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Democracy has been talked about, ruminated, and of deep concern as we stand on the precipice of an election that is the most crucial of our lifetime. This is the first time we have had to decide between such divergent candidates, and not only the party affiliation but the morals, judgment, qualifications, integrity, and responsibility that only one is endowed with.
The word democracy has been overstated and overused to convince the voters that 'it' may be taken away from us. Some who have heard it mentioned many times in this election cycle listen to it as just a buzzword, a trope that is pushed, a catchphrase, though it has no meaning to them. Many who hear it have no urgency in their intentions because they've felt disenfranchised the most, if not all, of their lives.
Civil liberties, human rights, and election rights have been hard fought to obtain for people of color. Yet, our society only partially subscribes to the principles supported by the system of government that will provide for the masses. So, unfortunately, the salvation of our democracy has fallen on deaf ears.
While Trump has done everything possible to dumb society down with his nonsensical rhetoric, he is slowly but surely stripping away what we have taken for granted because the wheels of the government were being oiled with our country's best interest in mind by the current administration, and those that support the Constitution. We benefit from what is unknown, misunderstood, and questioned by some. It's like the air we breathe; it's just 'there .'
The truth is that it can be taken away if Trump is re-elected to oversee our government. With the guardrails mainly removed and with his autocratic position on policies, relationships with our adversaries, and the quest for unending power which will carry over to the surviving MAGAs, in the event of his inevitable passing, to create a new party.
It's been said that Trump is a fascist and he will serve the interests of those who are their benefactors. Billionaires are waiting in the wings for his rise back to power, and the country will be led with the ideology of a strongman.
These are but a few tenets that describe the principles of democracy; without them, we would have a dictatorial government:
We must have equality to represent all, not just a select few. Transparency means that things done in the dark have no hope of seeing the light of day.
All rights signed into law should be available and not discriminated against, including the right to freedom.
Free courts that show no bias, partisan decisions, rulings, or hand-picked appointees that will only favor one person. We have that now in the highest court with Trump's hand-chosen justices. The SCOTUS has removed the guardrails to give free rein to dangerous and self-serving ones.
Accepting election results and with a peaceful transfer of power is what we've had for most of our 46 presidential elections, except for the one in that Trump had orchestrated an insurrection to remain in power and has yet to concede after 4 years. It was a treasonous act that should have had him unqualified legally and by the rules of the Constitution to apply for the position again. Yet, the SCOTUS again stepped in on his behalf and allowed him to campaign for the presidency again.
The rule of law is to apply to all citizens equally and show no favoritism. The laws should be enforced fairly and consistently, with disputes settled by the courts. No one is above the law in our government, yet biased and unscrupulous justices have acquiesced to the demands.
If we should lose our democracy, none of the principles will matter because we will be living in a controlled country with no protections. We do have a choice and an opportunity to retain our democracy and to accept positive and prosperous changes. Changes will come, which are inevitable, and the growth process will continue as we develop as a nation.
While Trump is running for HIS freedom, Harris is running for the country's freedom; at least, that is my belief, as well as many others. Each of us can be the change, starting with YOU.
Debra Flint-Salter is a Chicago Independent Business Owner whose business has flourished by word of mouth and is now in cyber-space. Contact her at Just An Illusion, Inc.,
Call (773) 354-8452
Debra Flint-Salter
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