By John Q. Hosedrinker As I sat glued to the live oral arguments of the Supreme Court, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nausea wash over me. The way these politicians manipulated the law, twisting and contorting it to suit their own agendas, was truly sickening. Whatever happened to the ideal of leaving things up to the states? Colorado Republicans made a decision that they simply didn’t want Trump on the ballot, and now they are trying to justify their actions under the guise of upholding states’ rights.
It’s ironic how these same politicians who claim to defend the right of states to choose how to handle issues like abortion are suddenly switching sides the moment a state chooses something they disagree with. They preach about red states potentially removing Joe Biden from the ballot, but where is their concern for upholding the sanctity of the ballot when it comes to Trump? It’s clear that their motives are driven solely by partisan politics and not by any genuine commitment to states’ rights.
I find it incredibly frustrating when people bring up the argument of “what about the other states?” in an attempt to dismiss Colorado’s case. This case made its way to the Supreme Court because it went through the proper channels, with evidence and merit, and was deemed worthy of consideration. Other states may not have the exact same process, but that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all where any meritless claim can automatically ban a candidate. The Supreme Court needs to have confidence in the individual states to handle such matters and not undermine their authority.
But apparently, states’ rights only matter when it aligns with their political narrative. This selective application of states’ rights is a glaring example of the hypocrisy within modern conservative ideology. It seems that their only consistent thread is whatever gives them the biggest advantage in obtaining power.
The argument that Colorado is making is not about their right to kick Trump off the ballot; they are claiming that the U.S. Constitution itself dictates his ineligibility. The Constitution, they argue, has already removed Trump from the ballot. And yet, the Supreme Court seems poised to ignore this constitutional argument and undermine the very notion of states’ rights that they claim to uphold.
During the oral arguments, it became clear that all six conservative justices were highly critical of key issues such as state authority. This does not bode well for the ruling, and it feels like a punch to the gut. How can we trust a court that seems to prioritize partisan politics over the integrity of our democracy?
The insurrection on January 6th should have been a wake-up call for everyone. Trump, the very person who tried to overthrow our government, could potentially find himself back in a position of power. It’s mind-boggling, and it highlights the idiocy within our country’s political system.
If this case is not a good enough reason to apply the 14th Amendment and prevent someone like Trump from running for office again, then what would be? We cannot allow individuals who actively worked to undermine our democracy to return to positions of power. And yet, it seems that accountability is a foreign concept when it comes to Trump.
I had hoped that the Supreme Court would uphold the Colorado ruling, recognizing the gravity of Trump’s actions and the need to protect our democracy. But it seems that my faith in accountability and justice is waning. The Supreme Court, particularly under the leadership of Chief Justice Roberts, is becoming more and more disappointing.
Our democracy hangs in the balance, teetering on a knife’s edge. The upcoming election will reveal whether we still have a chance to preserve our democracy or if we are doomed to be governed by those who prioritize power over principles.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s apparent willingness to strike down the Colorado ruling is deeply disheartening. It reflects a system that values partisan interests over the integrity of our democracy and undermines the very notion of states’ rights. If we continue down this path, we risk further erosion of our democracy and a future where accountability becomes a relic of the past. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and hold those in power accountable for their actions.