Separation of powers that prevented the abuse of power. The rule of law as the executive tramples our Constitution. The spines of Congressional members who stand silent as the executive swallows their power. Freedom of the press, the fourth branch that exposes the corruption of the other three. Leadership in the world. Alliance with our world partners as we make friends of enemies. A belief that our country was above the blatant bribery, corruption and chaos of coups. A hope that we were learning from our past sins and sins of other countries that perpetrated Nazi atrocities and fascist evils against the human rights and humanity of others. Respect, honor and work toward world peace through our support for the sick and hungry. Freedom of religion that disallowed favoritism toward one religion. Right of bodily autonomy and the right to govern our own lives, to be whom we choose to be, not what someone else’s faith or bias dictates. The divine right of places of worship as sacred ground with the right to practice faith in good conscience, to welcome the stranger and give aid to the oppressed;The right of local communities to decide how they will educate their children, not overruled by a misinformed few. Liberty and justice for all as voices for diversity, equity and inclusion are silenced. We have lost so much in such short time. The United States of America: No RIP, no rest, no peace.

Suzanne Winchester

Concord