The Idolatry of the State

The Democrat Party’s Self-Inflicted Crisis and the Cult of the State

The Democrats Untenable Problem

Friday, March 28th, 2025: By Walter Curt

The Democratic Party in the United States is facing historically low approval ratings, and many political observers find themselves wondering why the party cannot seem to pivot or seize on cultural moments to regain public favor. The answer runs deeper than mere strategy or messaging—it is rooted in the very ideological foundations of modern progressivism.

At its heart, the left clings to an unwavering belief in big government, refusing to cast blame on the State itself. In fact, when problems arise, the Democratic Party tends to call for even more government intervention. Rather than criticizing government agencies or programs, they lash out at those perceived to stand in opposition to “the solution.” This phenomenon is at the core of why the Democrats are floundering and are seemingly incapable of adapting to new political realities.

One of the most illustrative examples of this dynamic involves recent efforts by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a project dedicated to identifying and eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in government agencies. Ordinarily, any honest attempt to streamline operations and cut unnecessary spending would be met with public approval and, ideally, bipartisan support.

Indeed, DOGE’s current approval ratings indicate that many Americans view its mission favorably. Yet the Democratic base, instead of celebrating these efforts to ensure government accountability, appears to have taken a position of hostility toward Musk and DOGE. One might expect the Democratic Party, which often champions transparency, to applaud these discoveries of government mismanagement. Instead, they resist endorsing Musk’s work, defending the very bureaucratic structures that have been shown to contain massive inefficiencies.

This resistance can be explained by examining the quasi-religious nature of today’s progressive ideology. In their aggressive pursuit of secularism, many on the left have inadvertently transformed the State into a sort of deity. While they reject traditional religious faith, they defend government power and institutions with an intensity that mirrors religious fervor. Criticizing or challenging the government is, in effect, considered heresy.

This tendency became particularly evident during the events of January 6th. What millions of Americans saw as a political protest spiraling out of control was interpreted by many on the left as a direct attack on their sacred institution: the Capitol. Those who simply set foot in the building were subjected to rigorous prosecution, indicative of how deeply the left views this seat of government as a temple to their values. To them, the Capitol is not just a building; it is the physical embodiment of their highest authority.

This quasi-religious reverence is also evident in the harsh backlash against Elon Musk. Contrary to conspiracy theories suggesting he has some nefarious motive, Musk is a private citizen volunteering to help eliminate government bloat and make programs run more effectively. Ordinarily, one might think that such civic-minded efforts would receive praise. Instead, protestors have taken to the streets, attacking not only Musk’s reputation but, in more extreme cases, even vandalizing Tesla vehicles and targeting his car dealerships.

These destructive acts are directed at a symbol—the wealthy entrepreneur—who stands for the “other side” of the equation: private enterprise. Musk’s vision of streamlined governance and innovation challenges the progressive assumption that the solution to every problem must be more, not less, government involvement.

This hostility toward business leaders stems from deeply ingrained skepticism of capitalism within the radical wings of the Democratic Party. For these progressives, private enterprise is synonymous with exploitation, while government intervention is viewed as inherently benevolent. The idea that a private citizen could help improve the efficiency of government programs runs counter to their worldview.

When they see Musk, they see a living embodiment of private innovation and wealth—factors that have traditionally been painted as antithetical to egalitarian ideals. In short, Musk’s success undermines the narrative that government must necessarily be the savior and that private industry should remain perpetually suspect.

The Democrats’ inability to pivot away from this dogmatic belief in omnipotent government is undermining their public support. Approval ratings for the party continue to dwindle, and they find themselves backed into a corner: They must either defend the government structure they have come to revere or acknowledge that it is flawed and in need of serious reform.

The radical progressives currently holding significant sway within the Democratic Party make moderation exceedingly difficult. Their firm grip on the party’s messaging ensures that any critique of government institutions is met with fierce opposition. Consequently, the Democrats are missing crucial opportunities to champion meaningful reforms and connect with the broader electorate that expects responsible oversight of public programs.

None of this is to say that government, by definition, cannot be a force for good. However, reflexive defense of every bureaucratic layer and agency merely perpetuates waste and abuse. Until the Democratic Party and its base recognize that protecting the State at all costs is not a sustainable strategy, they will continue to suffer in public opinion. They may find themselves powerless to capitalize on opportunities for genuine reform—opportunities that resonate with Americans who crave efficiency, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

Ultimately, if the Democrats wish to reverse their downward spiral, they need to break free of the mindset that puts government on a pedestal. While big government might be seen by some as a solution in certain realms—healthcare, education, or welfare—it is by no means infallible. A willingness to examine and critique government agencies, along with an openness to private-sector solutions, would demonstrate the kind of balanced approach that garners broader support. In the absence of such introspection, the party is destined to keep losing ground, failing to capture the imaginations and trust of many voters. Whether by force or by choice, the Democrats may need to rediscover the political center—and cast aside the idolization of the State—if they hope to regain the confidence of the American people.

However, if they choose idolatry of the state, they’re doomed.