#4 Without rule of law
No one is safe or secure
The rule of law is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment that delivers four universal principles: accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice.
Rule of law has been an important concept in U.S. governance the entire five decades I have been alive. It has never been applied perfectly. The wealthiest Americans have always experienced a different justice system than Americans on the other end of the rich and powerful spectrum.
As imperfect as things have been, aspirationally speaking, the country as a whole spoke about fairness, equality, due process, and justice for all. That was then, and this is now. Under the orange moron king, no one is owed a fair trial, the government has stopped pretending that due process exists, and rule of law has been thrown in the trash can. State sponsored terrorists are snatching up anyone they can and disappearing them without a hearing, without following long-held protocols, without giving the kidnapped access to legal representation, and without any semblance of dignity or human value.
It sickens me every time I log in and read another story about masked thugs snatching people off the street. The priorities have never been on an even kilter, but Republican cultists are brimming with pride at disappearing people into death camps, taking away health care, retirements, and any sense of safety and security for tens of millions of people trying to make a better life.
The durable system is being smashed beyond repair. Everything good about it is being leveraged to create pointless human suffering and irrational fears. Accountability, just law, open government and justice are all dead, and I do not see anyone capable of resurrecting them.
The American dream I grew up with is dead, but I am not. I will fight for human decency as long as I am able. You should too.