E ditor Dear Editor, Why “No Kings” Demonstrations? Two Hundred Fifty, “years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Alas, now the Republican controlled government is erasing that history and progress. We again have a king and a “representative” government that is not responsive to their electorate.

ChatGBT lists these indications of a disappearing democracy. Try to find one that does not apply in the USA today.

1. Undermining Elections Refusing to accept legitimate election results Attempting to overturn or delay elections Pressuring officials to “find votes” or change outcomes A core democratic principle is peaceful transfer of power. Undermining this is one of the strongest warning signs.

2. Weakening Checks and Balances Ignoring or defying court rulings Using executive power to bypass Congress systematically Politicizing independent agencies (e.g., DOJ, intelligence services) Autocrats tend to remove constraints on their authority.

3. Attacking the Rule of Law Prosecuting political opponents without credible legal basis Shielding allies from legal consequences Interfering in ongoing investigations Equal application of the law is central to democracy.

4. Restricting or Discrediting the Press Labeling independent media as enemies of the state Encouraging legal or economic pressure on journalists or outlets Promoting state-aligned or propaganda media over independent reporting A free press is a key accountability mechanism.

5. Eroding Civil Liberties Suppressing protest rights Expanding surveillance or using security forces against civilians or political opponents Targeting groups for political or ideological reasons 6. Centralizing Power in the Executive Replacing career officials with loyalists primarily for political loyalty Expanding emergency powers beyond typical limits Governing through decrees rather than legislation 7. Encouraging Political Violence or Intimidation Failing to condemn or implicitly encouraging violence by supporters Using rhetoric that dehumanizes opponents Undermining norms of peaceful political competition 8. Undermining Democratic Norms Refusing transparency (e.g., finances, decision-making) Disregarding long-standing ethical standards Treating political opposition as illegitimate rather than as part of a democratic system Support “No Kings” movement’s demand a government observing democratic principles in the Constitution.

Rob Wittman, where are you?

-Jim Knupp, Hartfield