Greetings, fellow humanists,

We had a good discussion on Social Democratic America by Lane Kenworthy.
We will continue to discuss the book and what is possible.

Six Takeaways from Judith Root
1) US 2-party system is divisive & impedes social improvements; more parties may be beneficial

2) Social improvements consist of an extension of “insurance” safety nets we have implemented since the FDR era like SS, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.

3) GOP has persuaded many ordinary people to adopt conservative views previously held by the elite through stoking fear of “big, liberal government” & groups of the “others” — convincing them they will be better off opposing these rather than focusing on their own economic & social well-being.

4) Modest Tax Increases spread over social groups could fund needed “insurance” safety nets such as childcare, and housing support.

5) Corporations have outsized political influence;

6) A variety of factors could influence an increased individual & political groups’ focus on All Citizens’ well-being.

Judy pointed out that the change must be gradual.
I don’t see a violent revolution but more of a two-step forward, one-step back path.

We are already a socialist-democratic nation!
National and state parks, public libraries, interstates, Medicare, and social security, to name a few.
We need to elect right-thinking people who will pass sensible, progressive laws that further the cause of humanity. That said, while we are excited about recent events in this country as we head to another election, yes, with support, there will be more.

So, I would like to ask each of you to write a few cards for UU the VOTE each Sunday. Not motivated? Look at what Project 2025 looks like.

Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan proposed by certain conservative groups with the goal of transforming the federal government by 2025. While supporters argue it is aimed at restoring traditional values and reducing government overreach, there are significant concerns about how it might affect Americans who value freedom of the press, speech, and other constitutional rights.

1. **Threats to Freedom of the Press

2. Erosion of Freedom of Speech

• Censorship and Suppression: If the government gains more control over what is deemed acceptable speech, individuals and groups could find themselves censored for expressing dissenting opinions or challenging the status quo. This could lead to a chilling effect, where people are afraid to speak out due to fear of reprisal.
• Redefinition of Protected Speech: There is a risk that Project 2025 could push for a redefinition of what constitutes protected speech under the First Amendment. This could limit the scope of free speech, particularly for marginalized communities or political opponents.

3. Impact on Other Constitutional Rights

• Judicial Overhaul: The plan could involve significant changes to the judiciary, potentially leading to the appointment of judges who may interpret the Constitution in ways that restrict civil liberties. This could undermine protections for individual rights enshrined in the Constitution.
• Expansion of Executive Power: Project 2025 may also seek to expand executive authority, allowing for greater unilateral decision-making. This could lead to the erosion of checks and balances, making it easier for the government to infringe on constitutional rights without adequate oversight.

4. Long-term Consequences

• Normalization of Authoritarian Practices: By gradually eroding freedoms under the guise of reform, Project 2025 could normalize authoritarian practices, making it harder to reverse course in the future. This could have lasting effects on the democratic fabric of the nation.
• Public Distrust: As freedoms are curtailed, public trust in government institutions may diminish, leading to increased polarization and social unrest. A society where people feel their voices and rights are suppressed is more prone to conflict and instability.

In summary, while Project 2025 may be framed as a plan to restore order and efficiency, it poses significant dangers to the fundamental rights that Americans cherish. Erosion of press freedom, speech, and other constitutional protections could lead to a society where dissent is silenced, and government power is unchecked, threatening the very foundation of American democracy.

Yours in reason,

Ward Hammond