I am normally very optimistic about our democracy. I view our institutions as a little beaten down but still strong enough to salvage. I am not much of a "revolutionary" in terms of thinking the system is so rotten it must be replaced. I have faith that well regulated capitalism can still deliver the kind of wealth and freedom to make a better society.
There is one thing I am not as optimistic about and that is the rabid push by Republicans for voter suppression laws. I think many in the conservative movement understand the demographic realities they are facing and want to figure any way they can to maintain electoral viability. Worse, I think some of the more diabolical want to use voter suppression as a method to instigate a legal coup. Of course, I have no proof that any of the Republican leaders have this view, but I do think it's instructive to read Naomi Wolf's "The End of Democracy" It gives insight into just how flimsy our institutions are (or can be) and the mindset of some of the neo-cons from the Bush administration. This is the group we need to watch.
Unfortunately, given the vitriol of the current debate, a lot more people would go along with such a legal coup than many think. I am amazed at the accusations hurled on both sides (not equivocating, conservatives do this a lot more) about how evil the other side is. I suspect this level rhetoric and its inherent irrational thinking allows people to act on their more base instincts. That means that if such a legal coup were attempted or done, many of our neighbors would go along unquestioningly.
This is why I believe the 2012 election and maintaining some power in the judiciary is so important. As many have posted, they think that the biggest issue in every election is controlling who gets on the Supreme Court. Given the challenges to our system across the board, I think they are right. Stopping the most base assaults, and especially the assault on voter rights, is imperative if you want there to be some chance of creating a just society. Once we can't vote them out they will be free to impose their economic and social will. It's our one bulwark against their entrenched money and power and why we need to be very happy warriors in this and every election season.