Trump must be stopped from destroying our democracy

Safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary

To maintain the judiciary's independence as a pillar of democracy, ensuring that judges are appointed on the basis of their qualifications and integrity, rather than political loyalty, is central to the administration of justice and to adherence to the rule of law. Protecting the courts from political interference and ensuring they enjoy the independence to make decisions is crucial. These safeguards help maintain the judiciary's fairness and impartiality.

Most federal judges in this country, regardless of their political leanings, have demonstrated that justice prevails, even in the face of extreme political pressure from Trump. A study from Just Security highlighted the courts' resistance to the Department of Justice's horrific conduct. The study, which examined 400 lawsuits filed against the administration, found that in 35 cases, the court accused the government of providing false information or a false sworn declaration. And in over 50 cases, the government engaged in arbitrary and capricious conduct. In 15 cases, the court called out the government for non-compliance with its orders, which lead author Ryan Goodman, law professor at New York University, told 60 Minutes he "found jaw-dropping." What's terrifying here is that once the system of checks and balances-the pillars on which democracy is anchored-is willfully ignored, it crosses the red line that separates democracy from authoritarianism.

Sadly, the Supreme Court's majority Republican Justices have failed to live up to the high standard expected of them and have often ruled in favor of Trump, even when many of his executive orders were deemed unconstitutional by lower courts. From May to September of this year, on issues such as withholding money and suspending due process, Trump had a 16-case winning streak, which is ironic because during the Biden years, the Supreme Court was focused on reining in presidential power. Another case before the court now concerns tariffs that Trump acted on unilaterally, which the Constitution plainly says only Congress can levy.

It is hard to swallow, but it is true. Our future democracy rests in the hands of nine Justices, six of whom are Republicans. They must now decide whether they will continue to accommodate Trump, who is a malignant narcissist, a felon, and a notorious liar, or save America, the greatest human experiment in democracy in history.

Every Supreme Court Justice must remember that the whole world is watching, and history is recording every vote they cast. Will they put aside partisanship and save the country, or allow a sick man to sacrifice our democracy on the altar of an evil he exemplifies? History will condemn them to eternity if they fail to live up to their oath of office, "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Light unto other nations

Many nations around the world have aspired to emulate the democratic ideals and values that America has championed because they answer the fundamental human quest for freedom and democracy. This is not the time for despair; it is the time for courage. We all must rise to the challenge to protect and save this uniquely special, 250-year-old democracy and never relent or concede.

Authoritarianism does not arrive with tanks; it creeps in with silence, apathy, and the normalization of lies. The question is no longer whether Trump seeks autocracy, but whether we, the American people, have the courage to resist it before it's too late.