America's Democracy is Under Attack From Within
Some 249 years post-Revolution, America is once again ruled by super-rich elites.
In recent weeks, much of the mainstream media and social media have focused on the outrageous behaviour of Donald Trump and his band of misfits. They seem to be systematically deconstructing and destroying many of the foundations of the democratic system that Americans—and, for that matter, much of the Western world—hold so dear.
For years, we’ve been warned by intelligence and security agencies about foreign interference from countries like Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and others, all aiming to undermine our form of government. These threats are real and deeply concerning. However, we must also open our eyes to the more pressing issue happening right now: blatant attacks on democratic ideals from within our own government. And that should scare the hell out of us.
For generations, the United States has been seen as the most powerful country on Earth, a nation that prided itself on being the shining light of democracy for the world. But when the President of the United States praises and fawns over leaders of authoritarian, repressive regimes and openly wishes that he too could exert that kind of dictatorial power, we have every reason to be concerned about the future of democratic rule in America.
A Government of Sycophants
Some of Donald Trump’s disciples may argue that those who express concern are simply overreacting. After all, in a democratic system, there are supposed to be checks and balances between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Fair enough. But for that system to work, there has to be mutual respect among the branches of government, with each acknowledging the authority of the others.
The problem is, in Trump’s America, he has clearly positioned himself as an omnipotent ruler who is above the law. What’s worse, he has systematically populated the legislative and judicial branches with sycophants who have pledged unwavering loyalty to him, ensuring that there will never be any real challenges to his authority.
For those of you who may have forgotten your high school civics lessons, Trump’s way of governing is the polar opposite of what a democracy should be. Just look at the clown show that is the so-called confirmation hearings for Trump’s Cabinet. Never before in American history have such unqualified and unsavory characters been nominated for the highest offices in government. Yet, politicians who have sold their souls to Trump will rubber-stamp anyone and anything their cult leader orders.
Fear-mongering, or a Reality We Can't Ignore?
If you still think that such a bleak assessment of America’s future is fearmongering, let’s put it into perspective. There has always been disagreement and sometimes deep division in American politics between Democrats and Republicans, and sometimes those disagreements caused deep and long-lasting wounds. But even in those tumultuous times, there was still respect for the system and the rules of the game. Elections were held every four years as required, and the term limits for the presidency were adhered to—except for FDR during WWII.
Even when the judicial branch ruled that laws or policies from the legislative or executive branches were unconstitutional, the courts had the final word.
Today, Trump fabricates crisis after crisis to justify his use of executive orders. These orders essentially eliminate the requirement for Congress to deal with spending taxpayer money. But since Congress is dominated by Trump loyalists, they won’t complain. And on the topic of abuse of authority, taxpayers have a right to know what Elon Musk is doing—closing down government offices and gaining access to confidential data.
Musk was never elected to any office, yet he seems to have carte blanche to do whatever he wants. Perhaps, since he almost single-handedly bankrolled Trump’s election campaign, Musk assumes he’s bought his way into the Oval Office and is entitled to call the shots.
History Repeats: The Return of the Elites
Back in 1776, Americans revolted against an authoritarian government where the rich and privileged benefited at the expense of everyone else. The Founding Fathers painstakingly devised a plan for a government "by the people, for the people," and the United States of America was born. Sadly, some 249 years later, America is once again being ruled by the super-rich and elites. The Founding Fathers must be rolling over in their graves.
The enemies of freedom and democracy in Russia and China must be rubbing their hands with glee as Trump and his co-conspirators do their dirty work, with barely a whimper from the American public. Did we ever think we’d see an America that seeks to abolish the Department of Education, or entrusts the public health of its citizens to an unhinged conspiracy theorist with no medical background? Or allows an unelected, eccentric narcissist like Elon Musk total access to the tax records and personal health records of everyday Americans?
That’s supposed to be illegal, but in Donald Trump’s America, the laws don’t apply to him and his gang.
We’re only a few weeks into the second incarnation of Trump’s America, but already, democratic nations around the world are shocked and horrified as they witness the erosion of democracy in America. And they’re justifiably worried. After all, if it can happen there, it can happen anywhere.
Further Reading:
House Democrats urge security investigations into Elon Musk’s team