Key Takeaways
– America’s traditional institutions may not be able to restrain a president who is willing to disregard law and politics.
– The fight against such a presidential disregard for the law is demanding unprecedented resistance strategies.
– The future of traditional constitutional principles, such as birthright citizenship, could be at stake.
– Despite the challenges, we must continue to strive for what’s right—a prerequisite for preserving democratic values.
Contending With an American Presidential Enigma
America holds a reputable spot in the world concerning the practice and preservation of democratic values. The cornerstone of these values lies in the rule of law, which every citizen, including the president, is expected to respect. Nevertheless, recent times have prompted a potential deviation that concerns liberals, democrats, and much of the nation at-large.
A Situation that Defies Assumptions
This alleged deviation rests on the claim that America elected what critics describe as a ‘demented criminal president.’ While some might object to this label, it captures the tone of many recent discussions about presidential behavior. The new reality reveals a situation where customary assumptions about politics and law no longer hold.
Traditionally, checks and balances would efficiently curb excessive presidential actions or questionable decisions. However, the current situation suggests that these mechanisms might not be sufficient anymore.
Even the public’s leaning, usually a determinant in shaping a president’s action, seems less potent now. The optimistic belief that public opinion might trigger a turnaround seems unproductive, in the face of what critics describe as conscious disregard for the law.
Birthright Citizenship: A Perfect Illustration
The attempt to end birthright citizenship underscores this claim. The president’s move to end this backlog constitutional right stands as a stark example. The president’s opponents rightly contend that a mere executive order cannot end the lawful right to obtain citizenship through birth on US soil.
The president’s action appears ill-intentioned at worst and ill-informed at best. A constitutional amendment is the only legitimate way to alter such a fundamental right. True to form, 18 attorney generals from Democrat-run states filed a lawsuit in response. While this reaction proves accurate legally, politically, it may not hit the mark.
Can we keep Faith in Our Institutions?
In a normal setting, we would rely on our institutions, including the court, to rectify such an ill-conceived executive order. However, this staunch reliance on our institutions is currently being challenged. Even if the courts nullify the executive order, there is no guarantee that the president or his followers will conform.
Moreover, if caught in the act of flouting the law, would we expect any dire consequences from such a president? The president and his executive administration, despite conform policies, could easily bypass these norms.
Pardon is another legal option that the president can exploit to favor his followers. The implications are massive and worrisome. They reshuffle the balance of power and potentially undermine the effectiveness of established institutions.
Battling a Relentless Predicament
What could the future hold if public opinion turns against such presidential misdemeanors? Critics worry about the president’s mental stability and what it could mean for America’s future. The belief is that normal constraints—courts, institutions, public opinion—that would usually contain a president are under threat.
Likewise, presidential actions could bypass the constitution and reach straight to the Supreme Court. This approach could potentially end birthright citizenship if five justices unanimously supported it. This presents an unnerving thought for many concerned citizens.
Preparing for an Unfathomable Political Environment
The arrival of a presidency that acts outside normal confines has left many struggling to find appropriate responses. This uncharted political climate calls for a fresh approach to resistance – one that stands effective against a presidency that doesn’t act conventionally.
Perspective is critical here. Changing unconstitutional attempts is not just about maintaining democratic values. It also impacts individuals’ lives directly, especially those who may be victims of such unconstitutional acts.
Undoubtedly, this is a difficult situation. Yet, we must persist in striving toward what’s right for our future generations and to reinforce the hard work of those who came before us. Such commitment is integral to upholding our democratic values and providing a just society for all. Critics’ assertion of a ‘demented criminal president’ serves as a wake-up call that democratic practices and values are worth fighting for, no matter the situation.