Two songs speak to the looming Constitutional crises America is facing: Which
Way America and Once to Every Man and Nation.
The former (Up With People) says, “This is my country and I want to know which way America is going to go.”
The second (James Rusell Lowell) says, “Once to every man and nation comes a moment to decide….”
We are at such a moment where many are asking where America is heading under a second Trump presidency.
Will we become more like Turkey, or will we move back away from our movement toward an autocracy?
President Erdogan of Turkey has consolidated power and has taken steps to ensure that he does not lose it. Most recently, the leading candidate in the upcoming election has been arrested and jailed.
Just the day before, that candidate’s alma mater revoked his diploma which every presidential candidate by law is required to have.
Further consolidating his grip on the country, Erdogan has effectively brought the judiciary under his control. He has purged thousands of judges and replaced them with loyal judges who will do his bidding.
He has silenced any opposition media by routinely jailing journalists who dare to be critical of him. In addition, control over the media has been further accomplished by pro government businesses buying up 90 percent of the media.
Now, unless you are not paying attention or you are only listening to news outlets favorable to Trump, you probably think I am exaggerating the threat Trump represents.
Look at the evidence. Trump is attempting to do just what Erdogan and Putin have done.
The actions of the Trump administration should be alarming to all Americans who love their freedoms. America’s drift toward an autocratic state is real.
This drift can only be stopped by an awakened and alarmed citizenry.
If enough people remain uninformed or enamored by Trump regardless of what he says or does, America will not remain a democracy for long.
So, what will it be America? Which way will we go?
This is the moment to decide!
Paul Robinson
Mansfield, Ohio