National & Minnesota Report
As the 2024 election is less than 24-hours away and we hear the closing words of Vice-President Kamala Harris (D) they sound similar to simple ideas shared in the New Testament. As she calls for us to embrace the goodness in our hearts and makes a joyous chorus embodying Matthew 22:39 an ecumenical and simple idea to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” it is a righteous concept. It is easily juxtaposed against the ugly, mean-spirited and spewing of Donald J Trump (R) which were fully on display at the Madison Square Garden rally.
As our nation stands on the verge or even the precipice of the most consequential or rather the penultimate election in our existence as a democracy, we also stand on notice of the epochal impact one decision made can have over another. We are not the first to declare this time inline with the significance of the Civil War, but are a lone voice for the claim, this peril is far greater. Trump the Convicted Felon (34 Times) Malignant Narcissist, Carnival Barker, Traitor, and Insurrectionist is a fundamental threat to our democracy. His advanced declaration of seeking to be a dictator is the premier reason.
The major threat Trump poses is the possibility to further impact the US Supreme Court. His appointments of the three Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brent Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett and their lack of appreciation for Stare Desisis (precedent) and what is thought to have been settled law, is also a threat to our fundamental democracy and they either should be impeached for lying to Congress in their appointments or in the case of Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito accepting gifts which are effectively bribes.
The protections of our democracy warrant steps that reflect the system of Checks & Balances which are the tenants found in Federalist Papers 51. Where the structure of the Constitution’s provides for each governmental branch, powers to limit the other two branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
The concept of Separation of Powers, constitutionally divides the powers of the national government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The phrase of the day holds-Ambition must be made to counteract ambition
What is often forgotten is, its the people whom are the source of legitimate authority and each of the three branches of government are universally dependent on the will of the people, and in turn establish the legitimacy and authority.
The decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), which over turned Roe v. Wade | 410 U.S. 113 (1973) is a flagrant superseding by the US Supreme Court and further more what is an even more significant overstep is the Immunity found for Trump in, Trump v. United States (07/01/2024)
The Roberts Court must be fundamentally changed and curtailed to accurately reflect the precepts of our nation. We continue to support an expansion of the court to reflect the number of Judicial District Circuits, which currently is thirteen and an even more radical approach is the provision of statehood for Washington DC and Puerto Rico, which will increase the US Senate to 104 seats. Any addition to the US House is a matter for additional consideration. There is one non-voting delegate from Washington DC and six from Puerto Rico.
The provision of unequaled power to the Executive Branch and in particular the Chief Executive is another step to creation of the Imperial Presidency. Yes, the ability to prosecute the actions of the President should be limited and not applied to actions taken in the implementation of his/her official duties, but when the actions step out side those boundaries, they are made on behalf of an individual and not in the interests of the people.
One Potential Electoral Comfort
At least here in Minnesota, High Profile Sequel Elections tend to benefit the initial winner. As we saw in 1990 when Paul Wellstone (DFL-MN) defeated US Senator Rudy Boschwitz (R-MN) and he then waited for 1996 to challenge him again, he failed.
When an electorate has made a decision to reject someone like Donald J Trump their collective decision holds.
This said, it takes collective action and every vote matters. The time is now to act against the tyrant and again cast him away to the garbage heap he so wants lead rather than be sent to prison for his wanton disregard for any and all others, except himself.