Another factor that supports your claims is death of the Constitutional Amendment as a part of American politics. Up until the 1970s/80s (a time period you highlight) Constitutional Amendments were a regular part of the American political system and since there has only been one and it has an asterisk. When was the last time there was a sustained effort at an Amendment? I have never seen what a campaign for an amendment looks like - hell my parents were of an age that they got the right to vote in 1972 because of the 26th amendment. Just another point in your argument's favor is that we have given up on the idea that our institutions can and sometimes should change, but there was a time where it was normal.
Another factor that supports your claims is death of the Constitutional Amendment as a part of American politics. Up until the 1970s/80s (a time period you highlight) Constitutional Amendments were a regular part of the American political system and since there has only been one and it has an asterisk. When was the last time there was a sustained effort at an Amendment? I have never seen what a campaign for an amendment looks like - hell my parents were of an age that they got the right to vote in 1972 because of the 26th amendment. Just another point in your argument's favor is that we have given up on the idea that our institutions can and sometimes should change, but there was a time where it was normal.
Montana has two initiatives on next month's ballot that may help with the current problem of extremists ending up on the general ballot. The initiatives could be bring moderation (and greater voter input) to the political process. https://montanafreepress.org/2024/10/04/twin-constitutional-initiatives-aim-to-make-montana-elections-more-competitive/
Great piece! Where did you get that picture of the two suns?