It is essential to voice our apprehensions about the current upheaval. In the lyrics of Long Time Gone, Crosby, Stills and Nash implore us to ‘speak out against the madness’, and hence exercise our freedom of expression. Our democracy is not safe; we need to protect it actively. The onslaught echoes on the integrity of esteemed institutions like the judiciary, academia, and legislative bodies.
The unchecked power attempts to influence educational institutes and their curricula. Court rulings are being disregarded. A young four-year-old battling cancer, a national of the United States, was wrongfully deported under the Trump administration. Instances like these assault the very principles our country was built upon.
Public figures, such as senators and mayoral candidates, are subjected to physical and verbal abuse. Lawmakers, who have the authority to inspect Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities without prior scheduling, are denied access. The indifference shown by the public stands out glaringly in these tough times.
To aspire for liberty, one must be willing to fight for it. Defending democracy comes at the price of continuous vigilance. Our fundamental rights are not a given; they are under serious threat. This situation is unfamiliar to most Americans. It resembles the political climate of countries such as Russia or China, known for their regressive regimes.
The bedrock of American democracy lies in the three co-equal branches of government. The executive branch is constitutionally prohibited from dominating sectors of legislature and judiciary. However, Donald Trump seems to challenge this equilibrium. It is disheartening to watch history play out its menacing tricks once again.
In Nazi Germany, Jews were rounded up, packed onto trucks and driven off. Similarly in the 1970’s, under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, Chile saw opposition members forcibly detained and whisked away. Today, in the United States, immigrants devoid of criminal history are arbitrarily rounded up. This act of remanded custody may be conducted in different countries, but the underpinning tyranny remains constant.
Trump’s regime parallels tactics straight from a perturbing dictator’s playbook. After securing power, the government starts consolidating it. Numerous job positions and entire agencies have been purged to tighten the administrative control. A narrative of toughness is spun as the National Guard is mobilized in Los Angeles.
The question arises: where were these measures when Trump supporters carried out the deeply disconcerting events of January 6th? The regime seems eager to bend the populace under its domineering narratives. However, the ‘No Kings Rally’, attended by five million people, stands as a testament to the spirit of defiance against such intimidation.
Tyrants often conduct military parades to flaunt their power. Trump’s endeavor to do so, however, fell embarrassingly short. The parade was poorly attended, covering only a few city blocks, and was met with unfavorably inclement weather. The event reeked of infantile jealousy, akin to a child envious of another’s toys.
The irony deepens when considering Trump’s claims of honoring the military, juxtaposed against his derogatory comments regarding veterans. Additionally, his attempts to deplete funds from Medicaid, upon which many veterans depend, speaks volumes about his inconsiderate policies. Trump seems to view his tenure as a business venture rather than a public office.
The president has been seen exploiting cryptocurrency for personal gain; a clear infringement upon the Emoluments Clause of our Constitution. His Meme coins, which bear no intrinsic value or backing from any credible entity, have managed to amass millions. Trump’s history of being swayed by financial benefits suggests a troubling pattern.
Trump’s controversial pardons seem to be available to those with sufficient wealth or influence. His statement on potentially pardoning those convicted of conspiracy to kidnap beat airs of mafia-esque dealings. His approach to international trade mirrors old school extortion methods, threatening countries with tariffs unless they concede to his terms.
In a stereotypical move, his administration is causing damage to public agencies and laying off public servants, ultimately benefiting the wealthy with tax reductions. A question worth considering: Are we in a better position than we were half a year ago? Unless you’re a millionaire, your answer is probably negative. As we approach our 250th anniversary, let us ponder – will we continue to live freely, or will we surrender to despotism? The future trajectory of America lies in your hands.
The post Voices Rising Against Current Upheaval: American Democracy at Stake appeared first on Real News Now.
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