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As the nation celebrated July Fourth, a significant milestone marked 249 years since the thirteen American colonies rejected British rule in favor of independence. With the dawn of our 250th year, however, there is a growing concern that we might be straying from the path laid down by our founders.
The Declaration of Independence stands as a bold declaration of equality and democratic values. Thomas Jefferson articulated the vision that governments derive their rightful authority from the consent of the governed, asserting that citizens would determine their own destiny rather than remain subjects of a monarch.
Over the past six months, troubling actions across all three branches of government have undermined these foundational ideals. Recent weeks have seen actions that appear to contradict the essence of the Declaration of Independence.
Disregarding Legislative Authority
The core principle that empowered the American Revolution and the resulting Constitution was the idea that true governance arises from representatives chosen by the people. Although President Donald Trump has not outright suspended legislative bodies, he has taken steps to sideline them, attempting to legislate independently.
In the previous week alone, the president dismantled the work of USAID, defying congressional authorization. Moreover, the Department of Education has withheld billions in appropriated funds intended for state schools. In an alarming move, the administration initiated legal action against Los Angeles for its refusal to allocate resources toward aggressive deportation efforts.
Congress experienced additional turmoil when a member faced charges following an inspection at an immigration detention facility. Additionally, law enforcement agents handcuffed Senator Alex Padilla from California during an encounter with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem while he sought clarifications during a press briefing.
Authority and Judicial Independence
When executive power exists unchecked, citizens lose their rights. The founders understood the necessity of an independent judiciary to maintain balance within government powers. Unfortunately, President Trump has repeatedly flouted laws and the Constitution itself. Courts, including those with judges appointed by Trump, have admonished Department of Justice attorneys for obstructing judicial mandates and violating fundamental due process protections.
In instances of blatant disregard for judicial authority, the administration persevered with deportations to dubious detention facilities in El Salvador. This troubling pattern raises significant questions about the respect for judicial processes in contemporary governance.
A Complicit Congress and Supreme Court
Worryingly, both Congress and the Supreme Court have appeared willing to assist the executive branch in these undertakings. Recently, President Trump’s former defense attorney, now a senior DOJ official, received a surprisingly amicable reception during Senate judiciary hearings for his appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. This occurs despite reports of his making disparaging remarks about the judiciary.
The founders voiced their concerns regarding the British practice of removing individuals from their communities to face spurious charges. Current policies once again evoke those distressing memories, as the Supreme Court permitted the detention of innocent Venezuelans, many without criminal records, to remain in custody while others faced deportation to nations they never inhabited.
Military Power and Civil Rights
Freedom becomes tenuous when the state can deploy military force against its citizens. The original colonists ousted British forces for similar transgressions. Despite this historical context, President Trump federated the California National Guard without the consent of the state government and brought in active-duty Marines, even after the justification of civil unrest dissipated.
In the same vein, the administration’s actions have been characterized by the politicization of government power. These actions included pressuring Harvard University, forcing the resignation of a prominent university president under the threat of funding cuts, and calling for investigations against news outlets for their critical reporting.
These instances illustrate a troubling trend of using governmental influence to suppress dissent and target perceived adversaries. They reflect a concerning use of authority that prioritizes loyalty over the fundamental democratic principles our nation was founded upon.
The Call to Action
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, it is essential to reclaim and reinforce the fundamental tenets of the Declaration of Independence. To do so, we need to embrace a spirit of activism, drawing on the revolutionary principles that have historically called America to account.
From the Declaration of Sentiments at Seneca Falls to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech, the call for equality and justice has echoed through our history. King famously invoked Jefferson’s words, reminding us that all men are created equal, and this principle continues to resonate today.
This July Fourth, as we reconvene in celebration of our nation’s founding ideals, it becomes clear that the fight for equality and representation is far from over. Although our path may be fraught with challenges, we must engage peacefully yet assertively. This fight encompasses efforts in the courts, at the ballot box, and on the streets, aiming not just to reform existing institutions but to construct a more just and equitable society, true to the foundational values of our nation.
