I have traveled the world for thirty years to defend human rights. I have seen how these rights, and democratic principles, can be flouted or shaken. In the United States, I fought against odious measures initiated by Democratic or Republican presidents. I've seen so many things that I'm not the type to exaggerate. Yet, for the first time, I am concerned about the future of the American democratic system.
Donald Trump is only at the beginning of his term, but I find many of his decisions very disturbing. It is not certain that he accepts to be restricted in his prerogatives or to be accountable day after day to the elected and the American people, two essential components of democracy.
In other countries, I saw a similar lack of consideration undermining democracies; Its contours had not changed but it had been emptied of its meaning. I have seen democratically elected politicians use their popularity to muzzle the media, hamper civil society, compromise the judicial system and reduce the ability of citizens to limit excesses of the executive. Over time, I have understood the importance of laws and institutions but also of democratic culture to prevent such scenarios.
Donald Trump has already testified his contempt for this culture. Rather than prepare a solid defense of his proposals, he privileges untruths and shameless lies. Rather than responding to media criticism, he described journalists as enemies. Rather than opposing a court ruling, he denigrated an "alleged judge" for making him the victim of a ruling against him. Instead of respecting internal disagreements, he tried to circumvent or eliminate them. Rather than authorizing the inspection of his finances, he concealed his income statements and refused to separate from his business interests.
If his decisions are not controlled, he could resort to the classic populist discourse whereby his knowledge of the will of the "people" justifies trampling on the rights of others. This is one of the most important dangers of the presidential power. This trend was already at work during his campaign. Instead of respecting the individual differences of a society marked by diversity, it has lowered those who value diversity.
Now that he is in the White House, the consequences of this attitude are already being felt. Its radical ban on entering the United States for nationals of seven countries, enacted without any effort to make it a true terrorist threat, causes enormous difficulties for tens of thousands of people, mainly Muslims, whose Visas are suddenly declared obsolete. The suspension and drastic reduction in the reception of refugees in the United States affects many very vulnerable people throughout the world.
Its threat of expulsion from clandestine immigrants could uproot millions of people who have forged strong family and community ties in the United States. It also greatly hampers the procedures that allow immigrants to claim the same ties in order to avoid being returned to their country of origin.
Donald Trump's Supreme Court candidate defends a concept of "religious freedom" used to justify discrimination against the LGBT community. Women's access to abortion and basic health care is at risk. Sick people fear the removal of the Obamacare, the health coverage they had just obtained. And even if it seems that he has finally backed off, the president has nonchalantly played with the idea of reintroducing the practice of torture.
Yes, he won the election thanks to the electoral college, which enabled him to accede to the presidency. Yes, millions of people, believing that the government did not take care of them, voted for a man who promised to make things happen. But his promise to "clean up" Washington should not be at the expense of rights that are at the core of US aspirations.
Most Americans have never lived under the rule of an authoritarian regime, but other nations show us that it can be set up at an extraordinary speed, without the tanks encircling the presidential palace, Erosion of democratic norms. He may want to reassure himself by thinking of the strength and vitality of the American democratic system, endowed with many instances of control, but we must resist complacency because these instances are not infallible.
The media have an essential role to play, but they are not immune to attempts at official intimidation or "alternative facts."
An independent judicial system is also paramount, but judges are also exposed to pressure and intimidation. They will have to show courage to defend the rights of citizens if the president continues to promote odious measures.
Various local organizations and associations are mobilizing to defend the rights of citizens. However, they will need the solidarity of the affected communities, regardless of political affiliation, but also of discipline, that of being guided by principles rather than systematic opposition and resilience.
Donald trump is back with a new vision
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Oleh
Unknown
