we have a national fiction saying we follow the rule of law but the evidence is to the contrary;

Today I had a long conversation with one of my oldest friends, who happens to believe that Donald Trump poses a grave threat to democracy.

 I asked him the following question:

“Do you believe that we are currently living in a democracy as defined by the Articles of the U.S. Constitution for representative government?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“Then who is currently holding the executive power as defined by Article II?” I asked. After some gentle prodding, he admitted that it does not seem to be Joe Biden. However, he hastened to add that I was being too legalistic in my argument.

To understand what I mean, let’s review two key passages of Article II.

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term …

In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President ….....more.........