When “Making America Great Again” Means Threatening the Foundations of Democracy

As Canadians, we cannot afford to be complacent about the erosion of democratic norms south of the border. What happens in the U.S., particularly when it comes to attacks on the rule of law, inevitably has repercussions here. We’ve seen how easily divisive rhetoric and anti-establishment sentiment can cross borders, amplified by social media and opportunistic politicians. We need to be vigilant against any similar encroachment on our own democratic foundations.

The idea that a sitting president, or their administration, would even contemplate using the Department of Justice to intimidate the head of an independent body like the Federal Reserve is terrifying. It suggests a complete disregard for the separation of powers and a willingness to undermine institutions designed to protect the economy from political interference. It’s a page straight out of the authoritarian playbook, where dissent is silenced and loyalty is demanded above all else.

While we might pride ourselves on a more stable political landscape than our neighbours, we must remember that democracy is not a given. It requires constant vigilance and a commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law. We need to actively resist the creeping influence of similar, albeit often more subtly veiled, tactics within our own political sphere.

Consider the recent trend of populist movements attempting to discredit mainstream media and expert opinion. While healthy skepticism is vital, the deliberate fostering of distrust in institutions is a dangerous game. It creates a fertile ground for misinformation and conspiracy theories to flourish, further eroding public trust and making it easier for authoritarian-leaning figures to gain power.

And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one administration. It’s about a broader trend of political polarization and the erosion of civility in public discourse. It’s about the normalization of tactics that were once considered unthinkable.

We, as Canadians, need to actively push back against this trend. We need to support independent journalism, promote critical thinking skills in our schools, and hold our elected officials accountable for their words and actions. We need to be willing to engage in difficult conversations, even with those who hold opposing views, and to defend the principles of democracy with unwavering resolve.

The integrity of our institutions is paramount. It’s what separates us from the kind of societies where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and dissent is met with repression. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to defending these values, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. We must actively build a society that is resilient to these types of authoritarian threats. The best way to achieve this is to stand up for our Democratic values and demand the same from our leaders. And to never let our guard down.