Reprinted from hartmannreport.com
The GOP's naked appeals to racism, bigotry, and hate are as destructive to a nation founded on an idea as is their defiance of our Constitution
So now Ron DeSantis gets to trash Disney, claim the title of Chief Culture Warrior in an election year, and even raise taxes on one of the few Blue counties in Florida, all in one stroke.
But his behavior is a lot more dangerous than just a political stunt.
From their naked attempt to overthrow our government on January 6th, to Florida's recent unconstitutional legislation punishing Disney for engaging in First Amendment-protected free speech, it's becoming clear that Republicans are working to fundamentally change America by destroying our Constitution.
The Constitution is the basic operating system for our democratic republic: without it, America becomes a jumble of regional and local interests with no unifying principle, just as it was when we were operating (unsuccessfully) under the Articles of Confederation after the end of the Revolutionary War and before the Constitution was ratified and George Washington was elected president in 1789.
To say that America is the first nation in history "based on ideas, rather than blood and soil" is an understatement. At the time the Constitution was ratified it had been over 3000 years since a literate "civilized" nation had made a serious run at a constitutional republican government.
This is why the oath of office in America is so specific. Article 2, which creates and specifies the office of the President, says:
"Before he enters on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: - I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
It doesn't require the president to protect the country, the citizens of the country, or even the symbols of the country like the flag or the Capitol. It only requires the president to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution.
Because the Founders and Framers knew that if you're going to have a country based on an idea, that idea must be sacrosanct.
Every time it collides with local, temporary, or political considerations it must prevail.
Without it, the idea is gone; without the idea, the country is dead.
It's also why Article 6 applies that oath to everybody else who wants to participate in our government, from federal to state elected officials to appointed officers; all must also swear their loyalty to the Constitution, and the Constitution alone.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
2
1
1
