Apropos discussion of how well the ‘guardrails’ have held up in the face of a vicious frontal assault: my perspective is ‘pretty well.’

Notwithstanding McConnell’s maniacally obsessed “court packing,” the judiciary has largely maintained its independence and been a reliable bulwark (look at the box score Marc Elias’ team has compiled).

The MSM has performed patchily at times, but has never come under Trump’s sway (which is what happens in authoritarian states), and has been a key source of information throughout.

The most representative body in our govt. (the House) gathered strength as the crisis worsened, and offered dogged resistance. They educated us about the threat, as they did so.

Civil society, in all its manifestations, formed a powerful resistance. This was, in the end, the deciding factor.

Having lived and worked in authoritarian countries, I can tell you that these things don’t happen there. The judiciary is neutered. The press is muzzled. NGO’s that protest are banned. Protest leaders are jailed.

Don’t sell our flawed democracy short. We have at our disposal the key tools in what will be a long fight against fascism. People have learned, I think, that democracy is not a birthright. Ours remains very much under threat, but there is reason to be hopeful.