TheAltWorld Another Step on the Path to Autocracy
I recently wrote that a 42-day government shutdown is hard evidence that American democracy is dysfunctional and on its way out. Indeed, federal courts made rulings hastening the end of democracy.
The government has reopened, but lasting damage was done.Federal courts ordered President Trump to fund the SNAP benefits even though Congress had not appropriated any money to fund the payments. In our political system it is Congress that authorizes expenditures, not judges and the president. Yet the necessity of feeding 42 million Americans who are entitled to be fed by working citizens caused federal judges to set aside Congress’ power over the budget and to attempt to place the power in the hands of the executive branch.
Of course, Congress was the culprit by refusing to pass a budget. Nevertheless, we are witnessing clear proof that US democracy is so dysfunctional that courts thought the balance of powers had to be set aside.
Government reopened in time for Congress to retain its power by exercising it, but a further step has been taken in the transition from democracy to autocracy.
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