BILL: Time to act now

None of us — Republicans, Democrats or Independents — want to live in a dictatorship. That’s what we’re facing, though, if the so-called Big Beautiful Bill passes.

One section essentially states that any governmental person or entity would be able to ignore a court order. The courts would lose their ability to enforce its orders; there would be no contempt of court. As a result, the last restraint on the power of the Trump administration — the judicial branch — would be gone, since Congress has done nothing to hold the administration accountable. The Constitution’s separation of powers and the checks and balances, written into the Constitution nearly 250 years ago, would be eviscerated.   

How would this affect you and I? We could be jailed or deported for doing or saying anything that the Administration didn’t like. And we would have no legal recourse. No protection from an oppressive government. Our freedoms and liberties taken. Tyranny would rule. 

We have many challenges to face in this country, including addressing our soaring deficit and debt. But these need to be addressed in a democracy, not a dictatorship or a fascist state.  

Now is the time to act: email, write or call Senators Crapo and Risch to eliminate this section of the bill. Before July 4, when the bill is expected to be voted on. 

Literally, our democracy and freedoms hang in the balance.  

WILLIAM SCOTT IRVING

Coeur d’Alene