There is a lot to take in as the second month of President Donald Trump’s presidency has hit the ground running. A lot has changed in a short amount of time as priorities have shifted, causing the government to implement new policies both domestically and abroad. Most notably, a shift in alliances has sparked a wave of concern among many.
“Since 1945, at the end of World War II, the United States has worked with other countries and partners around the world in order to create a global community,” Mr. Grace, LS’ World Crisis Teacher commented. “What I’m seeing now is much more of the United States working to pressure usual allies and aiding the US’ traditional enemies, certainly, Russia.”
It seems that the US has strayed from their fundamental values which have built the foundation of our country. The protection of basic human rights has been overlooked as support shifts to authoritarian governments.
Grace also emphasized some of his main concerns, saying, “Democracy only works because people cooperate. The founding fathers created a tripartite government to create separation of powers to be able to check power, forcing the branches to work together. My concern is when it looks like forces are trying to claim more power than what they have.”
The question now becomes, what can we do as students, teachers, and other American citizens? To Grace, the answer can be easily found on the North exterior side of the Boston public library. “The commonwealth requires the education of the people as the safeguard of order and liberty.”
“People need to know what’s going on in order to evaluate their policymakers and to know whether or not decisions are being made that are actually in the state’s interest or in their individual interests…. The fact is, we’re all Americans, we’re all living here and for it to work, we’ve got to come up with a solution.”
Oliver Cromwell once said, “When men run out of words, they reach for their swords. Let’s hope we can keep them talking.” Communication is paramount to the success of democracy and the maintenance of peace in the US.
“If political violence becomes understandable to people, then it slowly becomes acceptable to people and they start thinking they don’t have to follow the law. When people are making up the rules as they go, the result always ends up with hideous violence and chaos,” Grace cautioned.