 President Trump is proud of the fact that he has a copy of the Declaration of Independence displayed in the Oval Office. He would do well to take the time to read it. Trump seems to lack a basic understanding of the founding principles of America and the circumstances which compelled the people of this land to sever ties with the British Crown, placing their lives, fortunes and sacred honor at risk. A principle held sacred by the Founding Fathers, and one that the current president fails to understand is that governments are instituted among men and derive their powers from the consent of the governed. When a government fails to uphold fundamental rights, namely life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.  Rebellion Against Tyranny: The historical literature is full of the events leading up to and causing the separation of America’s thirteen colonies from Great Britain. The National Park Services has a website that does a good job outlining the timeline of the American Revolution, and the National Archives has an informative website devoted to the Declaration of Independence.  Many of the “injuries and usurpations” inflicted on the colonies by the British Crown are spelled out in the Declaration of Independence. It is instructive to review some of the grievances against the King and reflect upon the actions of our current chief executive, President Trump. “He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.” This refers to the many laws passed by colonial legislatures which the British government refused to ratify, impeding the ability of the colonies to self-govern. The Trump Administration has repeatedly refused to comply with or has simply overlooked existing laws, making a mockery of established legislative standards and the rule of law. Here are a few examples:
 “He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither۰۰۰" King George wanted to minimize immigration of non-British citizens to America to prevent further divisions between the colonies and his authority. Trump recently put into effect complete travel bans on people coming from twelve countries, mostly from Africa and the Middle East. He has also placed new restrictions on seven other countries which he doesn’t feel share our American values. This is occurring during mass deportations of immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America. The Trump Administration is also trying to change who qualifies to be counted as an American citizen by issuing an executive order to end “birthright citizenship”. This is a clear violation of the 14th Amendment and is being challenged in court.  "He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.” The British Crown appointed all the judges in some of the American colonies and deprived the colonists the benefit of trial by jury. Trump has obstructed the administration of justice by purging the Department of Justice of all personnel not loyal to him. He has also fired inspectors general, punished law firms who represented clients he disapproved of, and disregarded or slow-walked court orders.  “He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.” Last month, over the objections of the mayor, chief of police and governor, Trump sent 4,100 members of the California National Guard and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. The pretext used to mobilize these troops was to quell the violence resulting from protests against Trump’s deportation policies. In reality Trump wanted the troops in Los Angeles to assist with the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. It is likely that Trump violated the Posse Comitatus Act which restricts the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes. Long after the violence subsided in Los Angeles the troops remain. “For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.” Trump’s Department of Homeland Security has rounded up thousands of people suspected of being in the country illegally. Hundreds of these people have already been deported without being afforded their due process rights, often to third-countries which they have no affiliation with. “For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.” Trump has not suspended the Legislature, but he doesn’t have to. Through threats and intimidation, he can make the U.S. Congress bend to his will. Trump has effectively negated the role of Congress as a co-equal branch of government and neutered it’s check on executive power.  “He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us۰۰۰” The most obvious example of this is Trump’s role in the Capitol Riot of January 6, 2021.  These may not be the “times that try men’s souls” as articulated by Thomas Paine in 1776 when a group of ragtag volunteers from the thirteen American colonies were in armed rebellion against the most formidable military in the world, but they are troubling times. The Founders believed that all men are created equal and that no man is above the law. Here we are nearly 250 years later and the checks and balances to maintain the founding principles of liberty are beginning to erode. The Declaration of Independence formalized the separation of the American colonies from the tyranny of the King of Great Britain, and after years of struggle and a bloody war they achieved independence. Let’s hope that the United States can hold on to its founding principles and never again accept the tyrannical rule of one man.
The Founding Fathers had the courage to say no to a King, do we? If you enjoy reading this type of commentary, please subscribe to my blog and tell a friend. You will receive an email notification when new blogs are posted. The email will come from the site’s email: armchairamerican1776 American @gmail.com.
Thanks, Armchair American
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