Arthur Conan Doyle's famous line about "The dog that didn't bark" from Sherlock Holmes has unexpectedly been a great way to describe what's happening now. Even though Donald Trump urged his followers to protest, the big wave of public outcry people expected hasn't shown up.
Individual Acts of Terror
Those streets might be quiet, but don't let that fool you. We're not exactly living in peaceful times. As media commentators like Rachel Maddow have pointed out, we see a series of isolated but deeply troubling acts of violence and threats. And it's not just your average Joe involved in these incidents; it's targeting the very pillars of our democracy.
Regardless of party lines, lawmakers nationwide are receiving ominous threats that are increasingly hard to dismiss. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the target of a kidnapping plot. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., have had to ramp up security measures due to ongoing threats against Congress members.
The Legal Machinery Keeps Grinding
The American legal system is ever-grinding and far from perfect. But let's give credit where it's due. While the nation seems to have sidestepped a massive, Trump-led protest movement, the wheels of justice haven't stopped for a second.
We can rest assured that law enforcement and the FBI aren't just sitting on their hands; they're knee-deep in investigations. Judicial hearings unfold, some behind closed doors, others in the public eye. Grand juries are being convened, and subpoenas are flying out faster than you can say "due process."
But let's not kid ourselves. This machinery is under enormous pressure, tested day in and day out by the threats it seeks to neutralize. Can it hold up?
So, what do these endless investigations, court hearings, and law enforcement activities tell us? They show a democracy that's still kicking, still functioning at its core. But they also flash warning signs, red alerts that our system is being pushed to its limits, and maybe, just maybe, it's time we all paid attention. After all, a machine constantly grinding without proper maintenance will eventually break down.
The Polls Tell a Complex Story
Don't let yourself be fooled by the surface-level optics. Trump might seem to be losing his grasp, but what's lurking beneath the headlines tells another tale. An NBC Des Moines Register poll, hot off the presses, uncovers that Trump remains the crowd favorite in Iowa, a state that's been a bellwether in early voting. Make no mistake: it's not a matter of diminishing influence; it's a story of a base yet to fully decide its loyalty.
As the 2024 Presidential elections loom, the nation stands at an existential crossroads. We might not know what the future holds, but we have choices about the future we want. The non-barking dog is a lesson and an opportunity for reflection. And remember, sometimes silence speaks louder than words.
Rachel Maddow’s latest segment is a must-watch for a comprehensive understanding of these seismic shifts. You may find yourself surprised at the comfort that silence can bring and the loud questions it leaves behind.
About the Author
Robert Jennings is the co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering a more connected, equitable world. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, Robert draws on his diverse life experiences, from working in real estate and construction to building InnerSelf.com with his wife, Marie T. Russell, to bring a practical, grounded perspective to life’s challenges. Founded in 1996, InnerSelf.com shares insights to help people make informed, meaningful choices for themselves and the planet. More than 30 years later, InnerSelf continues to inspire clarity and empowerment.
Creative Commons 4.0
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License. Attribute the author Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com. Link back to the article This article originally appeared on InnerSelf.com
Related Books:
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
by Timothy Snyder
This book offers lessons from history for preserving and defending democracy, including the importance of institutions, the role of individual citizens, and the dangers of authoritarianism.
Click for more info or to order
Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America
by Stacey Abrams
The author, a politician and activist, shares her vision for a more inclusive and just democracy and offers practical strategies for political engagement and voter mobilization.
Click for more info or to order
How Democracies Die
by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
This book examines the warning signs and causes of democratic breakdown, drawing on case studies from around the world to offer insights into how to safeguard democracy.
Click for more info or to order
The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
by Thomas Frank
The author offers a history of populist movements in the United States and critiques the "anti-populist" ideology that he argues has stifled democratic reform and progress.
Click for more info or to order
Democracy in One Book or Less: How It Works, Why It Doesn't, and Why Fixing It Is Easier Than You Think
by David Litt
This book offers an overview of democracy, including its strengths and weaknesses, and proposes reforms to make the system more responsive and accountable.
Click for more info or to order
