We are witnessing what is tantamount to a creeping breakdown and dissolution of our political process at the state and national level — laws disregarded, people’s rights dismissed and operational norms ignored on multiple fronts.
What is the endgame? W hat are the real goals behind the suppression and gutting of the processes that have been the bedrock of the democratic process in America?
Endgame is not just a short or long-term effect or result. It means the final, decisive stage of any strategic activity.
What do you think the final result will be of some of the disturbing and questionably illegal actions occurring in the halls of government in our state and nation?
In Missouri, what is the endgame of a governor who follows the dictates of a national Republican agenda when it comes to denying abortion care, signing a redistricting map whose origin is in question and making direct participation in the democratic process more difficult, if not impossible — all of which are contrary and diametrically opposed to the will of the majority of Missourians?
What is the endgame?
When all is said and done, what life might be like for Missourians cannot be minimized.
Typically, we see damaging legislation, policies and budget cuts as cyclical and find some measure of comfort. We believe and hope that changes will occur in the next election cycle and things could get better with a new incoming administration.
Given the political climate we are in, with the rapid and extreme changes taking place at the state and national level, there is a greater chance that recovery might be extremely difficult, or worse, might never occur.
Our state and Congressional representatives willingly give tacit and overt approval of what appears to be arbitrary policy changes, budget cuts, new tariffs and other measures that hurt many Missourians. Will the effects be short-term or lasting?
That’s especially true when it comes to the cuts in Medicaid, which will deny many Missourians needed health care and other services as well as result in the closure of rural hospitals and community health centers, eliminating access to critically needed medical treatment.
Or when it comes to farmers not having access to markets to sell their produce, running the risk of losing farms that have been in families for generations.
Or when it comes to being able to deal with the rising costs of groceries and other consumer goods.
Are these current conditions temporary or do they represent the quality of life to come?
On the national level, what is the endgame when our branches of government — executive, legislative and judicial — repeatedly disregard their role and responsibilities, then abuse, capitulate or totally forfeit their constitutional powers when it comes to executing and protecting the integrity of our democracy?
Will the disregard for the rule of law be a short-term occurrence with this administration or will it become the norm of future administrations?
Paying close attention to what is occurring in the legislative halls and the streets in cities and states across America should compel us all to ask: what is the endgame?
When we are constantly bombarded with lies, distortions, divisive name-calling, hate speech coming from the very political leaders who should be promoting collaboration and finding solutions — is this just temporary?
Or will it result in a total collapse of our political values, traditions, civic culture and civility itself?
Just as important: what is our game plan to make sure all the disregard for the democratic principles and laws that define America is short-term and short-lived?
Teams that survive and ultimately win do not leave their game plan up to chance. They do not just sit idly by, watch and hope that the opposing team gives up their fight and loses the game.
They become intimately familiar with the tactics and plays of the opposing team.
Teams that win also have an offensive and defensive game plan and strategies to counter the opposing team that they commit to and consistently employ.
For those of us who do not like the game we are in and the possible long-term results, we need to determine our own desired endgame.
What will it be?
What team will you be on?
Standing on the sidelines is not a winning option.
Janice Ellis is a columnist for The Missouri Independent.
Thank you for this astute piece. When I look at each actor and act in this unfolding American tragedy I ask “ Why? What is their endgame ?” and I have yet to see anyone in the media ask just that until reading this. It’s clear their endgame is not democracy nor the will or good of the people. It’s clear that most Republicans are complicit and ran for office with a different , unconstitutional and Un American endgame.