The principles, laws and institutions that set America apart from the rest of the world are at risk of being permanently changed or replaced by ones that are less noble, less honorable and less workable.
Where are the defenders of the Constitution and this nation’s values?
What is happening to the respect for and adherence to the rule of law?
What is happening to the basic freedom of the press?
This lethal usurpation of America’s laws and values, like cancer, is spreading.
The values and laws that make America great are being ignored and turned upside down.
America, the beautiful. No doubt, many of us long for conduct and decorum from our leaders that will honor America and its citizens. No doubt, we long for a president, vice president, senators and representatives who are great role models.
What we are witnessing today from the highest offices in our land is not just shameful, it is putting the very values and laws that make America great at risk.
Some could argue that what is really taking place is that the sheet has been taken off America and the masquerade is being exposed for all the world to see. They would say there have always been two Americas masquerading as one, but both fighting for influence, fighting for dominance when it comes to politics, racial and gender equality, educational achievement, the environment, and economic stability.
Both Americas are being proudly represented under one flag, while tugging and being diametrically opposed forces — both claiming to be the right path toward greatness. That the election of Donald Trump, twice, as president has brought one front and center.
Some may think that is a negative, bad thing, but is it?
It cannot be ignored that more than 77 million Americans voted for Donald Trump. They voted for him because he promised to do what they wanted him to do. They voted for him because he expressed views that they agree with.
President Trump telegraphed his plans to handle the nation’s immigration issues; dismantle DEI efforts that were put in place to provide an equal playing field for women, Blacks and other minorities; rescind legislation and measures to promote climate control and preserve the environment; provide tax breaks for the rich; and impose tariffs.
It must also be acknowledged that over 75 million Americans voted for Kamala Harris, what she stood for and promised to do should she have become president, which was different from that of Donald Trump.
At a minimum, one could argue it means that those who claim to be citizens of one America believe in the values and qualities our country has become known for: a defender and promoter of democracy, respecting the rule of law, individual rights, equality regardless of gender or skin color, improving the plight of humanity, protecting the environment. Citizens of this America honor and believe in the principles, rights and privileges outlined in and guaranteed by the Constitution.
Citizens of the other America believe the country belongs to only them. They are willing to deny, to forget, and to ignore the Native Americans who were here before their ancestors arrived, that this country was built on the backs of Black slaves and other immigrants who hailed from countries near and far in search of a better life.
Yet we have claimed, put forth and often bragged that America is one great benevolent melting pot — perhaps many of us never bought into the notion while other of us have always hoped it would be so.
One America seemed to have been winning until recently.
Which America are you a part of?
Which America do you claim as yours?
More importantly, which America will prevail?
Many of us are sitting quietly by as our country and way of life are being negatively changed, perhaps forever.
Do we care?
Janice Ellis is a columnist for the Missouri Independent