Embrace America’s pillars of strength, not deceipt, when choosing our leaders – Ann Gardner

Many years ago, a few people came up with a philosophy which was solidified by Rush Limbaugh by what he called and “preached” as the “Four corners of Deceit.” This philosophy said: don’t trust the government, science, academia or the media. Many warned that this was a misguided and very dangerous philosophy, but many others took the idea, embraced it and ran with it. Today we are reaping the devastating whirlwind of this philosophy.
Those that embraced the 4 corners of deceit saw Donald Trump as someone who had nothing to do with the government and therefore could be a “refreshing” new leader. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is a wealth hungry, power-seeking con artist that took advantage of their philosophy as an opening to advance his own selfish desires to become a dictator. Like the snake in the Jungle Book, he told the people, “Trust in me. Trust in me. I will give you what you want.” He went on to trample our laws and ignore human rights. He is the judge, jury and executioner. In the past, if a boat was suspected of carrying drugs, it was boarded by a team from our military, usually the Coast Guard, searched, the drugs confiscated and the suspects arrested and then given a fair trial. Venezuela was invaded without congressional approval. He has alienated and threatened our allies and hosted and entertained dictators.
Our legislature is in lockstep with Trump’s administration. They are preparing to slide Project 2025 into place. This project is driven by Christian Nationalism which is very exclusive. It has no room for Jews, Hindus, Muslims or any other religion. Our nation was founded on religious freedom. Diversity has been a wonderful part of our nation! Now DEI is banned in our state. Higher Education is under attack. Taxpayers’ money is taken from public schools and given to private ones. Nationally science has been defunded. You can see how the “Four corners of Deceit” philosophy has taken its toll on our nation.
I believe that the “Four corners of Deceit” are, in reality, America’s Four Pillars of Strength.

1. Representative Government. It is of the people, by the people and for the people. We have a representative government where we elect people we believe would best represent us. We used to work across the aisle to come up with good solutions to try to help all. Our government makes (or used to make) the U.S. powerful in good ways guided with intelligence, wisdom, understanding and compassion.
2. Science. Science is an effort to find the truth through research and study to help people in our society have better lives.
3. Academia. Education, both public and higher education, is an effort to bring knowledge, understanding, wisdom and truth to the world.
4. Media. Freedom of speech and Freedom of the press are essential to a free country.
   The Four Pillars of Strength make our nation strong, wise, compassionate and a friend to all the free world!