Do you need to be named a king to function as a king? It appears to me that the power bases for kings and crime lords are very similar. Both function by believing and acting on the working principle that they are the supreme authority, and have a right to power and wealth that can be obtained from that power. Their power is cemented by having people around them who will follow their direction in order to enrich themselves and exert control over others.

The cost of opposition to their control is personal and financial ruin through threats, accusations, harassment by authorities and physical intimidation. For those that are outside his/her realm, it can mean conquest and possible death.

I am seeing that President Donald Trump’s actions appear to be governed only by his belief, ambitions, anger and sense of revenge. I also see a president who has expanded his wealth several times and his family’s wealth. I see a president who has sought to expand the territorial scope of his influence. I also see a president who defines truth as what he wants it to be, not what the evidence necessarily support.

It seems to me this president is acting like a very corrupt king who believes he is above any law, and has surrounded himself with loyal lieutenants and legislators will to do his bidding out of fear or self-interest. This is not my vision of a democracy.