Shakespeare’s often repeated — and mostly misunderstood — line in Henry VI, Part II is particularly relevant today. Forty years ago, former Justice John Paul Stevens explained that “Shakespeare insightfully realized that disposing of lawyers is a step in the direction of a totalitarian form of government.” President Trump apparently agrees. In the first month of his presidency, he has fired nearly all Inspectors General, fired and replaced key lawyers in the Department of Justice and has now fired the key Judge Advocates General in the military branches. He has also fired most of the top generals in the military. In short, he has purged all those in the government who would stand in his way.

The “rule of law,” may seem to be a vague concept. But tell that to the thousands of federal employees who have lost their jobs without due process, those who are being deported without due process or those who in the future may be told “do what we want or we will prosecute you.” If you support the president, imagine a world in which a president of a different party applies the same misuse of the legal system. For those who would so easily give up the protections of the rule of law, there’s a simple message: “You could be next.”

I have practiced law for more than 50 years. I have never been so worried about this country. If you are not worried, you’re not paying attention.

Bill Glahn

Concord