How America Works… and Why it Doesn’t: A Brief Guide to the US Political System by William Cooper (Book Review)

I wish I could have our friends outside the United States read this book so they can understand what is going on inside it. The book is useful for citizens inside the United States but daily events related to DOGE, budget cuts, Elon Musk, court orders being ignored and chaos from Washington DC are front and center in our minds 24 hours daily.

Cooper does a very good of explaining the national crisis affecting the United States and its consequences to the rest of the world. He describes how the government and our political system were intended to work. And he accurately analyzes why they aren’t working. Cooper also tries to be even handed on his criticism of both political parties and their leaders.

This book will be an excellent resource for historians 20 or more years out trying to explain the craziness of our contemporary times and politics. I appreciate that this book was updated to reflect the start of the second Trump Administration.

If I have any reservations about this book, it’s that I feel that Cooper is being a bit more optimistic than I am about this country’s immediate future. Cooper writes “None of these definitions applies to Trump. He doesn’t have absolute power over the whole of government. He’s not even close to that. He remains constitutionally responsible to the people in significant and fundamental ways…The most serious domestic risk America faces with Trump as president isn’t dictatorship. It’s that the military follows his orders to break the law—to go after American citizens, for example. This scenario, however, is unlikely.”

I have the advantage of seeing how things have unfolded with in the Trump administration since the book has been published and the author may want to temper his faith in the power of our Constitution and the rationality of the Trump presidency.

Below are some notes and highlights that will provide the prospective reader of an introduction to the book and topics…

Obama’s presidency deeply unsettled and angered millions of Americans not ready for a Black president. And Trump’s hostility to minorities (sometimes subtle, sometimes overt, always cunning) drives his popularity among many Republicans, particularly in southern states.

==========

If the President of the United States were ever to punish disfavored speakers like the Harvard faculty, Google’s CEO, or the New York Times’ publisher, the nation would be in peril.

==========

The root cause of America’s twenty-first-century decline is the combination of (1) tribalism, (2) social media, and (3) a malformed political structure.

==========

Journalists are now disproportionately focused on writing stories that will go viral on Facebook and Twitter, a very different goal from writing stories that will educate and inform

==========

Americans focus little on human history, let alone absorb its lessons. And an embarrassing percentage of them don’t understand basic civics.

==========

Just look at the presidency. Donald Trump is grossly unfit to hold America’s highest office…The House of Representatives, moreover, is throbbing with underqualified mediocrities.

==========

The remedies are easy to prescribe. Americans must improve civic education in schools; raise awareness about cognitive biases throughout society; spend more time with people from other political tribes; reduce and regulate the use of social media; rework the political structure to foster more political parties and equal representation; double down on free speech; shun politically motivated prosecutions; feverishly guard election integrity; and support a new Republican champion other than Donald Trump.

==========

While Cooper’s remedies are easier to prescribe, they are impossible to fulfill. God bless the United States…

America’s Reputation and the Lessons of History

It Isn’t Just Trump. America’s Whole Reputation Is Shot by David Brooks is a sobering analysis of the chess pieces to fall now that our closest allies no longer trust Trump or Americans.

This is not just a Trump problem; America’s whole reputation is shot. I don’t care if Abraham Lincoln himself walked into the White House in 2029, no foreign leader can responsibly trust a nation that is perpetually four years away from electing another authoritarian nihilist.
It Isn’t Just Trump. America’s Whole Reputation Is Shot. David Brooks NYT 3/13/2025

While many draw comparisons between Hitler and Trump—particularly in how they gained and wielded power—I find the parallels between the German people of the early 1930s and Americans today more compelling.

After World War I, Germany was severely punished. It lost territory, its military was disarmed, and the burden of reparations crippled its economy. By the early 1930s, Germany, like much of the world, was in economic turmoil. Unemployment was rampant, and many were homeless and hungry. The country’s ability to recover was constrained by the strict terms imposed after the war.

In contrast, America in 2024 was not in crisis. The economy was largely stable, with low unemployment and a strong stock market. Inflation and housing affordability were challenges, but interest rate cuts signaled efforts to curb economic strain. Unlike pre-war Germany, the U.S. had not suffered a recent military defeat and remained the dominant global power, respected by allies and feared by adversaries.

Despite this position of strength, over 77 million Americans elected a candidate widely seen as aged, incoherent, and lacking a clear platform—a stark contrast to Germany in the 1930s, where voters turned to a charismatic leader promising national revival. Germany was desperate to rebuild; America was already strong.

From a historical view, which country was most guilty of making the most irrational choice at the time? The German people’s decision turned out to be catastrophic. Will America and Americans avoid the disapprobation of history? Time will tell…

Human Stupidity

Listed below are my notes from reading a small book titled The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity by Carlo M. Cipolla. He wrote his book on Human Stupidity in the 1990s. I believe that stupidity has evolved further in its growth and destructiveness.

What are the Odds?

Pickleball, much like poker, is a game of percentages. While we may not have a Vegas sportsbook setting the lines, certain odds feel inevitable on the court. Here’s a look at the numbers behind the game, based on highly scientific ??? (and totally not made-up) research.

There is a 90% chance if I register more than 10 seconds after sign-ups open for 70% of Meetups or TeamReach events, I’m deep on the waitlist. Every. Single. Time.

When there is a volley fire fight among the other three players on my court, there is a 60% chance that I will dump the ball into the net when the first volley is hit to me.

I own a 66.6% success rate on “shots I should make 100% of the time.”

If I poach 25% from the right side, there is a 75% chance I will piss off 60% of my partners playing on the left side. The remaining 40%? They just haven’t spoken up yet.

3% of players are who 80% of players don’t want to partner or play with.

In 84% of intermediate-level games, less than 10% of total shots attempted are dinks.

There is a 100% chance that the Meetup app can be improved and a 0% chance that I would ever sign up for Meetup + no matter how many times I get solicited for the service when using the free app.

In rec play, 88% of close line calls called “out” are accurate; 74% of close line calls called “in” are accurate. However in the late stages of a closely contested game, 70% of close line calls called “out” are accurate. In the pro pickleball, the odds are less than 50-50 for accurate line calls in the late stages of a closely contested game.

State of the Dis-Union

A few fast observations:

The old Democratic strategy of “when they go low, we go high” is a loser.

While I appreciate its intent, peaceful demonstrations, petitions, and letter writing campaigns are passé and ineffective. The age of civil persuasion is dead.

A new political party (Democratic or other) needs a Machiavellian leader, a bit evil but unlike the Republican version, smart. (Maybe Mark Cuban?)

Now the Republicans are concerned about decorum?! Why didn’t this concern apply during Joe Biden’s State of the Union when Lauren Bobert and Marjorie Taylor Greene acted up like spoiled high school sophomores screeching for attention at a school dance.

Congressman Al Green was the only one Democrat with a backbone? When he was removed, all other Democrats should have walked out too.

Likewise, when the Associated Press was barred from White House press room, other legitimate press and news outlets should have left too.

The biggest slaughter this winter was not the Eagles beating the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, but the political thumping Republicans have handed the Democrats since Inauguration Day.

Joe Biden (or his enablers) and Merrick Garland are hugely responsible for the current political mess. They engaged in pillow throwing while Trump and the GOP went MMA.

The “reporter” who asked Zelensky why he was not wearing a suit to the White House must have received his journalism degree from Trump University.

Death knells have been announced periodically for both parties over the decades. However I hear a rattle anytime a Democrat politician speaks.

Communications from Democratic congressmen and women to constituents about how bad Trump is are useless. We get it. Things are bad and about to get worse. Create a plan or strategy and tell us what you are going to do as a party. How about someone stepping up as an effective opposition leader?

I would not count on midterms or any other future elections to change the political direction. First, not sure that they will take place. And second, very uncertain if they take place, whether the results will be “accurate.”

Remote Rants

Daryl Morey was supposed to be the General Manager genius who would push the 76ers to a NBA world championship. Instead, the team is locked into an inescapable contract salary straitjacket that not even Houdini can breakthrough. Suggest Sixers walk across Pattison Ave and talk to the GM who knows how to build championship teams.

Joel Embiid and Paul George are toast. Current biggest concern: Tyrese Maxey does not burn out from carrying team on his back.

Fire Nick Nurse? Nah! Red Auerbach could not improve win-loss record given lack of talent.

If Nick Nurse is fired or quits, I’d try to hire the current Detroit Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff.

Only Cooper Flagg from Duke looks like a player worth going into the tank for in the draft.

Last 10 #1 NBA Drafts and My Performance Grades on their Careers

Karl-Anthony Towns (A)

Ben Simmons (D-)

Markelle Fultz (D)

Deandre Ayton (C)

Zion Williamson (C+)

Anthony Edwards (A+)

Cade Cunningham (B-)

Paolo Banchero (A)

Victor Wembanyama (A)

Zaccharie Risacher N/A)

Note: the two lowest draft grades belong to 76ers first round picks…

Not overwhelmed yet with either Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey from Rutgers, who are projected as #2 and 3 NBA draft picks. Overrated? Maybe. They certainly show potential but I’d rather see them play another year of college ball to sharpen their games even if it was not at Rutgers.

At the start of the college basketball season, I was hoping that Rutgers would mimic the success of the 1976 team that made it to the Final Four. Very disappointed that they are struggling just to make the play in playoff game in the Big Ten tournament.

Fran Dunphy is retiring after stints at Penn, Temple and LaSalle. In the “Big Five Mount Rushmore” of coaches, he would be along Jay Wright of Villanova, Jack Ramsey of Saint Joseph and John Cheney of Temple. Jay Wright is easily the GOAT of Big Five coaches.

I watch many pro and college basketball games with the volume muted as the analysts are so poor and boring.

Best play by play and announce team for college basketball ever:
Dick Enberg and Al McGuire (1970-80s)

A Vote for Epistocracy

Epistocracy is a system in which the votes of people who can prove their political knowledge count more than the votes of people who can’t. In other words, it’s a system that privileges the most politically informed citizens.

Given the notable failures of US democracy in the past, few decades, I seek a new political system alternative. Epistocracy appeals to me as it rewards a demonstration of competence in judgment when voting. For example, a voter should have more than a passing knowledge of American history, its political system and the ability to discern facts and truth from disinformation.

I recognize that it would be very hard to implement this type of political system. Two big issues: First, determining what the criteria is for voter competence. Lord knows that the bar would be very low if the Republican Party had any input into this criteria. Second, getting the buy in from the American people that this system is better and would result in better candidates and better results from our elected representatives.

This idea may be a disillusioned man’s dream. But given the sad circumstance of our national Administration, its incompetence and the mediocrity of our elected national representatives, I am a poor man’s “Elon Musk” looking to improve government.

Here is my contribution for a simple introductory test to see if a voter merits competence consideration…

Amateur Hour in America

I’m waiting patiently to see this generation’s Edward R. Murrow in media and the press.

***

I have already seen this Administration’s Joe McCarthys.

***

However there are a few “profiles in courage”…For example, Hagan Scotten told Justice Department officials that he would not be party to a political prosecution (below)….

But any assistant U.S. attorney would know that our laws and traditions do not allow using the prosecutorial power to influence other citizens, much less elected officials, in this way. If no lawyer within earshot of the President is willing to give him that advice, then I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me.

Hagan Scotten, Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of New York

***

When Trump offered the severance package to federal employees, I did not realize that just about all of Congress decided to cash in and abandon their responsibilities too.

***

When Associated Press was denied access to the White House press room I was disappointed other media members did not walk out to show their support.

***

Just a thought, but a long moratorium on reporting news about this Administration and members would be mentally healthy for this country.

***

Appropriate Aphorisms for Our Times

“A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves.”

— Bertrand de Jouvenel

“Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian.”

— Robert Orben

“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.”

— George Bernard Shaw

U.S. is Not “Woke”; It’s in a Wake

…” too many assume soft despotism can’t happen here. That we are better than that. Well, American exceptionalists, it turns out, we’re just like everybody else: susceptible to conmen and tyrants and kleptocrats. It is happening here, right before your eyes, even if yours are shut tight.

“And yet, even with all this tumult, comes the news that Trump, while still the most unpopular president ever, or at least since 1953 when such measures started being taken, has attained his highest favorability rating. Leaving me with some existential questions like: Who am I? Who are half these people I call countrymen? What alternative universe do they reside in, and is there any chance we could make them stay there, then build a wall and make the aliens pay for it? They often remind me of those stories we’d read during the worst of COVID, when patients who had been propagandized to within an inch of their lives after being told by their conspiracy-slingers of choice that it was all some giant hoax, would be in the ICU on respirators, their lungs failing, arguing with their doctors on their deathbeds that surely they don’t have COVID, since it doesn’t even exist.”

When Your Country Hits the Skids Matt Labash

One of the things that I have experienced and come to grips with in my late stage of life is death. I have buried parents, a sister, relatives and friends so why should democracy be any different?

My expectation is that democracy would have at least survived me. Democracy did not die suddenly. I watched helplessy as a cancer of greed, corruption and stupidity weakened the patient. Many urged remediative care to ensure the patient survived and prospered. Instead the patient succumbed to a prescription based on misinformation, racism, sexism and superstition.

I am not indifferent to those who mourn or are suffering from democracy’s demise. Many are in shock; many are in denial. Power is now seized or bought. Caucuses, conventions and elections are not the bromides to resurrect or replace what we have experienced for so long. The guardrails of a Constitution, free press, independent judiciary and vigilant Congress no longer exist. I seriously question how accurate election results will be in the future. So much data and information is so easily manipulated, so can numbers.

The divide in this country is deeper than the hatred between North and South for so many years. I had hopes that a younger generation would change the tenor of our politics and culture as Baby Boomers need to step aside and allow our children and grandchildren to determine their future. Instead I sadly question whether they will be able to enjoy the opportunities and freedoms that once existed. Our school systems cannot educate students to read and write, how can we expect people to make right decisions and judgements?

I watch all of this numb and in sorrow. One expects to lose his family and friends. No one expects to lose his country.

Muses on Aging and Decline

Riches in youth measured by wealth; riches in maturity measured by health.

“Alarm clock: once for work, now for timely pickleball registration.”

Deterioration, diminishment, death and disability, Damocles’ swords for the older generation.

Lament of an older athlete: Often what the mind can conceive, the body can’t achieve.

Lost in cyberspace: the Sunday papers, complete with sports pages, TV section, crosswords and comic strips.”

77 million voters created 346 million “Anne Franks.”

Like humans, democracies can deteriorate—toward dementia or, politically, tyranny.