Eggplant.place

17d

Political systems should be judged not by their intentions or rhetoric, but by their outcomes.

The Democratic Party and the Logic of Controlled Opposition: A Systems Analysis

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kWqjbRm7rRwkVMnQmGzzJ_u2BqbGbfCa/view?usp=sharing

#Dems #Democrats #VoteBlue #DNC #Resist #Indivisible

The Democratic Party and the Logic of Controlled Opposition: A Systems Analysis

h@ual.fi - Institute of Alephic Research
August 2025

Introduction

Political systems should be judged not by their intentions or rhetoric, but by their outcomes. Thinkers from **Robert Michels** to **Sheldon Wolin** have pointed out that democratic forms often mask oligarchic realities. Michels' *Iron Law of Oligarchy* argues that all large organizations, even those with democratic ideals, tend toward concentrated control. Wolin's *Democracy Incorporated* describes the United States as an "inverted totalitarianism," where democratic processes remain but chiefly serve to reinforce elite dominance.

When we examine the Democratic Party through this lens, a pattern emerges. Time and again, grassroots energy has been absorbed, celebrated rhetorically, and then neutralized. Whether with **Bernie Sanders**, the **Sunrise Movement**, or insurgent candidates like **Zohran Mamdani**, **Omar Fateh**, **Keith Ellison**, and through expedited processes such as the **anointment of Kamala Harris in 2024**, the centrist establishment has acted to narrow the boundaries of acceptable politics. This reveals a system whose purpose resembles **controlled opposition**—subtler than authoritarian examples, but more effective precisely because it wears the guise of democracy.

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89d

Advising #patriots to display American flags at #nokings day of defiance. #uspol #albuquerque #santafe #newmexico #indivisible

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157d

Absolutely AMAZING protests in Georgia. Twice as many people as expected showed up at my event, so we just went ahead and started early. We experienced near constant honking in support. I estimate that at least 97% were positive responses, which surprised us all, because we were in a deep Red area. Even one fire truck driver gave us a honk! I actually counted hecklers, but there were no more than ten. Dump truck drivers in particular were so good about drowning out any detractors.

Indivisible really came prepared. They made sure everyone had a quality sign who wanted one. They said that the other events were also exceeding expectations. Apparently, the police had to shut down part of Peachtree Street because the Atlanta protest was so big.

In my area, apparently the police moved all the cars from the Tesla dealership due to vandalism fears. The sheriff's department found reasons to mess with traffic, I guess hoping that drivers would get mad at us for their delay. But, the people were sharp. When the Sheriff blocked traffic for no reason for about five minutes, the drivers shouted "We don't blame you for this!" People know harassment when they see it.

I am sunburned and hot and tired. But so incredibly glad to have participated in this.

#Indivisible #HandsOff

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158d

Cat Ladies for Change: I updated the t-shirt and mug campaigns to benefit Indivisible, an org that's coordinating protests across the U.S. Also removed the printing from the back of the tees to reduce the base cost so that more goes to nonprofit. #catladies unite! #handsoff #indivisible
https://catladiesforchange.com

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88d

via @fridaghitis

#USpol #NoKings #Indivisible

Screenshot of a post by Frida Ghitis @fridaghitis.bsky.social:

The neighborhood is getting ready for tomorrow

[photo of a no parking any time street sign, with the "par" covered by white tape so the sign now says, "no king any time"]

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93d

Going to a #NoKings protest? ACLU is doing virtual "Know Your Rights" trainings in preparation.

WHAT: June Know Your Rights Training
WHEN: Tuesday, June 10th at 7 PM ET
WHERE: On Zoom - RSVP for the link!

https://zurl.co/rEavX

#Indivisible #KnowYourRights #ACLU #NoKings

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88d

Making my sign for the #noKings #protest tomorrow! #acab #fuckICE #5051movement #indivisible

Photo of a kitchen table with craft supplies and a protest sign that says "I prefer my ICE CRUSHED" partially colored in.

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61d

To all those who contributed to and boosted #IndivisibleSantaFe screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble, I have thanks to share from the group’s treasurer. Of course, you have mine too! #NewMexico #SantaFe #Indivisible #JohnLewis #GoodTrouble