Challenge for America

Dear Editor,

On January 10, 49 B. C. the popular military and political leader Julius Caesar marched his Legions across the Rubicon River in defiance to the Roman Senate. The “die is cast.” It marked the beginning of a five year Roman Civil War. It also marked the beginning of the end of the Roman Republic.

During the Ides of March, 44 B. C. Caesar was assassinated by his close friend Brutus. “Et tu – you too – Brutus?” Caesar’s adopted son Octavian became Emperor Augustus in 27 B. C.. Augustus purged his opposition. He had 300 Senators killed who opposed him. The Roman Republic lasted 500 years.

On September 17, 1787, at the close of our Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, 81 year old delegate Benjamin Franklin said when asked “well Doctor, what have we a Republic or a Monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

And here we are. Our 200-plus-year-old American Republic is being challenged. Driving the challenge is a determined quest for power and control coupled with good fashioned greed. Underlying the challenge is a genuine dislike of democratic Republics.

Very American generation has faced serious challenges. There are no guarantees but our national fore parents have successfully met their survival challenges, be it economic, World Wars, social, cultural, health related, Civil War, or whatever.

Our present challenge is Constitutional. Hopefully, we will not succumb to a popular, powerful, authoritarian leader and forego our democracy.

Our form of government is not perfect nor are our citizens but I believe we want, and we will keep, our Republic and shun authoritarianism. It appears our Brutus will have to come from the Judicial branch and eventually the American voter.

Don Scott

North Warren