At important date, perilous times

At age 82, I live in fear everyday, not because of immigrants living in the United States. I live in fear because I no longer see the balance of power in Washington, D.C. Governing has become a one-man show. The power of a few men has taken control over the Supreme Court, Congress and the Presidency.

My heart was heavy when the president renamed the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The president talked about taking Canada and invading Greenland for its strategic territory. (Cooperative agreements are in place.)

In the last few days, we have held our breath, as the President boasted about blowing up an ancient civilization, Iran (Persia).

During most of my life, America has worked with Congress, Cabinet leaders and NATO before making major war decisions.

Bombing a country to oblivion is not a video game.

Aggression leads to more aggression. Paralyzing a country or a territory does not solve problems. It creates hatred and desire to respond and inflict pain. Those who suffer most are the civilians and children that lose everything including their lives.

Common-sense governing is dead in America. Greed, fear, corruption, anger and a desire to replace democracy with autocracy and fascism has taken its place. As a country, we are on the eve of our 250 years as a democracy. We are living in precarious and sad times. My heart is heavy that instead of solving world and USA problems, we now create them.

Betty Baum

West Dundee