GOP now openly admitting they intend to overthrow our democracy

[Takket]

Not even hiding it anymore.

Link to tweet

?s=21

[Ninga]

1. Rank democracy ?? !! What??

[Cha]

6. Yeah, I wondered what that even means?

[Demovictory9]

8. Rank rotten. Putrid

[Cha]

11. Oh yeah.. a word I never use.. fuck Fascist

mike lee.

[world wide wally]

18. What was it that Dershowitz said? "Lying is fine of a candidate thinks it is in the best interest of

the country" ?
(something like that)

[LudwigPastorius]

45. I get that it's from "rank and file", i.e. the common people, not the elites.

Lee is floating a trial balloon, about how the GOP plans to bypass the popular vote and steal the election.

https://www.salon.com/2020/10/06/trump-campaign-discussing-plans-to-appoint-its-own-state-electors-no-matter-the-results-report/

[groundloop]

53. The Electoral College bypasses the popular vote..... Hillary won popular vote by 3 MILLION votes

THE United States will always be hamstrung by the electoral college, which favors the right by 2 to 3 percent. It's dragging us down and needs to be repealed, imagine how much better a country we'd have right now if Bush and tRump hadn't been handed keys to the White House by this archaic relic.

[Cha]

68. Thanks.. Fuck them

[thesquanderer]

46. Rank is a synonym for unfettered, complete and utter (n/t)

[Bettie]

21. I think it means

"letting people vote".

[SleeplessinSoCal]

24. my thought exactly.

Supposedly we've been all about spreading democracy since the cold War.

https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/why-united-states-should-spread-democracy

[jaxexpat]

25. Rank? Must be the adjective definition, meaning "absolute".

It's the same concern that ran through the founder's deliberations. That an absolute democracy would so level the resolution of individuals that the better and best would be muted and the bad and worst would be mainstreamed. It's an aspect of populism which has been problematic over the years, see Naziism and Bolshevism.
Not a black and white sort of concept. Surprised that a "conservative" would flaunt his dealings with nuanced thinking.

[BComplex]

67. I think he means "rank & file". Like the unwashed masses getting to vote, he thinks,

fucks everything up. Only the elites should get to decide, I guess. Which is kind of what a "republic" is all about. That's why they're republicans...they just want the representatives of the people, NOT the people themselves, to decide.

[pat_k]

2. Theft of the election is still within their reach.

They are relying on their historic, and growing success at preventing voters from casting their vote and disqualifying votes that are cast in Democratic strongholds.

The polls don't count stolen votes. DT is right -- the election is being corrupted. . . BY REPUBLICANS.

He said it. If everyone who wanted to vote could do so easily, Republicans would be toast. They know it. Free and fair elections are their enemy.

[ihas2stinkyfeet]

10. not within their reach.

just stop it.

[pat_k]

12. We disagree.

I base my conclusion on how effectively they have stolen elections in the past through systematic suppression of votes from Democratic strongholds.

The COVID crisis is giving them more opportunities.

I suggest:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089S5RGLT/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

I know we're going all out to GOTV but we CANNOT be overconfident. Overconfidence suppresses votes when a voter meets obstacles (Sure. We're highly motivated. But there is a percentage -- perhaps more than 5% -- reflected the polls numbers who will think: "Biden is winning anyway. I really don't have time to stand in this 2 hour line. . . or drive over 100 miles to a drop box. . . or get the damn thing notarized.)

FAR more Biden voters are voting by mail, and those votes are subject to systematic disqualification for bullshit reasons.

[ihas2stinkyfeet]

17. dude. have you seen the lines? 1st day of voting every place so far has lines around the block.

blocks and blocks.

get a grip. pessimism and despair are more dangerous than overconfidence.
if you cant get over it, keep it to yourself. nobody here needs that shit.

[The Magistrate]

19. Indeed, Ma'am

"People who expect to lose usually find a way to do so."

[ihas2stinkyfeet]

22. exactly what pootie is hoping for.

i thought this shit was done here. guess not.

[pat_k]

32. Bullshit. I do NOT "expect" to lose. I only warn against overconfidence.

Overconfidence suppresses turnout.

Suppressed turnout makes it easier for them to steal -- AGAIN.

People were applauding long lines in 2016 too, believing they indicated high turnout. The problem is, lines do the opposite. They suppress turnout. Not everyone can afford to wait -- and those for which a line poses an undue burden are more likely to go home if they are POSITIVE Biden will win anyway (just as they were POSITIVE Hillary would win).

[The Magistrate]

35. So Does Doom And Gloom And Despair, Sir

One can, however, always take comfort from the wise words of the old Boomtown Rats:


"Don't flatter yourself. Nobody's listening."

[pat_k]

42. What the hell is "doom" and "gloom" about the FACT that votes are being stolen?

Where did I EVER say we can't overcome this?

Where did I EVER say we can't prevent stolen votes?

All I have ever done is tried to call people to ACTION so we can stop the scouge of voter suppression. We'll NEVER stop it if we don't acknowledge it exists.

As I have already said, please stop denigrating me for something I AM NOT doing.

[pat_k]

48. P.S.

Does this sound like someone who sows doom and gloom?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/12511811478

You've been around long enough to have seen at least a few of the things I've posted since I joined in 2004. If you recalled any of them I don't think you'd be accusing me of sowing "doom" and "gloom." If the theme of majority of those posts could be captured in two concepts, they would be "take action" and "keep hope alive."

[pat_k]

27. And undoubtedly people who see the line and go home.

Lines are an indication that more sites need to be opened ASAP.

And every county needs to be pushed to have a sufficient number of polling places to handle a big turnout.

There are a lot of people who will wait until election day -- particularly young people.

People on DU were applauding the long lines in 2016 too. They were not an indication of high turnout. They were the opposite.

[ihas2stinkyfeet]

28. i'm done here.

[pat_k]

36. Bullshit. It is not "pessimism" or "despair" -- simply a warning against overconfidence.

Overconfidence could kill us. It suppresses turnout. (The thought "Biden is DEFINITELY winning" is a dangerous thought because it can beget the thought "He doesn't really need my vote" -- particularly when facing the types of barriers to voting republican SOS's are putting in the way.)

If we are to make sure of a Biden win, we need to be realistic about how effective they have gotten at suppressing votes from "certain demographics" in key states. We need to WIN AS BIG AS POSSIBLE! I ABSOLUTELY believe we can, and are very likely to. But nothing is 100% and I'm seeing a hell of a lot of posts that seem to be expressing that belief.)

Fivethirtyeight forecasts DT win in 15 of 100 -- that IS NOT zero. And only takes into account polls, which don't count stolen votes.

I suggest you stop denigrating me for something I AM NOT doing and read this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089S5RGLT/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

[TwilightZone]

49. Nah, it's just defeatist nonsense.

The intent is obvious and it's grown more than tiresome.

[pat_k]

55. Again, STOP accusing me me of something I am NOT doing.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214246301#post48

[pat_k]

51. P.S.

I doubt you'll bother looking, but does this sound like someone who sows "pessimism" and "despair"?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/12511811478

You've only been around a month, so you probably haven't seen any of the things I've posted since I joined in 2004. A couple of the themes are "take action" and "keep hope alive."

My warning is a call to action. Vote, vote, vote. We MUST overcome their suppression efforts.

[getagrip_already]

57. It is absolutely within their reach......

If they want it badly enough to break every law brazenly and openly. Kind of what they are doing right now.

Trump is openly advocating throwing biden in prison over some make believe charges. He is sending the national guard out into cities to act as police units. He is sending fbi agents to monitor polling sites and has said he will seize ballots not counted on election day.

That's only the start.

All talk? Doubtful. They plan on doing everything they can get away with.

We have to motivate people to get out and vote early. This does that since it may very well be the last election that matters in our lifetimes (which may be short if he brings the military into this).

Sticking your head in the sand and singing la-la-la isn't going to stop them. Getting people to the poles asap will.

[pat_k]

65. Yup.

If we refuse to recognize the fact that votes in Dem strongholds are being stolen/suppressed, we will never act effectively to end their efforts and finally acheive truly free and fair elections.

Accepting reality is NOT "doom and gloom" aimed at sowing immobilizing despair and apathy. It is a call to action. To vote, vote, vote. To guard against the suppressive force of overconfidence. To realize that, tragically, they've gotten VERY good at suppressing Democratic votes, so we MUST work even harder to GOTV and do whatever we can stop the tactics that are corrupting our elections.

[pat_k]

29. Reply removed

[getagrip_already]

59. Who said they are acting reasonably or even lawfully?

They aren't. And it is within their reach and abilities. It's called a coup. Overthrowing governments happens.

That is what they are doing. They are attempting to end democracy for their own enrichment. If they succeed, they will never be held accountable. If they fail, they get federal pardons.

[pat_k]

64. Reply moved

[NJCher]

3. typo on prosperity

if you can't even proofread a tweet, I don't think anyone believes you can lead us to prosperity.

[Cha]

4. Bullshit Gaslighting mike lee.. you don't want

"peace or liberty" .. you just want "prosperity" for yourself.

[rockfordfile]

5. Traitors

[struggle4progress]

7. "I'll give you covid for free! So vote for me!"

[honest.abe]

9. Their ultimate goal is to restrict voting of immigrants and non-whites.

Previously they would never publicly say this, but now they are desperate with a massive defeat staring them in the face they have revealed their true colors. We are in dangerous territory here. If Trump wins America as we know it is gone.

[pat_k]

13. Because, in the eyes of about 40%, they are not "real" Americans. . .

. . . so stopping them from casting a vote, or finding ways not to count their votes, is "right."

In fact, for a whole lot of those 40%, POC are not fully human and so don't deserve human rights.

We have not come far in the past 60 years. I some ways, like the seemingly ever increasing numbers of the impoverished, we have been going backwards.

[The Magistrate]

20. It Has Been Said, Sir

"When conservatives find their views cannot prevail at the polls, they do not change their views. They reject Democracy."

[snort]

14. Liberty Peace and Properfly!

[calimary]

15. "prospefity"???

Um, Mike, proofreading?

So, no democracy for you then? What are you looking for? Something in a more authoritarian size, perhaps? Or dictatorship maybe? (We all know miserable little weenies like you would LOVE to try that on!)

[FakeNoose]

16. It's time to retire, Senator Mike Lee

Don't let the door hit you on your way out.

[dchill]

23. But rank democracy is my JAM!

Piss off, disease vector.

[JudyM]

69. !

[Yeehah]

30. Time for everybody to open their eyes

There can be no more playing nice with fascists.

[Tommymac]

31. Ben Franklin is Right

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Mike Lee is a Traitor. Fuck him.

Intelligencer: THE NATIONAL INTEREST 9:18 A.M.
Republican Senator Blurts Out That He Hates Democracy
By Jonathan Chait

Lee is articulating a view that has long been in vogue on the American right but which Republican politicians were generally hesitant to express openly. The premise is that liberty is a higher value than democracy, and they define liberty to mean a right to property that precludes redistribution. That is to say, the far right does not merely view progressive taxation, regulation and the welfare state as impediments to growth, but as fundamentally oppressive. A political system that truly secured freedom would not allow the majority to gang up on the minority and redistribute their income for themselves.

snip...

Lee drew some attention by attacking Trump in 2016 and urging him to quit the race after the Access Hollywood tape emerged. But Lee, like most conservatives, has grown to appreciate the values he and Trump share. The most important of these shared values is Trump’s hatred for democracy. And this is why the struggle for American democracy will continue after Trump is gone.
[My Bold]
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/10/mike-lee-not-a-democracy-republican-trump-authoritarian.html

Fucking Fascist, from the Party of Fascists.

[The Mouth]

60. Thank you for that

"The premise is that liberty is a higher value than democracy, and they define liberty to mean a right to property that precludes redistribution. That is to say, the far right does not merely view progressive taxation, regulation and the welfare state as impediments to growth, but as fundamentally oppressive. A political system that truly secured freedom would not allow the majority to gang up on the minority and redistribute their income for themselves. "

Absolutely describes my family and friends who are conservatives. They regard the protection of private property as the first and most important function of the state. "Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner" as dad put it.

[AC_Mem]

33. They are who they are

It is our job to get them the heck out and bring our government back to something that is functional and for the PEOPLE, not for the Billionaires and the stock market.

We need to not take anything for granted - every vote counts - but there IS reason to be hopeful and just a little bit joyful.

I said it before, people can only stay in a state of anger and fear for so long - the body, the spirit will yearn for balance. The pendulum always swings back.

Have Faith, Bellieve,
Annette

[LastDemocratInSC]

34. John Birch Society BS.

They want to party like it's 1954.

[NellieStarbuck]

37. Heaven forfend

that we should ever let democracy get in the way of "prospefity"!

[usaf-vet]

38. Reviewing the pics from the Rose Garden superspreader event I nominate Mike Lee as "Spreader Zero".

The medical science world uses the term "patient zero" or "vector zero" to point to the starting point of the spread of disease.

If you look at the pictures and video from the event, Mike Lee was physically everywhere, hugging, shaking hands, patting backs, cheek kissing, and just glad-handing. Without a mask and definitely not maintaining social distancing.

NOW add that thought to his tweet, "Democracy isn’t the objective; liberty, peace, and prosperity (sp) are."

I conclude he is too dangerous to continue to hold a seat of power.

He ignores facts, science, others' health, and the Constitution as unimportant.

He and his party need to voted out of power.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

39. Yep, they're coming out more and more.

Fits well with their complete lack of shame in the past regarding EC/popular vote mismatches, how rural voters get far more representation in Federal and State governments, etc.

Their recent arguments about appointing Electoral College voters who will vote for Trump regardless of the election results is yet another example, claiming it's perfectly okay because the Constitution supposedly doesn't prevent it.

[LudwigPastorius]

40. That's a step on the road...

It's just a couple of baby goose steps from, not worthy to vote (for society's sake), to not worthy to reproduce (for society's sake), to not worthy to live (for society's sake).

The GOP is morphing into the American Nazi Party right before our eyes.

[SunSeeker]

41. Yup, Republicans are enemies of democracy. They have been for decades.

Now they're proud of it.

[wryter2000]

43. Prospefity?

Does Trump have Lee's logon?

[kimbutgar]

44. That should be run in a commercial in Utah asking him to resign

This country was founded on the” will of the people” “ we the people “ are the first words in our constitution. Democracy is the people not an authoritarian ruler at or a rich fascist ruling class. if Lee wants that type of government he should get on a plane and go to Russia then.

[Mister Ed]

47. Their objection to democracy is that "those people" are allowed to vote. n/t

[Eyeball_Kid]

50. Mike Lee is renouncing the Constitution! He's renouncing his OATH OF OFFICE! n/t

[dchill]

66. It's OK. He had his fingers crossed.

[Volaris]

52. Awwww, hes referring to the tyranny of the majority, isnt that cute.

Spoken like someone who KNOWS they're on the cusp of being in the political minority for a good long while, and is TERRIFIED of the consequences.

And isnt that interesting.
Hrmmmm.
It almost makes one think we treat political and demographic minorities BADLY in this country, or something...

[VOX]

54. Covid45's given is "prospefity" up the ***.

No thanks, nazis.

[speaknow]

56. Just look at the

Crap Utah gave us!
Utah founded on the principle
of one man rule.

[moondust]

58. Loose translation.

"Liberty" for me to do anything I want.

"Peace" for me when no one is allowed to bother me for doing anything I want.

"Prospefity" for me when I can do anything I want to make money and I no longer have to pay taxes. Legalize slavery so I can flourish! I mean, it's in the Bible!

[TeamPooka]

61. time to water that tree of liberty with the blood of tyrants.

[BadGimp]

62. #GOPsurrender is REAL and not almost Absolute.

Thanks in part to Senator Mike Lee.

[dchill]

63. They don't believe in democracy.

They believe in a misrepresentative republic.

"Vote for me and I'll do what's best for me!"

"I am the 'American People' I keep talking about! And you're NOT!"

[diane in sf]

70. Rank could also think he means letting the peasants have the vote smells.