Failed State: America’s Future?

BY LOUIE OVERSTREET

American citizens’ non-vigilance has placed our nation’s future as a functioning democracy in clear and present danger! Our failure to heed the quote popularized by Thomas Jefferson, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance,” is the root cause of our dire condition in America in the second month of 2026. 

Up until now, one could argue that the three highest prices we have had to pay in our history, since our founding as a nation in 1776, were The Revolutionary War, The Civil War, and WWII. Fortunately, for the survival of our nation, strong leaders sustained us during these perilous times. However, this is the first time in our history that one could state with a substantial degree of certainty that the leader of our nation is acting in his self-interest and not the best interests of the nation. 

While it would be fair to say that considerable blame lies at the feet of the leader of the free world (who I pejoratively refer to as The Stain), a proportionate amount belongs at our feet as well. 

Blame that needs to be placed at the feet of the current occupant of the White House includes:

• Violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution.
• Civil penalties for illegal conduct in the administration of business and charitable organizations
• Criminal convictions of sexual misconduct.
• Commission of sins and the breaking of marriage vows 

As citizens, will are guilty and/or complacent in, to include failing to maintain vigilance, the following:

• Failing to demand term limits for the SCOTUS and Congress.
• Failing to demand the elimination of the Electoral College.
• Failing to honor many of the Ten Commandments.
• Failing to practice the Golden Rule.
• Failing to exhibit a sense of charity.
• Failing to accept the first duty of citizenship, which is to vote. 

Failing at any of the listed is egregious; however, the most galling is the failure to vote. Why? Because voting — or not — changes things. 

And yes: a failed state could be in our future!