United States’ history is replete with many major turning-point events, both positive and not so positive. They are too many, even if I knew them all, to chronicle here, but five really stand out to me.

They are the Revolutionary War, the writing of the Constitution, the Civil War, World War II, and the development of the atomic bomb. Somehow the country has survived them all, at least until now. Today, however, the country is facing another maybe even more important event: the next national election.

We came close to changing how this country is governed during and at the end of the last administration, but now it appears we are facing a more serious challenge in 2024. The highly polarized political environment and the culture wars that have boiled over have several origins, but they are being driven and magnified by media with an agenda, one major political figure, several minor figures, and, in my opinion, less than rational voters. 

Many of the issues like LGBTQ rights, police misconduct, Black Lives Matter, the meaning of free speech, and the so called weaponization of the Government have been seized upon by many conservative citizens, several of whom are literally up in arms over them. I can sort of understand where their positions come from even if I don’t always agree, but the divisions are real and troublesome if not dealt with in healthy ways. Even immigration and religion are being used to push different ideas of rights and freedoms. Sometimes with disastrous results.

In 2015, conservatives and persons with an agenda found their leader. With the help of many prominent persons and right-wing media, he was elected President. He did promote many policies many saw as correct and a large number have treated him as somewhat of a cult leader.

Unfortunately, he apparently feels he was, and is, above the law, and shows no moderation in his positions or inflammatory rhetoric. His fervent voter base shows little lack of enthusiasm to moderate also, and every time he is called to account his financial support increases. 

He has said he will continue his quest for the Presidency again even if he is convicted of one or more of the felonies he is charged with. It is interesting that the United States Constitution does not disqualify anyone convicted of a felony crime, no matter how serious. 

So here we are approaching a sixth (in my opinion) and maybe the most important event in this country’s continuation under law.

I guess we will see what happens in a little over a year.

Ken Kaiyala
8-9-23