Failing government is a major threat to the country, expert says

SALT LAKE CITY — The United States is faced with many modern threats but the most dangerous is a failing government,  according to Harlan Ullman, the senior advisor of the Atlantic Council. Ullman said there are seven massive attacks of destruction. 

“Unless or until both political parties come to their senses, I’m afraid this country is in a downward spiral,” said Ullman. 

Ullman authored ‘The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Became the Looming Existential Danger to a Divided Nation and the World at Large,’ which discusses the seven massive attacks of destruction and what threats they pose. 

Ullman said the United States government is failing because of the increasing lack of legitimacy. Since 1964, 75% of Americans belonging to both political parties feel the government is going in the wrong direction. “Sixty years ago, 75% of people believed in government,” Ullman said. 

“There’s no part of government that’s really trusted. Look at the Supreme Court … one of the articles in The Hill says fewer than 30% of registered American voters trust the Supreme Court,” said Ullman. 

Government gridlock

The country has arrived at a ‘government gridlock.’ The Constitution is not working properly because it needs civility and compromise. Ullman said due to an inability between the two major parties to deal with particular issues.

“I think … the person who can make the coordination to make government work better has got to be a vice president,” said Ullman. 

“I think it’s important that the person who [makes] the coordination to make government work better has got to be the vice president,” Ullman said. Choosing vice presidents based upon their competency for the role, and no other political qualifications could help. 

There are a few factors that could change the course of the downward spiral the U.S. is facing. They are economic ‘miracles’ or technological breakthroughs in more than one area. “Otherwise [Ullman is] afraid there is very, very little influence for making changes that are needed.” 

The country could face a dangerous and difficult election in 2024. Ullman said a choice between Donald Trump and Joe Biden could make the situation “far, far worse.” 

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