Our democracy is composed of three branches of government.  Each of those branches administers authority over myriad facets of  governance.  These are held tightly together by the Constitution and the laws it set forth.  

Think of these government branches as tree branches and the Constitution as a cord or rope holding them together.  Should that rope weaken, enough pressure put on any one branch of government might cause that rope to break.  In which case, our democracy can fall apart or be dismantled.  

That Constitution and its laws were weakened in Donald Trump’s first term.  I fear it will break in his second.  So far, I have not been wrong in my assessments; although I wish I were.

He has put a lot of pressure on the treasury with the highest deficit ever.  Now he is attacking Social Security.  This will next carry over to veteran’s benefits, Medicare and Medicaid.  

Although this change in Social Security puts a great handicap upon the vulnerable, including elderly parents, grandparents, sickly, mentally disadvantaged and impoverished, it trickles down to younger generations who must bear the responsibility, generations who might eventually find themselves needing Social Security.  

Locally funded charities are already strained.  This will have greater pressure put on them to help.  There can be no peace under chaotic conditions, only discord.  A confused state of mind is thus generated.

Confusion is just what a dictator wants.  It hinders rational thinking and planning.  It slows down, and even prevents, an organized counter strike.  For example, any sudden changes to a policy that affects millions of people in substantial ways can create catastrophic harm and confusion.  

An important feature to this is keeping everyone too busy to ponder the intent behind it.  Therefore, many overlook the objective by not seeing the forest for the trees.  The objective is a systematic dismantling of our democracy for ushering in fascism.  What else could it mean?  

As long as it appears idiotic, the majority thinks it will eventually “blow over.”   In truth, it is one of several steps toward tyranny.

“Soft conversion” means allowing the public to know of the change well in advance so all can be informed and prepared for the proposed changes.  Trump signing 100 or more executive orders, half of which legal experts deemed illegal, on his first day, and to now sign extreme and devastating orders to cripple Social Security with hardly any warning, in fact, has a sinister undertone.  

Veterans, Medicare and Medicaid are next.  That which Trump cannot destroy or convert he will intimidate and threaten.  This is what bullies do.  Bullies are dictators in training.  

Trump signed an unprecedented number of executive orders on the first day after being sworn in for his second term.  Why so many orders all at once without the benefit of Congress and discussion?  The answer is obvious.  He knew many violated the Constitution; the very document he swore on that same day to uphold, follow and protect.  

The quicker he could get his orders enacted, the less likely the courts could stop them in time.  Worse yet, it is less likely the courts could reverse those already enacted.  Yes, it was all planned out in Project 2025.  Please read that document and know that the above is not a collection of my opinions.  It is in accordance with that project.

It has been my philosophy that, if a lie is discovered, then by all urgency, discover the reason behind it.  Lies are meant to hide something; that is obvious.  

It has been said to read between the lines.  In the case of Trump, we must learn to read between the lies.  Over most things, Trump ostensibly puts forth brazen lies.  As a rule, dishonest business men do this so much, it becomes a way of life for them.  

During Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress, he spewed forth a record number for a single Congressional speech, about 12 lies. Some claim more.  It was not so much a State of the Union Address as it was a stump speech by saying what he was promising, while concealing the implications.  

One that stands out, which could prove devastating, is Social Security.  It was a lie Trump told during the joint session speech.  He claimed that great fraud was found in the Social Security Administration.  Proof has yet to be presented by DOGE on any of its efforts.  

Hypothetically speaking, if such fraud existed, reducing staff would likely increase it.  Musk knows it is all lies with a sinister purpose behind it.  Remember what I wrote about suppressed intent?  That is why he refuses to defend his claims before Congress. 

 If he is so innocent, he should want to prove himself publicly before Congress, the body elected to represent and protect the people.  If Republican Congressmen believe Musk to be innocent, then they should force him to stand accountable if for no other reason than to protect their own dignity and honor.  

There appears to be no savings to be had from this alleged mismanagement, only chaos, lies and the deliberate victimization  of those who can least afford it.

Please, contact your representative in Congress, especially Republicans.  This is their show, and they should face the audience.  

Roger Joss is a life-long Clinton resident and also author of The Culinary Corner column.