by Cheryl Batavia

I Believe in the United States of America

The Statue of Liberty. A poem by Emma Lazarus is carved on its base. The quote below is from that poem. Photo by Allesandro Chitarrin from Unsplash

“Send me your huddled masses

yearning to be free…”

I Believe in the United States of America

I believe in the Constitution of the United States…Three co-equal branches of government: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive.

I believe in the system of checks and balances provided in the Constitution:

Congress, the legislative branch, consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. They are elected by the voters of the states. The legislative branch has the power to enact laws and appropriate money. They are not permitted to exercise powers belonging to the judicial or executive branches.

Federal courts and the US Supreme Court uphold the Constitution. The judicial branch is not permitted to make laws or exercise powers given to the President or the executive branch. Members of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President with the approval of Congress.

The executive branch, headed by the President, is limited to its designated powers. It is prohibited from exercising powers given to the Judiciary or to Congress.

I believe in “government of the people, for the people, and by the people.” Citizens, represented by Congress, have the power, and the responsibility, to play an active role in government. Voters have the right to elect members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President.

I believe, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, “All men” (and women) “are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

I believe in the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press;” (media) “or of the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

What Can We Do?

If we are dissatisfied with the current situation, if we feel we need to return to the ideals our country was founded on, what can we do?

There are many issues of concern: An autocratic president and the executive branch are overstepping the bounds of the separation of powers. They are defying the decisions of federal courts, unduly influencing members of Congress through intimidation, and committing flagrant violations of law and the Constitution.

There is a whole long list of concerns related to these violations:

*criteria for federal appointments determined by loyalty and financial contributions to the President’s campaign rather than by qualifications

*dismissal of the “watchdogs” who monitor the legality of the actions of government officials

*unauthorized dissolution of independent, Congressionally-founded, and Congressionally-funded federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Education, and the USAID

*unlawful firing of federal employees

*inappropriate access to personal information of citizens by unauthorized persons…

*undermining the independence of the Department of Justice

*overturning reproductive rights, attempting to take away LGBTQ rights.

The federal government is being deconstructed in many ways:

*sweeping changes to programs that protect the environment and programs that protect children, persons with disabilities, and elderly persons.

*deregulation of banks that can lead to a recession.

*changes to tax laws that favor the wealthiest 1%.

*the highest income inequality in our country’s history

*tariffs that can worsen inflation.

*foreign policies alienating our allies and emboldening our enemies

*isolationist policies not to our advantage in the long run.

*brutal immigration policies

*threats to seize territory belonging to other countries: the Panama Canal, Greenland, Gaza, Canada, and potentially others

*planned negotiations between the US and Russia about ending the war in Ukraine that exclude Ukraine’s participation.

What can we do?

Some very courageous people have resigned their positions, spoken out in the media, and signed petitions. Others are volunteering or lending financial support to organizations that fight abuses of power. Do what you can.

One thing we all can do, whether happy with how things are going or not, is to vote.

We need to inform ourselves before we vote in the upcoming Congressional midterm elections. It is important to get news from several sources, not just those we agree with. Vote intelligently. It’s your right and your responsibility as a citizen.

Do you have questions about what I have said? Do you disagree with what I have written? I am not an expert on politics, just a concerned citizen. I don’t enjoy writing prose, especially on political topics.

Check it out! Do some research using multiple sources. Then make up your own mind. Peace! ☮️

Photo by Jennifer Burk from Unsplash

Copyright© 2025 by Cheryl Batavia

36 Comments

  3. Unknown's avatar

    Well stated, Cheryl. Although they voted for one, I hopefully believe the majority of citizens don’t want an autocracy. Then again, although they would never admit it, I believe the majority of our representatives and senators do want an autocracy that favors them. Unfortunately, our representatives and senators cannot be recalled. Meanwhile, Victor Orban’s playbook continues to play out in America.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Wow, Frank , I had to look Victor Orban up! Trump has so many dictator buddies, it is hard to keep track of them! 😄 Thank you for your kind comment and for pointing out the comparison. I found a photo of them shaking hands at the White House in 2019 . Maybe things will change in the midterm Congressional election.

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  4. Unknown's avatar

    And I’m definitely no expert on politics, especially that of the American system … In Australia, I vote for the Party that tends to look after the less fortunate and the best education and health policies … Cheers Cheryl …

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you for your kind words, JoAnna! A donation to NPR sounds great! 🌹Have they lost their federal funding? I hope not.

      Did you hear what’s happening to the Kennedy Center in DC? Performers are canceling appearances because a of a takeover by the executive branch.

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        I don’t know if NPR/PBS has lost funding, but, sadly, it would not surprise me. I think they are in danger. I did read about the Kennedy Center. I’m glad performers are cancelling. So sad. Crazy times.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Unknown's avatar

    Punam, thank you so much for your encouraging words. 💕🌹💕 I would rather write poems, and I prefer less controversial subjects, but I felt I must speak out.

    I very much admire India’s democratic government and its rapid advancements in so many fields.

    I agree that we must all fight autocracy, a world-wide threat!

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        The fire within has to come out and you are doing just that. There is so much one could get fired up about, but then I wonder how much difference it will make. Sound a bit sinical but cycles come and go, and this one too will pass!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Unknown's avatar

    As someone from India, I don’t always understand the intricacies of American politics, but your explanation was super clear and easy to follow, Cheryl. I totally get why you’re concerned about the current state of affairs, and I admire how you’re speaking out and encouraging others to take action.

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