A great man passed recently. His name was Elijah Cummings. He recognized that our democracy is in dire peril.
He knew that because of our democracy, he, a black man, was given an opportunity on the faith of the American people. It was their trust in him to uphold our Constitution. This, they knew, would keep our country strong.
He was a man of honor, knowing that those who attack our system of checks and balances and the rights afforded by the Constitution are tearing down the walls of this great country.
To those who have followed this commentary, you’ll note I’ve been largely absent. In truth, I’m frustrated, angry and tired of all the childish games, temper tantrums and attacks on our institutions by Donald Trump and his pack of enablers.
This entire “presidency” is a sham, a joke and a stain on the history of this nation as well as on the notion of democracy worldwide. Because of Trump, our country has lost its credibility. It’s gone from being revered to reviled.
Mr. Cummings knew that his role, and that of our government, is to maintain the system that our Constitution dictates. Rule of law must be adhered to, even by those most high. That includes our “president.”
He wrote in his upcoming book, In Defense of Public Service: How 22 Million Government Workers Will Save Our Republic. (due Feb 2020)
“As I pen these words, we are living through a time in our nation’s history when powerful forces are seeking to divide us one from another; when the legitimacy of our constitutional institutions is under attack; and when factually supported truth itself has come under relentless challenge.
I am among those who have not lost confidence in our ability to right the ship of American democratic life, but I also realize that we are in a fight — a fight for the soul of our democracy.”
There is a clear and present danger, and Elijah Cummings vowed,
“And this is also why I, personally, will remain in the fight to preserve our republic and the humane and equitable values at its foundation for as long as I can draw breath.”
He did so, even from a hospital bed just before his death. This is honor. This is dedication to our democracy. This is a man who will sorely missed in the halls of our government. Elijah Cummings was a fighter for democracy, our democracy.
The soul of this nation depends on others following in his stead.
A Little Knowledge Is A Dangerous Thing! 
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