By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The article discusses a concerning trend of undermining the rule of law in America, highlighting actions by the Trump administration that challenge this principle. This includes instances like the FBI excluding a criminal investigative agency from an investigation and Trump’s disregard for legal limits on his power. Additionally, the article points to the Justice Department’s alleged failure to adhere to the law regarding the release of Epstein files. Overall, the author argues that these actions represent an assault on the core tenets of American self-governance.
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We Have the King That Thomas Paine Feared
The core issue isn’t simply the use of the term “King”, which carries implications of reverence, but the reality that we’re facing something Thomas Paine would have deeply abhorred. This person, regardless of title, represents a threat to the very foundations of liberty and self-governance. We must confront the potential for an autocrat who has been empowered not through force but by the choices of a populace. The fact that someone, considered by many to be the “dumbest goddamn” president, or “king” in our history has the potential to lead this nation is a frightening prospect.
The Chief Justice Roberts’s hypothetical view of how much Thomas Paine would’ve “loved” presidential immunity and troops on the streets, reveals a fundamental disconnect with the principles of the American Revolution. The implication that Paine would support such measures is a disservice to his legacy and the ideals he fought to establish. The question then becomes how we, as a people, have allowed this situation to develop. We are faced with the potential of a “fascist dictator” taking hold of our country and we effectively did nothing in the process of it.
The current state of our political system is also a serious cause for concern. The actions of our elected officials, who seem more like career politicians beholden to special interests, than representatives of the people, are alarming. The idea that Congress has been reduced to political theater, losing its central function of governing, only reinforces the threat of a looming authoritarianism. The United States, with all its flaws, is arguably the greatest nation in human history, but we find ourselves in the state of potentially throwing away our democratic traditions for an individual who is hardly worthy of the title of leader.
The use of the term “King” as an analogy is appropriate, especially given the history and cultural implications of kingship in America. The connotations are negative and deeply embedded within our national identity, and forces people to re-evaluate their biases and connect with the principles that launched the revolution. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of centralized power and the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms. Even if America were to have a royal family, this person would have been expelled in shame.
The failure of various political entities to properly respond to the threat posed by this individual is yet another factor. The failure to mobilize the electorate and effectively challenge the erosion of democratic norms can have catastrophic consequences. The importance of fact-checking and media literacy also becomes crucial. The ability to discern truth from falsehood is essential in defending against the spread of misinformation and disinformation. The decline in comprehension of what we read and hear is a very real problem. The emphasis on instant gratification and quick takes, especially in the context of social media, diminishes the ability to engage with complex arguments.
The potential for external influences in shaping the political landscape is also troubling. The assertion that he is a puppet, manipulated by unseen forces, raises questions about the true sources of power and the degree to which he is in control of his own actions. The “Miller administration” is a very real concept.
The fact that there are millions of people who revere this person is another piece of the puzzle. This reverence presents the real problem. Those who blindly support him have in effect become part of the problem. This admiration poses a challenge to the principles of self-governance and individual liberty. The danger lies in the possibility that this person’s actions align with historical authoritarian models.
The distractions employed to obscure and misdirect are a tactic we must recognize and combat. The focus on trivialities at the expense of substantive issues is a hallmark of authoritarianism. We must be able to recognize these tactics to avoid being manipulated. We are at risk of losing sight of larger societal issues amidst the constant barrage of sensationalism and trivialities. It also brings the idea that even if this person were gone, the next generation of potential leaders may continue on this same path.
The pervasiveness of the idea of strong leaders has contributed to the erosion of democratic ideals. Our society seems hardwired to accept an authoritarian system, often based on the idea that the “good” leaders with favorable characteristics are better than the “others.” This is particularly true if the actions of the “good” leaders are successful in defeating the “bad” ones. This thinking is a dangerous trap that has historically allowed for a long list of dictators voted into power.
The views and motivations of people in high positions of power can be destructive. The focus on personal political beliefs can undermine the rule of law and the administration of justice. The court’s willingness to support the “unitary executive theory,” which bolsters presidential power, is a frightening prospect.
The use of the term “King” helps draw a direct connection between the actions and our history. The emphasis on the simple but powerful message that these actions conflict with the values of the country is a key part of the battle against authoritarianism.