by Robert Reich
Spent most of yesterday in Greensboro, North Carolina (had warm reception at Guilford College, a marvelous institution with fabulous students and faculty). Greensboro is the state’s third largest city, and still a Democratic stronghold (Democrats outnumber Republicans 2 to 1). But democracy is in the crosshairs in North Carolina. And with Republicans now in control of the state General Assembly, the citizens of Greensboro fear they’re about to lose even their local government. A bill in the state legislature would change the City Council, replacing five Council districts and three at-large seats with seven newly drawn districts that would give Republicans a majority. It’s the same story all over the state: Democrats outnumber Republicans, but because of gerrymandering now hold only 3 of 13 congressional seats. The legislature is also actively suppressing the votes of minorities, curtailing early voting and imposing strict voter ID rules.
Many of the same anti-democratic tactics are being used by Republican legislatures in Michigan, Wisconsin, and elsewhere around the country. For years now, the Koch political machine has quietly installed Republicans at the state level who are intent on entreating their power. They are actively engaged in what can only be described as a coup.
Now heading to New Hampshire.
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