The principles of democracy (technically USA = democratic republic) include:
- Social equality – the notion that all citizens should have equal access to political participation
- Majority rule – rather than total consensus.
- Minority rights – defends minority rights, whether to religion, expression, assembly or fair legal process
- Freedom – unfettered, except by legislation to safeguard the ultimate aim of mutual respect. Basic freedoms of religion, speech and travel, among others
- Integrity – is about honesty and compassion and the absence of corruption
- Justice – protects all people from being treated unfairly by the law
- Equality – every man, woman, and child is given the same basic opportunities to find happiness and success
Upholding these principles is the basic job of the President of the United States of America. Certainly, there is a political process where various social groups and political institutions interact to create public policy. There is disagreement how to implement our principles of democracy but the principles themselves are not up for debate. They are the bedrock of what democracy is.
A President of the United States of America acting contrary to the principles of democracy is not fit for office. Nobody is perfect. We should forgive some minor transgressions. The measure as to whether or not a President is fit for office is not about minor transgressions. It is exactly about whether the President consistently and repeatedly acts in accordance with social equity, majority rule, minority rights, freedom, integrity, justice and equality. In private and publicly. In actions and deeds. In principle and as a practical matter.
My opinion is that the current President is not fit for office because he acts contrary to the principles of democracy. I am not sure he deliberately acts contrary to the principles of democracy. He might not even know the principles of democracy. Like you, I am entitled to my opinion. Go down the list of the principles of democracy and ask yourself if you think the President of the United States generally upholds those principles. If he does not, he is not fit for office.
Whether one is a Democrat or Republican is not particularly relevant here. Both parties fully support the principles of democracy. It is not even relevant for the many who believe that neither party represents their point of view, but even they still believe in the principles of democracy: social equity, majority rule, minority rights, freedom, integrity, justice and equality. Certainly, some do not believe in the principles of democracy. They have that right in our great land. If they work within the framework of our constitution and political process, maybe they can change the principles we want to live within. One of the great things about this country is it can evolve.
I call the question: Does the current President of the United States of America act in a way that upholds the principles of democracy? I feel it is obvious that he does not. I think most people agree with me. In private, in public, in actions taken, in deeds done, in principle and as a practical matter each of the principles individually and collectively he ignores these principles. Not just technically but flagrantly. All of the time. He is not worried about justice for all, only for himself. He is not worried about the integrity of his office, only about self-promotion. He is not worried about majority rule only about using quirks in the systems to get things passed. Freedom and equality are not his concerns.
Maybe his supporters do so because he does not conform to the principles of democracy. Maybe unprincipled incompetence serves them better than principled competence. If democracy is good, then intentionally hurting democracy is bad. If democracy is the goal, then the President of the United States of America is not headed in that direction.
Each of us is responsible to make up our own mind. Each of us have a right to a different point of view. Nevertheless, the fitness of the President to uphold the principles of democracy is in question. It is one of those times in our national history when it is important to pay attention and make your opinion heard. Make your opinion known respectfully and within legally accepted methods but it is time to get your voice heard by your representative.
To find and contact your federal representatives go to Democracy.IO
I recommend you also contact your local and state level representatives. Not because they get a vote about the presidency but more to just let them know you care about democracy.
I have no idea how this story will end. I hope democracy wins. It feels to me that most people of both parties are ready for some changes in representatives. My hope is that we the people come to appreciate that change can be back to a more moderate perspective. Extreme points of view get the attention of cable news and sells books but they are not the way to bring the nation together to solve our common issues. Making your voice heard is the way to bring us together.