Two Americas

Today, we witnessed again how the nation can pull together and, in one unifying effort, express widespread dissatisfaction with a President who edges closer and closer to installing himself as a dictator. Here in St. Louis, under the towering structure of the Gateway Arch, protestors gathered to denounce the Trump Administration’s policies; policies that have already inflicted real harm on immigrant families, slashed vital government agencies, and chipped away at the social safety net that millions of Americans rely on. Similar scenes unfolded across the country, with over a thousand protests scheduled in cities and towns large and small. It’s a reminder that democracy isn’t dead, but it is fighting for its life.

While Americans braved the elements and interruptions to their work schedules to stand up for decency and accountability, a different kind of spectacle played out in Washington the day before. President Trump held a cabinet meeting that could have been mistaken for a loyalty pageant in a dictatorship. For two hours, top officials took turns lavishing praise on the President, congratulating him on his "historic leadership," thanking him for the "honor" of serving, and generally tripping over themselves to outdo each other in flattery. It was a display that would make any autocrat proud, and any normal American sick to their stomach.

The contrast couldn’t be more striking: citizens in the streets calling for justice and accountability, while appointed officials in the highest offices of government degrade themselves in a sycophantic ritual designed to please the man at the top. One side represents the spirit of American democracy in action, while the other represents the shadow of authoritarian submission.

In America, leadership is supposed to answer to the people, not demand their praise. While Trump surrounds himself with courtiers eager to sing hymns of his greatness, the people outside the palace walls are raising their voices in bold defiance. Yesterday was a hollow chorus of yes-men. Today was democracy’s answer, and it wasn’t fawning on its knees.