The police actions, Supreme Court filings, and casual references to “autocratic” powers now circulating in Washington are not routine legal disputes. They are a test of American democracy and national courage.
When law enforcement is used to intimidate protesters, when legal filings seek to place presidents above the law, and when the Insurrection Act is treated as a political tool rather than a last resort, the message is clear: constitutional limits are optional if power can be seized.
Will police serve the Constitution or partisan commands? Will courts restrain executive overreach or rationalize it? Will state officials protect elections or surrender to pressure and threats?
If Donald Trump succeeds in even part of this strategy, the midterm elections will be next. Elections need not be canceled to be corrupted. Undermine trust, intimidate officials, weaponize the courts, and he wins – democracy loses.
Every generation of Americans are tested. Sometimes the test is easy. This time, I fear it is a dissertation on our character and courage: will we meet the challenge?
Lawrence Mazin
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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