Clear and obvious signs of concern Harry Harelik: Clear and obvious signs of concern for our nation

There has always been an educated understanding that the safety of the American democratic republic was dependent on no one person or unelected group having unlimited decision making over administrative issues, and that checks and balances between the three branches of would support a representative government. Elected representatives served to guarantee that no president could make extreme decisions without the oversight of Congress. The Supreme Court, likewise, had the power to decide legal issues of import, which could serve to protect the civil rights of the American public.

Further, long established law limited the use of American military efforts domestically and internationally without congressional approval. The Department of Justice and Federal Reserve operated in a strictly nonpartisan, independent manner, and educational institutions from early childhood to university and postsecondary education were independent of political pressure. Public broadcasting organizations were trusted purveyors of the truth; freedom of speech and freedom of the press were highly valued arenas of civil liberties.

One might wonder if any vestige of these historical beliefs remains in place today.

Congress, for instance, seems unable to defend itself from or block the actions of the executive branch of government. The Supreme Court has moved to lift restrictions on the executive branch, embellishing its power. Currently, the executive branch is ignoring and defying judicial rulings and directions. The Department of Education is being dismantled and universities are being sued or threatened over their efforts to support freedom of speech and longstanding programs toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Newspapers, bastions of truth telling, are being threatened and sued over publications of stories unflattering to the executive branch. Military leadership has been threatened if it is not in line with executive branch policies.

The recent deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, a horror to anyone regardless of political persuasion, will not be investigated by the Department of Homeland Security nor by the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, as directed by the executive branch.

The military, under direction of the executive branch, has been ordered to investigate U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a valued and heralded former military officer and astronaut, because of his published remarks reminding currently serving military men and women that they should not follow orders which are illegal. Those serving the United States sign an oath to protect and serve under the laws of the United States; they are required to avoid illegal activities. For a sitting United States senator to be investigated for utilizing his freedom of speech is almost unprecedented, sending a chilling warning - the point of the effort - to anyone serving or having served in the military that they dare not question orders.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a target of the executive branch because he disagreed with the president over lowering interest rates, has been threatened with legal action. This resembles a veiled threat to future Fed chairs that the independence of the Federal Reserve is in question. The whole point of an independent central bank is to keep the U.S. economy on an even keel and not subject to the whims of anyone, educated or not, who has questionable judgment or stands to be personally enriched by monetary policy decisions.

The suggestion by the current executive branch of government to take Greenland away from Denmark, a NATO ally, and for it to join the United States is in question. Thankfully at least some in Congress are finally pushing back. But the damage done to our relationships with NATO allies, initially threatened with tariffs for not supporting the idea, is formidable. If the U.S. were to leave NATO, electively or by punitive vote, U.S. credibility around the world would be lessened and access to NATO bases throughout Europe would be in danger. Surveys suggest a large majority of the U.S. population oppose threats to other countries' sovereignty, and many congressional representatives are distraught over this effort. It is an example of unchecked power that can be forced on the American public without historical checks and balances.

The United States is only protected from extremists, right or left, if the balance of power between American branches of government is maintained. Through 250 years of American existence, one would be hard pressed to find anyone with intelligence and education, regardless of political perspective, who believes the checks and balances of power in the United States government are no longer important. As British historian Lord Acton suggested some 140 years ago, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Voters and their elected representatives must speak out, vote and open their eyes to obvious excesses of unchecked power. President Donald Trump, on Jan. 6, 2021, suggested to his supporters that "if you don't fight like hell, you won't have a country anymore." While directing his remarks to his supporters, who later attempted to stop constitutional election certification processes, now those who continue to support proper checks and balances without intimidation and retribution should heed that warning.

The strength of democratic processes and civil rights in this country may truly be at stake.

Harry Harelik, a native Wacoan, has worked as a self-employed CPA, foundation executive director and a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. He is a member of the Tribune-Herald Board of Contributors.