Update 5/2/2025: A majority are getting the message. Per a respected public pollster, 54% of Americans see Trump as a dangerous dictator. The rest think Trump should have more power to accomplish his goals. Most Americans Describe Donald Trump as 'Dangerous Dictator'—New Poll - Newsweek
Continuing with the original post:
Why does it seem eyes glaze over whenever the rule of law, the Constitution, is cited and terms like separation of powers and checks and balances are tossed around? No wonder we are about to lose our democracy. We are a country of civics illiterates. As a country, we sorely need an education in civics, and the Abrego Garcia case is an opportunity. Somewhere, our educational system failed us. Naturalized citizens must pass a civics test to become citizens, and according to a 2018 survey, 60% of Americans would flunk it. Those over 65 had learned it in school; the younger you are, the more likely you are to fail. "Those 65 years and older scored the best, with 74 percent answering at least six in 10 questions correctly. For those under the age of 45, only 19 percent passed with the exam, with 81 percent scoring a 59 percent or lower."National Survey Finds Just 1 in 3 Americans Would Pass Citizenship Test - Institute for Citizens & Scholars. No wonder the age and educational divide predict who votes for whom in any poll. No wonder we are about to lose our democracy because 60% of voters do not understand how worse it could be without it. This is a challenge for political messaging. Trump's defiance of the Constitution and the rule of law presents an opportunity for a national civics lesson. It is also important for anyone crafting a political message to take heed. An explanation in common terms must be part of any messaging of what it means and why it is important to all of us.
As part of Harvard's answer to Trump's retaliation and revenge campaign for not bowing to him, Harvard is planning to offer a free online course on American civics and the Constitution.
So here is lesson one: What the heck is due process?
We are now aware of a term we may not have learned in school: "due process".Why is due process so important? All persons in the US are protected by the 5th amendment of the Constitution. It protects us from being snatched and disappeared by a tyrannical government. That is why the Supreme ruled 9 to 0 that migrants are covered ..including Abrego Garcia. It is fundamental to our personal freedom from fear of an overpowering "King", tyrant, or dictator. The Abrego Garcia case is a learning opportunity.
The Google AI definition of due process: The Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause guarantees that the federal government cannot deprive individuals of life, liberty, or property without following fair legal procedures. This includes providing notice, a hearing, and a neutral decision-maker when the government is taking action that affects those fundamental rights. The Due Process Clause also limits the government's power to interfere with certain fundamental liberties, regardless of procedures followed.
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