Strengthening Faith in Our Democratic Republic: A Reflection on the Past 8 Months

My faith in democracy and our constitutional republic was rekindled by the 2016 election. An unlikely and popular candidate, Donald Trump, won the presidential election by opposition to both major political parties. Despite his unique campaign style and the concerted efforts of the establishment to undermine him, he ultimately succeeded. This reaffirmed my belief in our system's resilience and adaptability.

Challenges and Resilience

Since then, I have witnessed some disillusionment as the Republican Congress and Democrats, along with mainstream media and Washington elites, have united in an enduring campaign to bring down the Trump presidency. Their efforts have been based on a series of mostly false narratives, which have exacerbated tensions and tested the public's patience and resolve.

A Decade of Corruption

Throughout the past eight months, the corruption, power, and determination of the 'swamp' in Washington have become increasingly evident. For generations, an increasingly small, wealthy, and influential group of DC insiders has been siphoning off tax money for personal enrichment. Traditionally, they have relied on controlling the President and Congress through political donations to candidates and political parties, funded with our own tax money!

Trump's Impact

Now, along comes Donald Trump with significant name recognition and his own resources, making him independent of these conventional political donors. Despite the efforts of the establishment, he won the presidency. This demonstrated that the system is not solely controlled by the elite, and it has led to a significant impact on various fronts, including government inefficiencies, immigration enforcement, the military, and trade.

Restoring Faith in the Republic

The United States of America is a Republic, and it is crucial to understand what this means. People often struggle to grasp the idea that our country is not a direct democracy but a representative democracy, where we elect those who will represent us in the Republic. The term 'democracy' refers to the process of electing representatives, and the term 'republic' describes the form of government. Everything that has occurred in the past eight months, including election results and subsequent reactions, has been entirely within the limits of the Constitution and the many laws that govern our government.

The Role of the Electoral College

The Electoral College, while not my preferred method of election, functions as intended and within the framework of the laws that limit it. This process ensures that the states, not just the popular vote in one or two major cities, have a voice in the election of the President. This system helps safeguard against a situation where a candidate can win the popular vote but lose the presidency.

Finding Hope in Reform

It is interesting to consider the implications of these events and how they will play out. I believe that Donald Trump is the first genuine reform candidate elected in my lifetime. He has the potential to address the deep-seated issues within our system, 'drain the swamp,' and bring about real change. However, the challenge lies in whether he will ultimately compromise and become part of the very establishment he sought to reform.

The outcome remains uncertain. Regardless of one's personal views on President Trump, it is undeniable that his administration has brought a level of vibrancy and dynamism to the political landscape that has been absent for years. It is a testament to the resilience of our democratic system that it can withstand such tumultuous times and continue to operate.

Conclusion

The past eight months have been a period of reflection and reassessment for many Americans. While challenges remain, the resilience of our democratic republic and the continued functioning of the institutions have been clear evidence that our system is as strong as ever. The ongoing story of this presidency and its impact on our country will be fascinating to observe and learn from.