Rule of Law

Dear Editor,

The “rule of law” is an essential principle of our form of government, at all levels - local, state, and federal.  Over 1,000 political scientists recently signed a warning statement, available at tinyurl.com/RuleofLaw1000.  These experts express “urgent concern about threats to the basic design of American government and democracy.”

The statement gives specific examples of where “the second administration of Donald J. Trump has disregarded existing laws and regulations.”  These examples include shifting the power of the purse, firing prosecutors and inspectors general, shuttering major independent federal agencies or firing their leaders, and “seeking to transfer control of federal personnel and payment systems to persons who are not officers of the United States government, are operating in secrecy, have sworn no oath to uphold the Constitution, and are not subject to federal privacy laws.”

The political scientists conclude with a stark warning: “History tells us that actions like these by elected leaders can undermine democracies and destroy the rule of law. We urge the Administration to reverse course immediately.”

Voters must hold leaders accountable and demand adherence to constitutional principles.

Paul Malischke

Platteville WI