public discourse, and hinder the ability to find common ground and work towards meaningful solutions.
WEAKENING DEMOCRATIC NORMS:
Elected officials have a responsibility to uphold democratic norms and respect the principles of democratic governance. Attacking institutions can set dangerous precedents and undermine these norms. It can create a culture where elected officials prioritize personal or partisan interests over the broader democratic ideals, leading to an erosion of democratic principles over time.
INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION:
The United States, as a leading democracy, holds a significant influence on the global stage. When elected officials attack institutions, it can damage the country’s international reputation. It undermines the credibility of the U.S. as a defender of democratic values and weakens its ability to advocate for democracy and human rights around the world.
THREAT TO DEMOCRATIC STABILITY:
Institutions provide stability and a framework for democratic governance. When attacked by elected officials, these institutions may face challenges in carrying out their mandates effectively. This can disrupt the functioning of government, hinder policy implementation, and create instability, ultimately weakening the democratic system.
It is important for elected officials to respect and protect institutions, as they serve as safeguards for democracy. Preserving the integrity and independence of institutions is crucial to maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring the well-being of society as a whole.