[dreadgeek]

I wonder how long it will take for Americans to decide that being a constitutional republic is just too demanding and that perhaps, we should have a less open, less republican form of government and go for something with a lot less emphasis on messy legal niceties like the rights of citizens, avoidance of cruel or unusual punishment, or social cohesion. I ponder this because in the last couple of decades I've seen a lot of anti-republican talk and it appears to be increasing.

Consider that non-trivial numbers of citizens now think that trial by jury, the accused having rights, the police having to follow rules, warrants for searches and prisons that are not concentration camps are undesirable things. Consider that non-trivial numbers of citizens believe that the First Amendment, particularly the parts of freedom of conscience (religion), does not apply to Muslims. Consider that non-trivial numbers of citizens believe that Article VI, Section III of the Constitution which states, in part, "..no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States" does not apply to Muslims and may not apply to atheists either. Consider that non-trivial numbers of citizens believe that torture is acceptable. Lastly, consider that vast numbers, perhaps even majority given the way we dialog about politics, think that they get to have their own facts and that facts and opinions are synonymous (they aren't).

Now, it may be the case that it all adds up to nothing at all but if *I* were either a Muslim or Hispanic I would probably have one eye on the exits at this point. Any one of those items taken in isolation would be disconcerting, all of them taken together and then considered in the light that one major party espouses ALL of the above and it doesn't look good.

Cheers
Aj