A Threat to American Democracy

We The People -  A Threat to American Democracy

As cited in this July 17, 2023, New York Times article. Donald J. Trump and his allies are reportedly planning to expand presidential power if he is re-elected in 2024 and takes office in 2025.  This would be dangerous for American democracy and must be met with fierce resistance.
 
The potential plans of Donald J. Trump and his collaborators to extend presidential powers, should he secure re-election to the presidency in 2025, could endanger the core tenets of American democracy.  The U.S. was conceived on the principle of limited governance and the separation of powers across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, serving as a bulwark against autocracy.  If Trump's objectives come to fruition, he could rule as a king would by decree, bypassing the checks and balances of Congress and the judiciary.
 
This deviation would significantly depart from U.S. history and its foundational norms.  The Founding Fathers were wary of centralizing power, designing a governance system to ensure no single person or branch becomes excessively influential.  The president's role, in their view, was not that of an authoritarian but a servant of the public.  Our Constitution restricts the president's powers and mandates accountability to Congress and the judiciary.
 
Granting Trump enhanced presidential authority could have several adverse effects on American democracy.  First, it would make holding the government accountable more challenging.  If the president can act as he wishes, unchecked power could pave the way for abuses.  Second, it could steer us toward an authoritarian regime.  With unchecked power, Trump could silence opposition and consolidate his power.  Third, it could harm America's global standing as a democracy.  Setting a precedent where the president rules by decree could dangerously influence other nations.
 
Americans should resist any plans to extend presidential power.  We must prevent the transformation of our democracy into a dictatorship.  We must demand respect for the Constitution and the rule of law and hold our elected representatives accountable for preserving our democratic values.  We must deny the man who would be king the office of the presidency.
 
Our democracy's future hangs in the balance.  We cannot allow Trump to encroach upon our hard-earned freedoms.  We must uphold and defend our rights as Americans.
 
In addition to the negative impacts above, Trump's proposed expansion of presidential power harbors further risks.  It could enable manipulation of elections by allowing control over federal election bodies, potentially obstructing opponents’ voting efforts and easing their path to victory.  It also makes potential human rights violations more feasible.  With the ability to disregard the judiciary and Congress, Trump could act freely against political adversaries, potentially leading to their unjust imprisonment or even death.
 
Trump's plans for presidential power expansion pose a grave risk to our democracy.  We must mobilize to prevent these plans from becoming a reality and fight to protect our rights.
 
In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton wrote about the perils of despots and demagogues:  “History will teach us that the former [despotism] has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter [demagogy], and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants.”
 
Hamilton's words, expressing concern about the dangers of centralized power and the manipulative tactics of demagogues, still resonate today as we observe similar figures rising to power worldwide.  These demagogues often incite fear and hatred to divide societies and secure support while undermining democratic institutions like the media and judiciary.
 
We must remain vigilant about the threats such demagogues pose and staunchly defend our democratic values.  We must not let them infringe upon our hard-earned freedoms.  Our democracy and rights are worth defending.
 
The Age of Enlightenment, commencing in 17th-century Europe and later spreading to the Americas, was a time of significant intellectual and philosophical shifts.  This period fostered an increased focus on reason and science and a growing skepticism of traditional authority.  Enlightenment paved the way for substantial political and social changes, including the advent of democracy.
 
Among the Enlightenment’s most influential concepts was the belief in natural rights, positing that every individual is born with inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  This idea was a significant catalyst for the American Revolution and is encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence.
 
The Wars of the Reformation; religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics during the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in millions of fatalities and a severe curtailing of liberties.  The devastation of these wars incited skepticism about the church’s and the state’s authority, contributing to the rise of democracy.  America was not founded as a wholly and exclusive Christian nation.
 
Americans today must remember that colonial religious backgrounds and beliefs were sundry and often held conflicting visions and values.  Founded during the 17th century, the American colonies were established by individuals and groups seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.  Informed by Enlightenment ideals, they sought to create a government to protect their rights, leading to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States, a democratic republic.  America was a diverse and pluralistic society that valued coexistence.
 
Although the U.S. has been a beacon of democracy since its inception, it has not always upheld these principles.  Instances of government overreach and periods of political instability have occurred.  Despite these challenges, America has consistently reassigned its commitment to democratic values.  We must do so once again in this generation, at this moment in human history.
 
American democracy's history is often stressed, challenged, and tangled but ultimately showcases progression.  From its foundation to today, America continues pursuing a “more perfect union.” Enlightenment ideals inspire individuals globally, serving as a roadmap for creating a fair and equitable society.
 
As a nation, we must not betray these founding principles of American democracy.  We must meet any challenge to our core ideals and values with intelligence and fierce resistance just as prior generations upheld them to the last full measure, in the words of Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address.
 
“—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Ron Starbuck
Publisher – CEO
Saint Julian Press, Inc.
Houston, Texas

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham