letter to the editor

POTUS leader vs. POTUS dictator

Mon, 11/12/2018 - 5:30pm

Dear Editor:

In a democracy, Presidents of the United States, (POTUS), are leaders. Leaders work with a team of people who bring to the table a variety of skill sets, including knowledge of critical information, scientific and educational backgrounds that aid in analysis of economic problems so that when decisions are made they are the best decision combining the knowledge of many people to provide certitude of optimum solutions.

Democracy was first introduced in the 6th century BC, in India, re-emerging in the 17th century. By definition, democracy is a political system, or a system of decision-making within an institution, organization, or a country in which all members have an equal share of power.  The United States and its constitution made sure that it was clear, our democracy is of the people, for the people, and by the people.  The people of this country are given the right to vote, the right to share their ideas and opinions, to represent others without prejudice, and to introduce laws that keep the people healthy and safe.

In a dictatorship only dictator authority is acceptable without regard to knowledge or experience in a given field of governance.  In short it is a country, a government, or form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator without democratic checks and balances of power.

Understanding these two diametrically opposite methods of governance, how did the Venezuela democratic government change to a dictatorship? What are the signs for a power-shared democratic government becoming a dictatorship?

Venezuela signs began with corruption, inadequate response to economic crisis, their dictator began scrambling to cling to all government dollars and power, choosing autocratic solutions, placing political opponents in prison, choosing his own legislature and parliament to insure his own dictator powers. Laws restricting the ability of journalists to criticize the government were passed. Elections were neither free nor fair.  All symptoms lead to centralizing power in the dictator.

Democracy separates powers to prevent abuse of power, safeguarding freedom for all. Venezuela exhibits abuse of power and loss of people’s freedoms. What’s your preference - rights and accountable-freedoms or a dictatorship?

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb