EDITOR:

Has our democracy evolved into a political system of party affiliation?

The principals of our system of government were founded on the ideal of impartial and absolute rule of law for everyone and individual freedoms of free speech and thought. The idea was that elected officials would protect and defend those basic rights disregarding party affiliation.

Opposition to party leaders in power was not defined as a threat or enemy of the state and immigrants the destruction of the nation, but that appears that be the working model of the Republican (MAGA) Party today. I believe that officials, once elected, have a duty to defend the ideals of the country, demand competent officials be hired — not loyalist and ideologues — and recognize the strength in a diverse electorate genetically, religiously and with regard to nationality. This appears to be the opposite position taken in this administration and the elected officials, many of whom are wanting reelection at almost any cost or are ideologues committed to extreme policy beliefs.

I do believe a democracy is more than having elections. Many autocratic countries have national elections, including Russia, Hungary and Turkey. What these countries don’t have is an independent court system and legislatures that provide checks on the power of the executive branch, elected by party affiliation.

I believe the answer to the question posed is “yes,” and that is an imminent threat.