specifics of that assertion aside (i mean, come on) the US is certainly one to lecture others about minoritarian government and subversion of democracy

Yes?

Ending protections from rape for anybody is incomprehensibly vile.

I'm sympathetic to the idea that progressives need to rethink procedural barriers to getting things done, and that this a crucial moment for American government. But we are witnessing a shift to authoritarianism right now. American needs not just a theory of power but also theory of accountability.

I can't listen to the song without thinking of

🫂

Anyway China is absolutely kicking our ass. It has made a clear-eyed strategic decision to pursue a clean economy & is investing accordingly. We're flailing around like drunken dipshits, suppressing our domestic renewables, shoveling subsidies at coal, & killing random Venezuelan fishermen.