A perilous moment
Speak out and stand up for the right to vote, and the importance of every single elected and appointed official to honor the vote.
Over the past week or more, the courts have dealt with critical issues related to the protection of our democracy.
The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled unanimously that former presidents do not have blanket immunity for any crimes they might have committed during their time in office. It’s important to note that this court unanimously rejected every argument the pro-immunity legal team put forward. This was not a close or finely nuanced decision. It was immediately appealed to the Supreme Court.
And the Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding Colorado’s decision to bar the previous president from the 2024 primary ballot, per the 14th Amendment, due to his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Court watchers say it looks likely the decision will be to allow the former president to stay on the primary ballot. Justice Thomas, whose wife played a significant role in the post 2020-election campaign to overturn its results, did not recuse himself from this case.
While the courts did their business, Congress showed its dysfunction at high volume in the disastrous failure to pass the foreign aid and immigration bill. The Republican party has self-destructed in terms of ability to govern, and is ramping up its support for violence as a political tool. Case in point: Senator Lankford’s story of being subjected to threats for his role in trying to pass necessary bipartisan legislation.
We are experiencing a perilous moment, watching the indicators of totalitarian takeover tick up day by day, with every campaign speech of the former president, and every escalation of dehumanizing propaganda aimed at vulnerable groups. It’s happening in plain sight.
Whether the court system will live up to its mission to interpret the law and ensure its constitutionality, or fold under political pressure and seek cover by dodging the issues at hand, the most important action we take is at the ballot box.
Vote. Help your friends and family to vote. Speak out and stand up for the right to vote, and the importance of every single elected and appointed official to honor the vote.
Together, we can meet this perilous moment and come out stronger on the other side.