Worth adding: It seems like the Republican Party may actually agree with Brandeis's thesis, but that it simply doesn't care about actually having a democracy.

Writing one oped 20 years ago about a topic is not "proof" that I was a hired lobbyist for the coal industry. That is quite obviously deranged to make that leap - and anyone who says that is committing knowing, defamatory libel.

I think it's important to own up to mistakes & work to fix them, like I have with climate work. But owning up is painful in a world that will punish you for admitting imperfection. But it is important, even if it comes with punishment.