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Our tattered democracy

Dear Editor,

Our constitutionally-limited democratic republic, lovingly and brilliantly crafted by our Founding Fathers, is now in the hands of a man who clearly has no grasp of this system and his designated role within it of serving our nation, its constitution and system of law, and all of its citizens, rather than using it as a means of enriching himself and serving his own wants and needs.

In addition to ignoring all of the “norms” typically guiding a President’s actions, he relentlessly attacks and undermines the “checks and balances” purposefully designed to set boundaries on the powers of the Presidency and thus avoid abuses of this power, and works to bend governmental agencies and institutions (which he apparently now sees as “his” to do with as he pleases) to go after his political opponents and consolidate his power. His party’s members currently in control of Congress are serving as either willing minions or silent enablers, and thus this critical “check” by the legislative branch on the executive branch is now paralyzed. The Department of Justice and the FBI (inconveniently designed to serve as independent agencies) are being viciously attacked and undermined, along with our independent and constitutionally protected free press.

For this man and his administration, facts and truth are clearly secondary to desired “alternative facts,” disinformation, and an unending series of conspiracy theories, along with ongoing efforts to play on people’s fears and sow seeds of division and anger, all of which are ultimately used in the service of his own agendas and to further consolidate his power.

He has shown an unsettling admiration for various dictators throughout the world, and a clear envy for their ability to exercise power unfettered by any constraints. He apparently sees himself as now “above” the law, and continues to readily bully, belittle, threaten and attack any who dare to oppose, criticize or question him.

These are extraordinarily challenging times for our democracy, which is now being tested in ways it has never before faced. We shall soon see how strong and resilient this imperfect and messy yet magnificent system of government crafted over two centuries ago truly is.

Respectfully submitted,

Dale E. Buonocore,

Warren

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