It's hard to underestimate the damage to our nation done by Donald Trump along with the propaganda and social media efforts of Russia and, perhaps, other autocratic nations.
A handful of right-wing billionaires "- themselves no fans of democracy "- have also turned their media empires and billions to supporting Republicans who are working to destroy faith in our electoral system, the heart of our democracy.
The result is that America has become so torn apart that family members won't speak to each other, our political system has turned into gridlock, and almost the entire GOP "- under Trump's influence "- seizes on every little chance to trash-talk our nation.
Their efforts, of course, aren't limited to America. Foreign autocratic governments have long been interfering in the domestic politics of western democracies, a process that's stepped up radically in the past decade. It was recently revealed, for example, that Russia invested more than $300 million in supporting hard-right politicians in democratic nations.
But America leads the world when it comes to evangelizing for democracy: we were the world's first modern democracy and have survived over 240 years so far.
Taking us down, particularly through internal division that would "prove" the weakness of democracies, is the ultimate goal of these nations and their president-for-life leaders.
It's becoming harder and harder for Trump and his acolytes to claim that they harbor any loyalty to or love for America or democracy.
Their hatred of our system of government isn't just evident rhetorically; they turn out on the streets with AR-15s strapped across their backs and "Free helicopter rides for liberals" displayed on their tee-shirts.
When Trump is finally revealed as not just a con man and hustler but an agent of foreign dictators, a spy, and a traitor, will America finally wake up?
Stay tuned"
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