In my most recent essay on these pages, I defined the existing threats being generated in this nation against Jews, leading to the possible end of the “golden age of American Judaism”. In confronting this new reality, we would remind ourselves that this is not a Jewish problem alone, as what we are experiencing involves the disassembling of American democracy, and Jews appear to be caught up in the unfolding political diatribes and tensions of this moment.

The “fix” associated with this nation must be anchored around legitimate change, not merely political rhetoric. When liberal democracies fail to deliver economic outcomes, people become more open to illiberal political alternatives, resulting in an expansion of hate and racism, the targeting of immigrants, and attacking existing political elites. The collapse of the Weimar Republic in Germany, leading to the rise of Nazism, may represent the prime example of this type of political condition.

In responding to this scenario, two elements are essential:

Deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Restore trust ensuring that institutions are responsive.

Unless government can deliver on both of these measures, reclaiming democracy will be problematic.

To capture the attention and interest of the public, an essential requirement involves coalitional politics. Historically, in America, major “democratic renewals” occurred when moderates from across different political factions aligned. In understanding the significance of this principle, three case examples are noted here:

The New Deal coalition built by Franklin Roosevelt was embraced by farmers, the urban working class, and a host of minority and ethnic groups.

The postwar liberal order shaped by Harry S. Truman was constructed with players both within government and beyond.

The civil rights........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)