This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our democracy. Yet can we preserve it in the midst of constitutional crisis and war?
The issuance of the Declaration of Independence was unprecedented. It is an unparalleled statement against tyranny.
The essence of democracy is the basic word of the Declaration that everyone is endowed with inalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
This defines us.
Democracy is a unique ideal – self-government. It’s fragile. Its survival depends on just leadership and a vigilant people.
We work hard to elect public servants of good character and empower them. Yet too many people are politicians first and leaders second.
The Founding Fathers warned that strong political parties lead to the corruption of values. They view public service as a temporary civic duty. They fear the influence of professional politicians and powerful political parties.
Leadership failures have exacerbated the crisis. Our government borders on dysfunction.
The essence of democracy is the basic word of the Declaration of Independence, which is that all people are endowed with inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Congress is constantly gridlocked and unable to even pass necessary government funding.
When politicians bend to the will of special interests, political parties, or the president, our faith in government erodes.
As politics become increasingly polarized, we are defined as “red” or “blue” rather than “all” Americans.
Politicians confuse party loyalty with public service.
The Republican Party lost its identity and was replaced by a more extreme movement, led by a president who demanded loyalty over duty. This risks overriding power over principle. Politicians focus on re-election rather than viewing their public service as “temporary.” They vote with their party no matter what, but their independence is suppressed by the threat of primaries or public attacks.
By abandoning their constitutional obligations, representatives upset the balance of power and betrayed their oath.
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Trump has used threats and intimidation to govern, often ignoring the Constitution. His “art of the deal” style is high-stakes negotiation, relying on threats and leverage to get concessions. He prioritizes winning over losing. This zero-sum style undermines bipartisanship and creates confusion and uncertainty. It is suitable for transactions, not for governance.
It is particularly ill-suited for macro or geopolitical leadership.
If left unchecked, executive power tends toward dictatorship.
The balance of power can only work if those elected fulfill their constitutional obligations. Otherwise, democracy itself is threatened.
The greatest presidents have had integrity and put the people and the Constitution first. This president has pushed the limits of his power.
Congress has failed on immigration reform. Trump has introduced punitive policies that stoked fear and violence. According to a recent Gallup poll, 79% of Americans oppose it.
There is no place for fear, racism, or intimidation in America. We don’t need to be cruel to be great.
Moreover, Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric threatening to attack Greenland undermines 75 years of U.S. influence and the NATO alliance. Once we were revered as the leaders of the free world, but threats and force have left us isolated.
Strikingly, no allies have joined the ongoing war with Iran.
America first means America alone.
Unilateral tariffs serve as leverage to upend the global economy. They are an “art of the trade” method and the Supreme Court has ruled them illegal.
The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI have become weapons of retaliation. Incredible.
The best troops must be used wisely. Entering a dangerous war with Iran without an exit strategy could lead to a protracted war. Every casualty is heartbreaking. A CNN poll showed 59 percent of Americans opposed the war, and Reuters reported that 70 percent hoped he had sought congressional approval.
True leaders weigh the consequences, human and financial costs of war, and inform their people for support. This hasn’t happened yet. War is not a game. We the people are clearly engaged in a one-sided war, the outcome of which is at stake. I couldn’t leave the table without my boots on the ground. While our military performed well, it lacked a political strategy.
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Our greatness and strength derive from our democratic values and the sacrifices made to defend them, not from force.
Congress must check the power of this executive branch. Yet Republicans remained silent.
As taxpayers, we should be outraged. This is not the leadership we expect. A republic is greater than one person or one political party.
Great leaders set a hopeful, empowering tone and uphold our strongest values. The mood in America is increasingly fearful and uncertain.
Strength is part of leadership, and more importantly, so are humility, empathy, and ethics. Trust in leadership is critical. It is being eroded. We are not bystanders, but stakeholders in our democracy.
We the people have a voice and a vote to demand change and elect public servants dedicated to upholding the Constitution.
On the 250th anniversary of our democracy, only we can preserve it.
Phil G. Busey Sr. is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DRG and The Busey Group of Cos.
This article originally appeared in Oklahoma: Congress silent on presidential overreach | Opinion