Are Progressives and other American leftist concerned their ideas are unsellable?

 

In democratic societies, the sanctity of the electoral process is paramount. One of the cornerstones of this process is the right of the people to choose their representatives. However, a concerning trend has emerged in various jurisdictions worldwide: removing political candidates from ballots by courts or appointed authorities without public consent. The potential dangers of this practice and its implications for democratic norms and public trust in the electoral process. - and has now come to the United States political landscape!

The most immediate danger of removing candidates from ballots without public consent is undermining democratic principles. Democracy is fundamentally about representing the people's will, and any action that disrupts this principle can lead to a loss of faith in the system. When candidates are removed arbitrarily or without transparent reasoning, it can give the impression of a rigged or unfair system, leading to widespread disillusionment and disengagement among voters.

Free and fair elections are the bedrock of a healthy democracy. Removing candidates without the people's consent can compromise the fairness of elections. This action can be perceived as a means to manipulate electoral outcomes, favor certain parties or individuals, and suppress dissenting voices. In the case of the United States, the progressive movement must see their ideas as NOT sellable in the American political marketplace. Such practices can lead to a lopsided political landscape, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, thereby eroding the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy.

Allowing courts or appointed authorities to remove candidates without public consent opens the door to potential abuses of power. This power can be wielded as a political tool to sideline opponents, stifle competition, and entrench the ruling elite. The lack of clear and transparent criteria for disqualifying candidates can lead to arbitrary decisions based on political convenience rather than legal or ethical considerations.

Public trust in governmental institutions is crucial for the stability and effectiveness of any state. The capricious removal of candidates can erode this trust, leading to increased cynicism and apathy among the populace. When people feel that their vote no longer matters or that electoral outcomes are predetermined, their engagement with the democratic process diminishes. This apathy can lead to lower voter turnout, weakening the democratic mandate of elected officials.

On the international stage, removing candidates without public consent can damage a country's reputation. It can lead to international condemnation, affect diplomatic relations, and even result in sanctions or other punitive measures. This impacts the country's standing and can have tangible economic and political consequences.

Removing political candidates from ballots without public consent poses a significant threat to the integrity of democratic processes. It undermines democratic principles, threatens the fairness of elections, opens the door to abuse of power, erodes public trust, and can have far-reaching international implications. Democratic societies must safeguard their electoral processes and ensure that any decision to disqualify candidates is made transparently, with due legal process, and with respect for the people's will.