Although Marie Antoinette, wife of King Louis XVI, never said, “Let them eat cake,” the phrase became linked to her because it captured the extreme inequality and vast economic divide that helped drive the French Revolution from 1789 to 1799. Her lavish lifestyle at the palace of Versailles , with its gold leaf, glass and mirrors throughout most rooms stood in stark contrast to the poverty endured by much of the French population. Marie and the king were executed by the guillotine in 1793. Why is this information relevant? President Trump’s legacy is focused on redesigning the White House, including extensive gold leaf accent, gold statues and monuments bearing his name, a massive renovation of the East Wing ballroom featuring gold fixtures throughout and other projects reminiscent of King Louis VXI’s opulent palace. Taxpayers fund most of these projects even as many Americans face rising costs for groceries, housing, energy, gasoline and medical care. This contrast between government grandeur and household hardship echoes the divide between France’s aristocracy and its impoverished population a long time ago. Why does this matter? It reflects President Trump’s failure to honor his oath to serve the American people rather than pursue his own interests at their expense. Unlike the harsh responses to injustice in other countries, American democracy offers peaceful and humane ways to address government failures. The Constitution provides remedies when a presidential administration imposes undue hardship, but those safeguards depend on the executive branch’s willingness to obey the law. What can ordinary citizens do when an administration defies court orders? Because government derives its power from the people, citizens ultimately have the authority to hold an abusive administration accountable, but how should they exercise that power? Fortunately, congressional and presidential elections give citizens regular opportunities — every two and four years, respectively — to address harm caused by the executive and legislative branches. However, when one political party controls both the presidency and Congress, safeguards against abuse can be seriously weakened. Currently, Republican majorities in the House and Senate appear willing to neglect their oversight duties and constituents’ needs to advance the president’s agenda. Now is the time for citizens to exercise their political power to address the critical issues affecting their well-being. The upcoming November midterm elections give ordinary citizens an opportunity to pursue peaceful change at the ballot box, an option that was unavailable to impoverished French citizens of yesteryear. Let us hope that America has learned from their past and to address our present economic concerns do not become a full-scale recession or worse yet, a depression. Be sure to voice your opinion and vote for the candidates of your choice. John White Midway The post Let them eat cake! appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less