Writer urges public to speak up against loss of democracy

My social studies teachers must be smiling up in heaven because what they passionately taught about the U.S. government finally stuck. Here’s a quick refresher: each of the three branches has a unique role, and the system is designed so that each checks and balances the others.

The president enforces laws, commands the military, conducts foreign policy, negotiates treaties, and appoints federal officials. Congress—the House and Senate—writes laws, controls the budget, and can declare war. The judiciary interprets laws, resolves disputes, and protects constitutional rights.

It seems Donald Trump and the Republican Party missed those lessons. Despite holding the presidency and a majority in Congress, they have passed only five laws during the early Trump administration—a historic low. Instead, Trump relies on executive orders—161 as of June 10—usurping legislative power. In addition, he has signed 43 memoranda, and 66 proclamations. Many of these will likely be overturned in court. Yet, Congress has allowed this erosion of its authority.

What my teachers didn’t emphasize—but what I now see—is that democracies aren’t permanent. They can slip into dictatorship. The freedoms we hold dear—speech, religion, due process—can vanish if we’re complacent. If you don’t like what’s happening, it’s your duty as a citizen to speak up, or you may lose the right to do so.

Trump admires dictators and is trying to become one. The only thing standing in his way is an engaged public committed to the constitu tional vision of shared p o w e r. I hope you’re one of those Americans. Speak up. Fight. And protect our democracy.

Candace Hennekens

Eau Claire