Vox Pop - Writer raises alarms about presidential power grab

Vox Pop

We have witnessed an unprecedented series of challenges to the Constitution and established law during the first four weeks of the Trump Administration. Congress has demonstrated a dangerous acquiescence, if not submissiveness to the president. The world has seen similar scenarios unfold in the past and they all follow the same dangerous script we seem to be following today.

Trumps purge of top military officers and attorneys under the guise of their having failed to endorse efforts to remove Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) from the military is the most chilling development to date in his attempt to destroy government as we know it. Dictators cannot usurp authority without the support of the military. Democratically elected representatives declaring devotion to the president instead of the constitution emboldens a ‘wannabe’ dictator. Assertions of royal status mock the foundation of a democracy. Declarations of being above the law challenge the tenants this nation has relied on for 250 years. Listen for the current dialogue of false declarations to intensify. Expect declarations of martial law and the use of military personnel and equipment to disperse large protests. Look for people to be arrested and charged with being ‘enemies of the state’ for organizing or leading demonstrations. Anticipate efforts to suspend, amend or revoke parts of the constitution.

I am sure some will say I am an alarmist, but much of this story is already in play. We can only hope more rational directives from our elected leaders will put us on a better path.

— Bryce Luchterhand, Unity