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The principles, laws and institutions that set America apart from the rest of the world are at risk of being permanently changed or replaced by ones that are less noble, less honorable and less workable.
Where are the defenders of the Constitution and this nation’s values?
What is happening to the respect for and adherence to the rule of law?
What is happening to the basic freedom of the press?
This lethal usurpation of America’s laws and values, like cancer, is spreading.
Fundamentally, it seems our representative government is losing its way, which should be of the people, by the people and for the people. The voices and defenders of truth and honesty seem to be drowning in a sea of lies, distortions and arbitrary actions.
These damaging and destructive actions are coming from those who hold the most visible and powerful positions in this nation.
Are we really becoming a country, a citizenry that finds acceptable the blatant disregard for honesty, truth, and the rule of law? Is such behavior the new normal?
The values and laws that make America great are being ignored and turned upside down. To whom do we turn?
America, the beautiful. Is it now only a song, with empty words? No doubt, many of us long to hold on to what makes America beautiful. No doubt, many of us long for conduct and decorum from our leaders that will honor America and its citizens. No doubt, we long for a president, vice president, senators and representatives who are great role models.
What we are witnessing today from the highest offices in our land is not just shameful, it is putting the very values and laws that make America great at risk.
Some could argue that what is really taking place is that the sheet has been taken off America and the masquerade is being exposed for all the world to see. They would say there have always been two Americasmasquerading as one, but both fighting for influence, fighting for dominance when it comes to politics, racial and gender equality, educational achievement, the environment, and economic stability.
Both Americas are being proudly represented under one flag, while tugging and being diametrically opposed forces — both claiming to be the right path toward greatness. That the election of Donald Trump, twice, as president has brought one front and center.
Some may think that is a negative, bad thing, but is it?
It cannot be ignored that more than 77 million Americans voted for Donald Trump. They voted for him because he promised to do what they wanted him to do. They voted for him because he expressed views that they agree with.
President Trump telegraphed his plans to handle the nation’s immigration issues; dismantle DEI efforts that were put in place to provide an equal playing field for women, Blacks and other minorities; rescind legislation and measures to promote climate control and preserve the environment; provide tax breaks for the rich; and impose tariffs.
It must also be acknowledged that over 75 million Americans voted for Kamala Harris, what she stood for and promised to do should she have become president, which was different from that of Donald Trump.
What does it all mean?
At a minimum, one could argue it means that those who claim to be citizens of one America believe in the values and qualities our country has become known for: a defender and promoter of democracy, respecting the rule of law, individual rights, equality regardless of gender or skin color, improving the plight of humanity, protecting the environment. Citizens of this America honor and believe in the principles, rights and privileges outlined in and guaranteed by the Constitution.
Citizens of the other America believe the country belongs to only them. They are willing to deny, to forget, and to ignore the Native Americans who were here before their ancestors arrived, that this country was built on the backs of Black slaves and other immigrants who hailed from countries near and far in search of a better life.
Yet we have claimed, put forth and often bragged that America is one great benevolent melting pot — perhaps many of us never bought into the notion while other of us have always hoped it would be so.
One America seemed to have been winning until recently.
Which America are you a part of?
Which America do you claim as yours?
More importantly, which America will prevail?
Maybe neither because there are those who are determined to move America forward by going backward. And there are those equally determined not to allow them. Which America will prevail? Maybe neither.
The future of America and how it will be governed is at a critical crossroads. We, the people, can only determine which road will be taken.
When you look at the current state of our country, are we moving away from the great principles that built America? While far from perfect, America is still the greatest and most successful democratic republic in the world. But given what is happening today, she is quickly losing ground.
When the Constitution was first ratified in 1789, it was not perfect. It has been amended 27 times since its inception.
What does that tell us?
That we should continue to improve upon the great foundation of America. Instead, we appear to be moving away from great principles that built America. It is prevalent in the divisive, errant, and toxic public discourse and actions taking place in our state capitols and in Washington.
Yet, we seem not to be duly alarmed.
Most of us are sitting quietly by as our country and way of life are being negatively changed, perhaps forever.
Do we care?