I want to take this opportunity to thank the American Legion and City officials for giving me the honor of being Grand Marshal at the 4th of July parade. Driving down the streets lined people of all ages and ethnic differences made this old heart swell with gratitude for what this city has provided since coming here 13 years ago. 

Park Rapids and other small cities and towns across our country are a significant part of the cultural fabric binding us all in essential services to keep our nation safe and prosperous. Additionally, areas like our lake country provide welcome relief to city dwellers escaping the traffic and busy environment inherent in their lives.

Sadly, this 4th of July also marks a very significant departure in our country’s future as major legislation signed into law that day threatens to upend our national security, economic stability, health and education etc. as no other legislation has since the birth of our nation and democratic roots. Our great founding documents, the Declaration Independence and Constitution, were written to be fountainhead of all laws and enforcing government structures designed to ensure no individual nor small group can ever gain control over the democratic form of government we now enjoy. 

The constitution has been torn to shreds, with the exception of the second amendment’s right to own firearms of every variety, since the ultimate protectors of this crucial document in our democracy are the President and the Supreme Court.  Both swore to defend it against all challenges. Then the Supreme Court abdicated their responsibility by giving the president “immunity” for “official” acts such as those contained in many “executive” orders which bypass the legitimate lawmaking processes.

The 4th of July bill is rife with violations against the best interests of the United States so it is safe to say a deluge of new “executive orders” will pass virtually unchallenged by the courts, our last line of defense against tyranny and dictatorship. When this monstrous legislation takes effect, we will be without the guardrails of law we’ve enjoyed for our lifetimes.

While putting healthcare, public education etc. at risk by relegating federal responsibility to the states, there is one budget line that makes the U.S. a police state. The funding line for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exceeds the funding of any other law enforcement agency and they have much less to do except harass and deport people who may not have legal status. There are no immigration problems our current agencies can’t handle.  The loud statements about dangerous criminals entering and committing heinous crimes are lies meant to enflame a significant number of angry voters.

ICE is, in reality, Trump and Stephen Miller’s own army with no guardrails to contain their hatred against whoever disagrees with them. Ugh. You may see it firsthand at the midterm elections if we have them, by masked, black suit thugs standing inside the voting places targeting Democrats. Best we vote by mail.

Lee Purrier

Park Rapids, Minn.