If what is transpiring in the United States was the subject of a novel or a portending thesis it would be rejected and mocked as incredible. That hundreds of legislators, the Supreme Court and the Justice Department would succumb to the Trumpian cult and ignore the Constitution, stare decisis, their oaths of office, and participate in the devolution of democracy would be out of the realm of possibility.
However, each day brings another indication that a nightmare scenario is unfolding and a hoped-for reversal rarely happens. Clearly, the Supreme Court is intent on supporting Trump and makes interim decisions that provide him with the false impression that he has won on his favored issues. Even if the ultimate judicial outcomes on the underlying executive orders are not decided in his favor, it will be too late to halt all the illegal and barbaric actions.
There are Republican legislators in the House and Senate who seem receptive to casting votes against the Trumpian agenda, but ultimately vote yes to save their careers even while penalizing millions of their constituents. Thus far, the Congress has ignored its primary responsibility and the Supreme Court has approved laws and decisions that could very well consign them into a purely ceremonial role, having ceded all authority to Trump.
In essence, by succumbing to Trump’s pressure and threats, the legislators and judges will be complicit in losing all ability to function as co-equals as intended by the United States Constitution. Their obedience will be their obliteration .
Betty Ussach-Schwartz
Southampton