Had the current Justice Department done their job and enforced the law, equally and without "white gloves", we ordinary citizens would not be required to make such public efforts to prevent this from happening.
History Lends Lessons
I take many lessons from history, and in most recent history, January 6 2020, I along with the world witnessed the "vigor" with which the Republican party and its supporters demonstrate their rights to speak out and act. While these people went into realm of criminal , they surely taught us all a lesson about democracy in America - it's fragile, and dependent upon whether all parties 'play by the rules'.
Another lesson less apparent is that we must develop a greater willing to defend our democracy through participation, before the mob forms, not after. Surely there are those in this country which would happily have both democracy and the rights it extends destroyed.
These are the same people that raise Confederate flags, march in KKK rallies, support election deniers, and propose draconian solutions to modern problems. This group, while distinct from, is now allied, and inveterate within the Republican Party.
The Bell Was Rung
The events on January 6 were a bell which has been rung, to all voters, all people with sensible minds, and passive attitudes: we must wake up. I class myself among those "politically passive" or inert, apathetic to the process - until now. Since January 6 I have found new motivation.
The debacle of Jan 6, has been so squarely focused on one person, that one wonders, how it is even allowed to continue. Certainly, were the roles reversed, Donald Trump would have had Joe Biden arrested and imprisoned. However, the answer as elusive as it may seem, is actually quite clear.
Trump represents the interests of one of most powerful groups in America today, that of the White Nationalists, and its sympathizers. This is not new to Trump, as he was raised in a home where Klan rallies were regularly attended by his father Fred Trump.
Historically he has been successful at suppressing his racist roots, or when exposed, even downplaying it by having public business interests with prominent Black persons. Yet recent documentaries, and books have clearly exposed this as: Fact. Which then gives more clarity about his current true intentions, and goals.
The Justice Department
The fear, and weakness of the Justice Department, and unfortunately by extension, Joe Bidens administration, is palpable. If not, so potentially disastrous it would be sad. On the other hand, maybe what we are seeing is hubris, and they think, as people often have, that somehow, they will control this man. His recent announcement as to his intentions in 2024 demonstrate that they have failed, and most likely, barring a strong public outcry and protest - may be the Republican candidate.
We all have an obligation to act
In a democracy it is incumbent upon the people to become the ultimate check and balance, not just by "exercising their rights" but by participating in the political process - usually peacefully. This includes voting, demonstrating, writing blogs, podcasting, supporting local and national candidates.
When the system fials (or seems to have failed), however, when the powers that be, fail to protect the interests of the public and hide behind a veneer of legitimacy, more regular people need to step forward and speak out. Work with those that speak out, and essentially do all that they can
This column is an effort to do more than my part and to encourage others to do the same. To strategize ways to prevent Trump from running, and or being reelected in the 2024 election. We need to understand what has happened, and what will happen is these does in fact occur.
We are not looking at the end of days, but certainly the end of democracy, as we know it, and not for the best interest of the country, and the people in it, but rather in the best interest of Donald Trump, and the racist, anti-democratic private interests which he now leads.
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