Apparently, the Trump Party has won the 2024 election, fair and square. Those of us who believe in “Constitution over party” are now faced with the obligation of showing our commitment to that principle. Having a leader that has no respect for the rule of law does not absolve us from demonstrating OUR respect for the rule of law.

Judging from the past, we can legitimately fear that the next four years will produce a steady stream of lies, vulgarity and broken promises from a godless leader who has repeatedly shown that he has “no principles whatsoever” and no respect for truth. It will be up to us to prove that ordinary citizens can uphold the law and will stand firm against the forces of evil that threaten our country from within.

Unfortunately, the appeal of fascism has temporarily seduced a majority of Americans. The promise of simple solutions to complex problems, blame on “others” (in this case, dark-skinned immigrants) for ALL our problems, and the false promises of strong-man actions — such as a border wall and mass deportations — as solutions, all play a role. A lack of accountability (enabled by “presidential immunity” invented by a corrupt Supreme Court) has a recognizable appeal to many. With a history of slavery, Jim Crow laws and segregation in our past, we have plenty to be ashamed of. But we all can show our commitment to the concept of “all men and women are created equal” by our own actions and expressions of belief.

Sadly, there will be some dark days ahead. Young women with pregnancy complications will continue to needlessly die in anti-abortion states around the country. But we must continue to have hope, and continue to seek political candidates who “embody Gospel principles,” instead of — hypocritically — the opposite!

Don E. Gardner

Ogden