The Role of Voters and the Challenges of Upholding Democracy
In a democracy, the most fundamental principle is allowing the people to make decisions through voting. This seems like the ideal way to reflect the will of the people. However, history offers cautionary tales. For instance, the events in Germany before World War II demonstrate how a democratic process can be exploited by parties intent on disrupting the established order. Such parties, if not checked by law, can continue to undermine the system even after gaining power.
This brings us to the importance of the 14th Amendment in the United States. This constitutional amendment clearly states that any officeholder who fails to perform their duties faithfully, especially if they engage in insurrection or rebellion, should not be allowed to hold office again. This is a safeguard to ensure that those in power do not wage a war against the very people they are meant to serve.
Understanding this is key to appreciating the strengths and limitations of a republican form of government. In history, only two types of governments have shown the potential for significant progress or entering a ‘golden age’: empires and republics. This is because, under the laws and federal codes, especially in a republic, the executive branch has immense power, limited only by the constraints of the universe itself.
In a republic, unlike kings who are seen as ruling under God, the chief executives, akin to emperors, wield enormous power. Their ability to execute the will of the people for the greater good is unparalleled and largely at their discretion, within the bounds of the law.
Consider the American President. Within the limits of the office, the President has vast powers. When these limits are respected, the system works well. However, when they are not, as in the case of Mr. Trump, it leads to legal entanglements and constitutional crises. For instance, even if Mr. Trump were to take the oath of office again, making his position seem legitimate, it doesn’t erase any constitutional violations that may have occurred.
What happens next in such scenarios? One possibility is that a figure like ‘Jack Smith’ steps in. This person could arrest Mr. Trump and leave the decision of presidency to Congress or the Supreme Court. Alternatively, this person might assume control themselves, dissolving Congress to reform laws. The critical question then becomes who succeeds this individual.
At this juncture, we must consider the type of leader needed. Ideally, someone unlike Mr. Trump, who is often seen as petty by both critics and supporters. A leader should be magnanimous, a quality that is highly beneficial. If America is to be led by a forceful leader, due to the populace’s failure to uphold the laws, it’s crucial that this leader embodies the best qualities, unlike those seen in the MAGA movement.
The MAGA movement has shown a tendency to undermine the rule of law, leading the country towards an uncertain future. This disregard for legal norms is reminiscent of the pre-Civil War era. The MAGA movement, like certain factions before the Civil War, celebrates rule-breaking and has shown a willingness to resort to violence, as seen in Trump rallies.
This attitude, which aligns with the Kremlin’s approach of using any means necessary, including disinformation, poses a significant threat. The spread of large-scale lies has even led to substantial financial damages for defamed companies. In America, freedom of speech is protected, but spreading harmful lies can have serious legal consequences.
The hope is that the electorate will reject MAGA candidates, particularly Mr. Trump, and return to more traditional, effective leadership, akin to FDR’s approach. The question then is not about opposition but collaboration: “Why are we fighting when we could be working together?”
