In the 17th century, Louis XIV, the king of France and Navarre, allegedly said, “L’Etat, c’est moi” (“I am the state” — literally, “the state is me”). He made this declaration in defiance with the Parliament, marking his absolute autocratic rule and monarchy.
Every aspect and element of the current political and presidential drama suggests that Trump is doing all he can to emulate King Louis. One thing he cannot accomplish in this context is the 72 years Louis sat on the throne, but two terms in office may be enough to thoroughly complete his destabilization and possibly eradication of government agencies.
Ironically, the rule of law — the very thing he abhors and refuses to abide by — has relieved him of prosecution. A sitting president is immune to punishment for breaking the law and cannot be prosecuted. Sacre bleu!
Related: EDITORIAL: Trump – He too shall pass!
All of this brings to mind another king: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who stands in direct contrast to all the forthcoming edicts from the president-elect. It was good to hear Dr. Bernice King, the great leader’s youngest child, put the moment in historical and emotional context. “I’m glad that if it was going to happen,” she said of Trump’s inauguration falling on her father’s holiday, “… because Dr. King is still speaking to us. We cannot retreat or recoil. We have to commit ourselves to continuing the mission of protecting freedom, justice, and democracy in the spirit of my father.”
She was among countless Americans who had pinned their hopes on Vice President Harris and “not someone who’s spewing hateful rhetoric, who’s not been very kind-hearted, and whose policies are not humane in their approach,” she added, without mentioning Trump”s name.
Stating who he is and what he represents needs no mention of his name, just as most readers understand the difference between a King of unequivocal honesty, of unimpeachable integrity, and a would-be king.