Asymmetrical Illiberalism

Jonathan Rauch and Peter Wehner have a terrific essay in The New York Times today about the asymmetry between left and right illiberalism, the former of which is a serious problem while the latter of which is a direct threat to the constitutional order. The power of the essay lies in the fact that, in concluding that illiberalism on the right is more dangerous, it does not downplay or excuse illiberalism on the left. From the essay: Fears about the left’s increasingly authoritarian, radical tendencies are well grounded; but they have blinded many conservatives to the greater danger posed by … Continue reading Asymmetrical Illiberalism

Democracy and the Constitution

David Frum has an excellent essay at The Atlantic, The Founders were Wrong about Democracy. The Constitution was meant to cultivate complex majorities rather than empower minority rule. Yet Frum is right to ask whether devices meant to channel and refine popular understandings have empowered minority rule. In many instances, they clearly have. But Frum pushes further, asking whether these devices create disorder and instability. Would we better off with simple majority rule on a host of issues? Frum makes a powerful case that “The United States in the 21st century has reached a point where the best way to attain the … Continue reading Democracy and the Constitution