The Former President's Policies Present a Danger to Civilized Society.
The internal and external policies – from the challenge to the democratic process previously to recent moves and threats – weaken both domestic and international jurisprudence. However, the issue goes deeper.
These actions endanger the fundamental meaning of a civilized world.
A guiding principle of any advanced culture is to prevent the dominant from attacking and exploiting the vulnerable. Without this, we would be trapped in a state of nature where survival of the strongest could survive.
This concept is embedded of the nation's founding texts. It is equally the core of the postwar international order championed by the US, which stresses multilateralism, democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the legal authority.
Yet, it is a delicate ideal, easily violated by those who would exploit their power. Maintaining it demands that the powerful have a sense of duty to refrain from seeking temporary advantages, and that society ensure they answer for their actions if they don't.
Unchecked strength is not right. It results in instability, chaos, and hostilities.
Each instance people or corporations or countries that are advantaged target and use those that are less so, the framework of society weakens. If such aggression are allowed to continue, the fabric unravels. Without intervention, the world can fall into instability and violence. History provides ample precedent.
We now inhabit a international landscape with deepening divides. Political and economic power are increasingly centralized than in modern history. This creates conditions for the powerful to take advantage of the disadvantaged because they feel above the law.
The resources of a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals is staggering. The power of major corporations in technology, energy, and aerospace spans a vast portion of the world. Advanced technology is likely to further concentrate wealth and power to a greater degree. The destructive power of the major powers is unmatched in human history.
Supported by a compliant faction and a pliant judicial body, the presidency has been made into the most powerful and unaccountable instrument of the state in history.
Put it all together and you grasp the looming crisis.
An unbroken thread connects previous transgressions to current threats. Both were premised on the arrogance of omnipotence.
There is much the same in the actions of other powers: in military conflicts, in strategic threats, and in the worldwide exploitation by industrial titans.
Yet, strength without restraint does not make right. It fosters uncertainty, upheaval, and bloodshed.
History shows that rules and conventions to constrain the powerful also safeguard them. Without such constraints, their endless appetite for increased control and resources in time lead to their downfall – taking down their corporations, nations, or empires. And pave the way for world war.
This blatant lawlessness will haunt America and the global community – and indeed civilization – for a long time.
