LJ Schaffnit: Election is about a republic, 'if we can keep it'

To The Daily Sun,

1787: When exiting the Constitutional Convention, after signing the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was reportedly asked; “Well, Dr. Franklin, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Given the distressing state of contemporary politics in our nation, Franklin’s response should not be under-valued for its brevity. In essence, he is informing us that democratic republics are not merely founded upon the consent of the people, they also are absolutely dependent upon the active and informed involvement of those people.

The American Constitution is a sacrosanct document that for over 200 years has guaranteed that freedom and the rule of law prevail in our great country. We now have a candidate for president who once swore to uphold the Constitution, and now has become the enemy of the Constitution. Donald Trump has attacked our Constitution, our rule of law, the will of the voters — the “Big Lie,” and is threatening our government, democratic way of life, and our values as a nation. He has voiced an interest in being a dictator, stating, “A lot of people like it.” Called for the termination of “all rules, regulations and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” He and the GOP/MAGA Party are now vowing vengeance and retribution in outlining a second term agenda marked by unprecedented expansion of executive power, unparalleled interference in the justice system — weaponizing the Department of Justice to prosecute his political “enemies” and targeting the free press.

Trump’s personal constitution is deeply at odds with the restraints demanded by the U.S. Constitution.

2025: We mustn’t delude ourselves into thinking this election is like any other — it is about a republic, “if we can keep it.”

L.J. Schaffnit

Gilmanton