The current presidential use of executive orders to impose tariffs isn’t simply a matter of economic policy or even breaking trade agreements—it’s a stark reminder of the difference between democracies and dictatorships.
In a true democracy, trust is built on the bedrock of honoring agreements. Congress and government bodies craft laws through debate, compromise, and checks and balances. These agreements are not arbitrary; they are the lifeblood of a system that empowers citizens and distributes power so that no one individual or group can dominate. When a unilaterally overriding these agreements, it isn’t just adjusting policy—it’s eroding the mutual trust that makes democratic governance possible.
In contrast, dictatorships thrive on the concentration of power. In such regimes, a single ruler—or a small cabal—imposes decisions without consultation or accountability. In these systems, dissent is crushed and citizens are forced to echo the leader’s words, stifling open debate and independent thought.
What made America great was precisely its commitment to democratic ideals: the freedom to discuss, disagree, and shape laws collectively. To “make America great again” means refining our democratic process, not undermining it by bypassing Congress and centralizing power in one individual’s hands.
When executive orders replace laws made by our elected representatives, we aren’t just changing tariff rates—we’re setting a dangerous precedent that erodes democratic process and paves the way toward authoritarianism. The strength of a nation lies in its ability to allow robust debate among its democratic representatives, respect established agreements, and share power. That is the essence of democracy
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