Most Americans, I believe, trust in our democracy. Growing up, we all learned about the three branches of government, the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
We were taught the importance of checks and balances, which keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. We also learned about the electoral process and the peaceful transition of power.Â
In recent years, Donald Trump has threatened to undermine our democracy. He has repeatedly claimed (and still does) that the 2020 election was stolen from him, despite no court case finding any evidence of significant voter fraud.
He incited an insurrection at the Capitol aimed at stopping the peaceful transition of power. His fans shouted for his own vice president to be hanged and for the death of the speaker of the House.
They destroyed property, left feces and urine in the halls, and beat police mercilessly. Trump failed to call for his supporters to stop their violence for three hours.
And recently, he has promised that, if re-elected, he will pardon those who were convicted of crimes committed during the January 6th coup. He has proclaimed that he will be a dictator — for one day only.
At a Christian rally, he told the audience that they only need to vote this one last time, that “in four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not gonna have to vote.” Does he plan to stay in office for life?
Is this the voice of someone who upholds the law? Is this who we want to head our democracy? Someone who spreads lies and fear and clearly shows no respect for the law of the land?Â
We have the opportunity to take a different path forward. We can choose a candidate who supports our democracy and the rule of law, who will work for all Americans and protect our rights, someone who has a brighter vision for our future.
I hope you will join me in voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz this Nov. 5.Â
Greta CornellÂ
Gambier, Ohio