At the same time democratic backsliding [1] occurs in cycles. We're probably not at a low point, but that doesn't mean it's permanent.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_backsliding

Living in one of the alleged backsliders, the UK, I can't say things seem much different.

I don't think Trump is the cause, but he's an opportunist stepping into a vacuum that has developed over a lengthy period of time.

I question how much control individuals have over their beliefs. Violence and wars are fought over deeply held religious beliefs yet there can be no doubt that those same beliefs are 100% dependent upon (1) where you are born; and (2) the beliefs of your parents.

That makes one wonder how much we control our own beliefs when the daily messaging is dictated by an elite whose money owns/controls the entirety of mass media and elected government office holders.

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