by David Leslie, Corvallis
We bear the burden of saving our democracy
I never thought I’d feel the need to write such a letter, but here we are.
Donald Trump, his cabinet, and his advisors are a clear and present danger to the United States democracy, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence’s promises and the Constitution’s structures. We, the citizens, must act now, or we will lose our democracy forever.
He and they are breaking things they do not understand; nor have they expended the effort to appreciate the consequences of the actions they direct. While their intentions may have merit, their strategy, tactics and respect for people, history and precedent are all wrong. They are “moving fast” because they know their plans cannot survive responsible scrutiny.
As you read this, Trump has defied one or more court decisions that limit his authority. There is no entity to enforce those decisions; Trump is unbound.
Consider this from Abraham Lincoln in his Lyceum Address in January 1838: “At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.”
This is a call to action for Republicans with “buyer’s remorse”, betrayed Independents, Democrats and all those who “sat out” the politics of our time for whatever reasons. If you need an example, consider all the things Ukrainian individuals, families, and businesses thought they had planned for the next few years… ON THE DAY BEFORE RUSSIA INVADED their country. We are not substantively different.
We must resist and replace this Trump Administration as quickly as possible. And in the meantime, we must fight every antidemocratic action they attempt to take. That means showing up! Protests, demonstrations, lobbying officials and all our elected politicians. We will need to vote all MAGA types, at every level, out of office at our earliest opportunity. It also means sending money to those fighting their actions in court; and enough money that if it doesn’t hurt you a little, give more.
You may find ways to contribute to ongoing efforts and organizations. If not, gather some friends and start your own. But don’t wait; and expect this to be at least an 18-month to two-year effort.
Please commit to saving our democracy.
Clark P Lee says
Less than half of america put this fool in office, it will take all of us to clean up this mess. VOTE!
Mike Miller says
And even less people voted for Harris, who wasn’t even voted for in the primaries.
Yeah, speaking of mess, that whole democratic party thing sure was a mess. A laughable one!
Kevin says
David, my contribution was delivered in November, and WOW, what a return in generosity from our President, and the change of elected.
Bridget H Dolan says
I want whatever it is you’re smoking…. I just love to pay more for gas, groceries, etc. So fun! Market manipulation and insider trading is so refreshing. What’s next?
WMA says
Yes, Mike, word games are fun, but what part of the democracy \republic divide invalidates a word of the important points David Leslie makes in this letter?
Mike Miller says
The guy doesn’t even know the USA is a Republic, and you want to know what invalidates his “important points”? Seriously? Knowing what kind of government you have IS important.
Mike Miller says
David Leslie, maybe you missed this in grade school history class growing up, but the USA is NOT a “United States democracy”; it’s a United States REPUBLIC.
David Leslie says
Leaving the snarkiness aside, the way I think about this is: Yes, the United States of America is a republic, a structure, organizational and legal. On the other hand, democracy is a suite of principled processes through which we operate our republic and conduct it’s affairs.
Mike Mercer says
I can appreciate what you’re trying to accomplish here David but polarization is the soup du jour on these pages; both sides see demolition, but with different outcomes. On one side, the demolition is a power grab on the other side the same demolition becomes the rebirth of civilization without government roadblocks. I for one am hopeful that what Trump is doing will be successful so the pain we feel now will bare fruit and unite our country. I may be seen as naïve, but we cannot continue to be blind to all the corruption and snakiness is not a solution.
Mike Miller says
How is knowing grade school history of our country being snarky?
Mike Mercer says
You can validate your argument without being snarky or cranky as some say, it is just bad form in a debate.
Mike Miller says
Okay, mentioning grade school facts is snarky. Got it.
Brace yourself, kid, there’s a lot worse on here than my grade school facts.