Sandra Ringelstein: Democracy as fragile as ability to vote; votes that count don't happen in kingdoms

To The Daily Sun,

It is time to sound the alarm. The Supreme Court of the United States in a stunning ruling just made any U.S. president, king.

The long range plan to change the trajectory of our country from a democracy to an autocracy just happened and if we don’t understand the implications, we should. We all just become powerless before any president that seeks to be corrupt and to do harm here, there and everywhere.

Most of us have learned to be polite, taking to our corners on extreme issues, whichever side we are on, giving us a relatively peaceful coexistence in our communities and around our dinner tables. We must continue to do that. However, like before a storm warning, the alarm is sounding and we better heed the warning lest it be too late.

Democracy is as fragile as our ability to vote. Votes that count do not happen in kingdoms.

The rule of law just changed here in our precious country where we are now at the mercy of a benevolent leader to make sure that the worst instincts of a malevolent one are not exercised.

Our one vote means everything.

We celebrate the anniversary of our country’s founding as a great experiment in democracy, where the will of the people decide the fate of our nation. If our collective will gives the nation to a selfish ruler this November, we are forever changed. It is time to reflect on what we have and what will be lost when the will of one becomes the edict for all.

It will be by our collective action to save democracy by our vote. Let us be reminded of all those who fought to defend and protect freedom. It is our duty now.

Sandra Ringelstein

Moultonborough