“Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide” goes an old
favorite hymn of mine. Of course, the choice is between truth and falsehood. It
is one that challenges us almost daily.
Not only is that the principle component of our entire system of
justice, but it is also at the core of democracy itself.
Today that very basic tenet is under relentless attack from none other
than the person who is assigned the task of serving as the ultimate protector
of democracy: Donald Trump, the
President of the United States.
It is not necessary to review all of his bizarre and reckless attacks
during the campaign ranging from the CIA and the Pope to virtually every
minority group. That falls into the right of free speech that we accord to our
candidates. However, when elected they assume the more elevated and responsible
role of guarding the truth and protecting the nations’ democratic institutions.
That is their mission.
Our founding Fathers understood that the threat to democracy comes not
only from afar but also from within. Today, we are living that threat.
We, the public, accept the truth that the Russians interfered with our
2016 election just as they have routinely involved themselves in other
democratic elections. They are at war with democracies the world over and that
is our war.
However, that has not been Donald Trump’s war. No matter how high the
pile of evidence, he declares it “fake news.”
What is not fake is that when given the choice between making money and
protecting his wealth which has been largely funded by Putin and the Russians
and protecting the United States of America, Donald Trump has clearly and
consistently chosen personal wealth. His war is against the revelation of the
truth and, toward that end, he is out to destroy the very agencies that are
charged with revealing the truth. Even when directed by Congress to impose
sanctions on the Russians, he refuses.
No, his mission is to attack all people and institutions that pose a
threat to his personal betrayal. His actions are clear. Very clear.
Now, the challenge is with us. What side do we come down on?
We do know this, our three Republican representatives in Congress who
bill themselves as leaders have offered us only silence. Our nation is under
attack and they have come forward with nothing more than “let the process
continue.” Well, I have news for them: the President is doing everything
possible to destroy that process and our representatives know that and yet only
offer a turned head. The personal fear of being challenged in a GOP primary has
clearly overtaken their commitment to protect our democracy.
Their silence and inaction encourages their House colleagues to continue
dismantling the credibility of the FBI and the Department of Justice. This
makes them enablers and partners with Trump and his new brand of lawlessness.
And way too many of our Democrats have been willing to remain in the
shadows while others carry the burden of leadership. I applaud Congresswoman
Betty McCollum for her outspokenness. Now, it is time all candidates and public officials provide some real leadership.
Come forth and show yourself. Our country’s future is in jeopardy.
From our founding as a democratic nation, we have been served by men and
women who have put their personal lives aside and sacrificed for the wellbeing
of our country. It was not just the heroism of the George Washington’s or Audie
Murphy’s (World War II’s most decorated soldier) but also the courage of millions
of regular Americans who donned the uniform of our nation’s military so you and
I may live in a democratic society.
Our mission must be to make certain that patriots who put nation first
also serve us in public office. We need more protest, more outrage, more public
meetings, more challenging editorials, more commitment. Why?
Our nation is under siege and this challenge requires our involvement
and unyielding determination.
The moment to decide is upon us…
