In a recent interview on MSNBC’s “Deadline,” Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) made a bold statement about the current state of the United States. He declared that under the leadership of President Donald Trump, the country has transformed into a “gangster state.” This strong language reflects the growing concern and frustration among many Americans about the direction in which our country is heading.
Raskin’s words are not to be taken lightly. As a member of Congress, he has a front row seat to the inner workings of our government and has witnessed firsthand the erosion of democratic values and norms. He went on to describe the current system as “corrupt” and “monarchical,” painting a grim picture of the state of our nation.
But what exactly does Raskin mean by a “gangster state”? It is a term often used to describe a country where the rule of law is disregarded and those in power use their position for personal gain. In such a state, the government is controlled by a small group of individuals who operate outside of the law and use intimidation and violence to maintain their power. This is a far cry from the principles of democracy and equality that our country was founded upon.
Sadly, Raskin’s assessment of the current state of our nation is not unfounded. The Trump administration has been marked by numerous scandals and controversies, from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election to the president’s own questionable business dealings. The constant turnover of White House staff and the president’s disregard for the rule of law have only added to the chaos and instability of our government.
But it’s not just the actions of the president that have led Raskin to make such a strong statement. The current political climate in the United States is one of division and polarization. The two major political parties seem more interested in attacking each other than working together to find solutions to the issues facing our country. This toxic environment has only served to further erode the trust and confidence of the American people in our government.
So what can we do about this “gangster state” that Raskin describes? The first step is acknowledging the problem. We must recognize that our country is facing a crisis and that it will take all of us working together to overcome it. This means putting aside our differences and coming together to demand accountability and transparency from our leaders.
We must also hold our elected officials accountable for their actions. As citizens, it is our responsibility to stay informed and engaged in the political process. We must demand that our representatives uphold the values of democracy and work towards the betterment of our country, rather than their own personal interests.
In addition, we must continue to exercise our right to vote. Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and it is through our votes that we can bring about real change. We must use our voices and our votes to elect leaders who will uphold the principles of democracy and work towards a more just and equitable society.
In conclusion, Representative Raskin’s words serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We must not turn a blind eye to the state of our nation and the erosion of democratic values. It is up to each and every one of us to stand up and fight for a better future for our country. Let us work towards a government that truly represents the people and upholds the principles of democracy, rather than a “gangster state” controlled by a few.