As the federal government shutdown enters its fifth week, America’s democracy is crumbling. President Donald Trump and his allies are using the shutdown as a tool to speed the implosion along. The government shutdown and an impotent Congress have created a space and vacuum that Trump can use to expand his authoritarian power as he rules by executive order, decree and fiat.

Predictably, Democrats are starting to wobble. Party leaders are beginning to signal they’ll work with Republicans to end the shutdown next week.

With Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits expiring today, and the start of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the real world pain created by the shutdown is coming into full view. More than 42 million Americans, which includes the elderl

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