To the editor:

I’m getting tired with the news media, Democrats and some un-principled Republicans taking the United States of America down the road to despotism. These,so called experts and political wonks are following a philosophy that does not comport with the principles laid out in our Constitution. They continuously refer to our system of government as a “democracy.” Democracy, in it’s purest form, is mob rule.

We remained a republic under our Constitution up to 1913 when it was crippled by the 17th Amendment. The effectiveness of a two house legislature at the Federal level was destroyed. House of Representatives are elected by the people and the and Senators were “appointed” by each of the State Legislatures. The 17th Amendment, whereby, Senators are elected by popular vote by the people has removed the voice of each of the States at the Federal level. Incidentally, 1913 was the same year that the 16th Amendment was ratified. (Federal taxation).

In just over 100 years since, we have been involved in two world wars, Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq, Afghanistan, multiple depressions, and a debt of trillions of dollars. We also have agencies filled with unelected bureaucrats implementing and enforcing rules, regulations and fines with no accountability. Lobbyists have more control over US Senators than do the people.

I dream of the day when legal American citizens will open their eyes and realize we are less a country of freedom and liberty and are being ruled by a federal government that is heading toward a more socialistic/communist state.

Roger Baumann

Wabasso