Now more than ever we can see that our “democracy,” initiatives and plans are under siege and fire. Currently, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives are under attack and are affecting many people throughout this country. We see that this has affected our government, education systems, and various businesses throughout the United States. Donald Trump, our current and 47th president of the USA has ordered employees that are affiliated with federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility offices to be put on paid administrative leave. 

Furthermore, in the first week of his presidency, Trump issued many executive orders specifically targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These executive orders were put in place to prevent and halt lawful efforts to support and create equity and equal opportunity.  

The Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy reading by Joseph Schumpeter states, “It is held, then, that there exists a Common Good, the obvious beacon light of policy, which is always simple to define and which every normal personal can be made to see by means of rational argument” (Joseph 250.) This explains that we, being the people, should all understand and see a common good. That this “good” should be easily identifiable and we should not be harming one another and we should be working to achieve positive progression as a cohesive unit and country. 

Additionally, pertaining to democracy we can see some differences between President Trump’s Executive Order and the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, Section 1 Birthright Citizenship. Donald Trump’s executive order is supposed to end birthright citizenship for undocumented immigrants and people with temporary protected status in the United States. 

Following democratization, specifically modernization, and how this is affecting United States politics. We can see how wealth, industrialization, urbanization, and education are affected. How certain people in power are choosing to use their privilege to put others at a disadvantage. Additionally, culture, how a firm democracy needs a democratic culture. For example, as a leader or prominent figure in power you need to be able to balance conflicting interests and orders as well as be able to respond to citizens and the people. 

Currently, we can also see a huge divide between the masses. That being the elites and the masses. Now that Trump is in office and actively making his orders and initiatives known, we are able to actively see his plans coming into motion. Lastly, analyzing elite pacts, Donald Trump and Elon Musk may exemplify this because they are both very prominent male figures with large amounts of power and wealth and are using this to leverage themselves and help each other. They are also competing elites who both benefit from what they are doing. For example, the Department of Government Efficiency is an initiative by the Trump administration that is led by Elon Musk. 

From this we are able to gather that United States politics are currently making many changes and are working toward progression for those who align and follow their initiatives and maintain order. We see that now more than ever that we need to enact change, keep equity alive and continue breaking barriers and speaking up for those who cannot. 

Sources:

Schumpeter, Joseph. 1943. Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy. New York:

Harper & Brothers. Chapters 21 and 22.

What is DEI, and why is it dividing America?

Trump on DEI And Anti Discrimination Law

Trump’s Executive Orders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Explained

Five Former Treasury Secretaries: Our Democracy Is Under Siege

Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship

Establishing and Implementing The President’s “Department of Government Efficiency