Undeniably, it is through our words and actions that we raise a voice against absurdities. As emphasized in the song ‘Long Time Gone’ by Crosby, Stills, and Nash, we need to articulate our thoughts fearlessly to fight against the onslaught on our democracy. If we don’t, we risk losing that democracy altogether.
The current state of our democracy is worrisome. Legal professionals are increasingly subjected to vitriol. Educational institutions face dictations on their hiring strategies and curriculum design. Binding judicial decisions get blatantly disrespected, a fact that cast a grim shadow on our democratic landscape.
One particularly distressing incident under the Trump administration was the deportation of a four-year-old child battling cancer. Despite this child being a U.S. citizen, this egregious act of cruelty took place. Elsewhere, our senators find themselves caught in cuffs, mayoral hopefuls suffer physical attacks, and even congress members are denied their right to inspect detention centers.
The discourse here at home is starting to mirror concerning echoes from places where oppression is commonplace – Russia or China. It’s easy to forget, but our governmental structure comprises three equal branches, none of which are expected to dictate terms to the others. However, Donald Trump appears to assert otherwise.
The fabric of democracy is repeating distressing patterns from history. The Nazis herded Jews onto trucks and vanished, a chilling tactic echoed by the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in the 1970s. Today, on our very soil, non-criminal immigrants are rounded up and carted off under the Trump administration.
Different locales, same oppressive practices. Trump’s leadership methods appear eerily likened to those in the dictator’s playbook. Centralization and consolidation of power follow soon after usurpation. Governmental agencies and positions are slashed as part of this endeavor to govern unchallenged.
Moreover, to underscore his relentless resolve, Trump dispatched the National Guard to Los Angeles. However, their notable absence from the January 6th activities, incited by Trump’s base, paints a telling picture. Rather than cowing the populace, this has galvanized resistance, as exemplified by the five million-strong No Kings Rally.
Dictators, historically, have utilized military parades to showcase their power. Trump’s attempt at such a display failed miserably, attracting low attendance and a geographical confine of a few city blocks. In an ironic twist, the skies opened up, dousing his much-vaunted parade.
Trump’s military parade added further tarnish to his already-questionable conduct. He professed to honor our armed forces while concurrently disparaging our veterans as ‘suckers and losers’. His policies further disillusion, as he guts Medicaid programs that many veterans depend upon.
The Trump administration seems to operate with the scheming nature of a crime syndicate, with the White House as its headquarters. Amidst the allegations is the claim that he gained profitable advantages from cryptocurrency, a clear defiance of the Emoluments Clause stipulated in the Constitution.
Trump’s meme coins, devoid of intrinsic value or official backing, reportedly mint millions for him. It appears that influence and money open doors to a presidential pardon, further tainting his administration. His public persona is reminiscent of a sinister mob boss, offering an ultimatum to nations via tariffs they ‘can’t refuse’.
Essentially, Trump seeks to monetize international relations, threatening tariffs unless nations comply with his terms. This heavy-handed strategy seems more bent on intimidation than fostering healthy international relationships. In such a regime, the wealthy enjoy tax breaks as agencies and roles are gutted.
Posing a grim question against this backdrop: Is your life better now compared to six months ago? Unless you’re part of the affluent elite, it’s likely that the answer is a resounding no. A brief glance at your financial statements will reveal the stark truth.
This past Independence Day, did we truly celebrate as free individuals? As we approach the 250th anniversary of this nation next year, will it be a celebration of genuine liberty or an obeisance to tyranny? It is upon you to decide. The future of America awaits your response.
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