No Kings, political extremism, and the test of American freedom beyond Donald Trump.

A nation can have compassion without surrendering its principles. And democracy means accepting that the people may elect someone you despise.

We keep talking about Donald Trump as though America’s political turmoil began with him and will end when he leaves office. I believe that misses the deeper problem: a political culture increasingly unwilling to tolerate the choices of those who disagree.

Look closely at what is happening beyond our borders.

In France, October 17 demonstrations turned violent in several cities. French officials blamed far-left extremists for some of the destruction, although most demonstrators were peaceful.

In Germany, suspected far-left extremists attacked Berlin’s electrical infrastructure in January, leaving tens of thousands without electricity. A group claiming responsibility invoked environmental concerns. What kind of compassion leaves families in darkness to advance a political cause?

Britain has its own radical-left networks, including Palestine Action, which a government-commissioned review associated with far-left activism. Britain has also experienced far-right violence, including the 2024 anti-immigration riots.
Different countries. Different grievances. But a recurring danger: political conviction becoming an excuse for intimidation or destruction.
Now look at America.

The No Kings demonstrations are supported by progressive organizations, including Indivisible and 50501, with Democratic Socialists participating in some communities.

Their organizers advocate peaceful demonstrations and legitimate elections. That distinction matters. But the movement’s political ambitions and its criticism of executive power raise questions that extend far beyond Donald Trump.

Will these same constitutional principles matter when someone they support occupies the White House?

And will Americans of every political persuasion accept the lawful choices of voters who disagree with them?

To me, the most dangerous political attitude is this: “You didn’t elect the person we wanted, so your choice doesn’t count.”

Democracy cannot survive that thinking, regardless of which political movement embraces it.

January 6, 2021, deserves scrutiny and condemnation for the violence and disruption of Congress. But that cannot excuse threats, sabotage, or destruction committed by anyone else.

The same consistency must apply to government authority.

During COVID-19, emergency restrictions and vaccination requirements raised legitimate constitutional questions alongside genuine public-health concerns. Government power deserves scrutiny regardless of which party exercises it.
And what about immigration and assimilation?

America was built by generations of people bringing different cultures, faiths, and traditions. Assimilation does not mean abandoning one’s heritage. It means respecting the laws, constitutional freedoms, democratic institutions, and civic responsibilities that allow us to live together.

Those obligations belong equally to newcomers and lifelong citizens.

A nation should not be expected to surrender its constitutional principles to accommodate those unwilling to respect them.

But neither should legitimate disagreement with government policy be confused with rejection of our country.

And then there is compassion.

I believe empathy is among humanity’s greatest qualities. But empathy cannot replace responsibility or sound judgment.

We must be able to discuss immigration enforcement, public spending, limited resources, and individual accountability without being accused of lacking humanity.

Compassion without responsibility can create dependence. Responsibility without compassion can become cruelty.

Our founders established a constitutional republic in which government derives its authority from the people, not the other way around.

The election on November 3 will determine who holds certain offices. It will not settle the larger question of whether Americans can respect one another’s freedoms.

Donald Trump will eventually leave office. That constitutional responsibility will remain.

America must outlive the politics of permanent dependence.

Government has a responsibility to serve the public, but it cannot replace the strength of families, the generosity of neighbors, the dignity of honest work, or the compassion freely extended by one human being to another.

America’s greatest inheritance is not a government that promises to take care of everyone. It is a free people with the independence to stand on their own, the responsibility to preserve their liberties, and the compassion to lift one another when life becomes difficult.

That is not merely the America we inherited. It is the America we have a responsibility to leave behind.