by Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District
In Texas, a judge has just expanded a restraining order against Beto O’Rourke and his group, Powered by People, forbidding them from sending money or property out of the state to support Democratic lawmakers. These lawmakers left Texas to stop a Republican redistricting scheme that would strip communities of their fair representation.
Think about that. A political group is being legally barred from supporting elected officials who are standing up for democracy. This isn’t a simple court order—it’s a chilling sign of how Republicans are willing to weaponize the legal system to silence opposition. This is how authoritarianism creeps in: not with one big bang, but with a series of smaller steps that normalize suppression.
Republicans claim to be defending the law. But let’s be clear: they are making up rules when it suits them and ignoring those same rules when they get in the way. They demand Democrats face punishment for leaving the state, yet they themselves routinely bend and break democratic norms when drawing maps, blocking debate, or catering to special interests. They cry about “following the rules,” but only when it helps them hold onto power.
Here’s the truth: using restraining orders and threats of jail against political opponents isn’t democracy—it mirrors fascism. It’s the same strategy authoritarians use around the world: criminalize dissent, silence the opposition, and stack the courts to rubber-stamp it all. That’s not the America we’re supposed to be living in.
As your next congressman, I won’t sit back while Republicans abuse the system to crush opposition voices. I’ll fight to protect the right of every American to organize, speak out, and hold the powerful accountable. Our country is built on debate, disagreement, and the freedom to challenge those in charge—not on fear of jail or financial ruin for daring to oppose the ruling party.
If it can happen in Texas, it can happen anywhere. Missouri deserves better. America deserves better. And I’m ready to stand up in Congress to make sure it never happens here.
Quick Take: The government shouldn’t be using our troops as street cops. It’s a dangerous power grab, and Congress needs to stop it now.
We cannot stand by while our government threatens to turn our neighborhoods into war zones. Troops belong in disaster relief—not patrolling our streets or detaining civilians.
There’s a push underway to use the National Guard as law enforcement and even involve the military in immigration enforcement. This not only violates constitutional principles—it threatens our democracy and undermines public trust in our communities.
We must demand: No troops on our streets. No military role in immigration enforcement. The National Guard should remain focused on protecting citizens from floods, fires, and disasters—not being weaponized for political agendas.
Take action today: Sign and share the petition urging Congress to protect our communities and uphold democratic values.
By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District | August 10, 2025
When big money buys our politics, we lose our voice—and our democracy fractures. Citizens United unleashed this corporate cash flood, fueling divisive Super PACs and shadow spending that drown out regular Americans.
How Money Has Rigged Our Democracy
On January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on elections—striking down decades-old campaign finance limits. Today, outside spending has swelled from about $574 million in 2008 to approximately $3.3 billion in 2020, and $4.5 billion by 2024. (The Guardian, Brennan Center)
This gave birth to Super PACs and dark-money groups that funnel vast sums into politics—with little transparency.
The Cost: Division, Distrust, Policy For Sale
Big money rigged the rules, and the voters paid the price.
Citizens don’t trust government: Just 16 % of Americans say they trust Washington to do the right thing “always” or “most of the time.” (Builders Movement)
Policy favors the wealthy: Studies show economic elites and business interests drive policy, while average citizens have nearly zero influence when their views conflict. (Builders Movement)
Dark money fuels negativity: Outside groups hiding donors run more negative ads on social media and elsewhere, undermining accountability. (arXiv)
How I’ll Fight Back
I’m committed to restoring democracy—not handing it over to an oligarchy of billionaires.
1. A Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United. We need a new amendment—like the proposed “Saving American Democracy” or “We the People” amendments—that states only natural persons have constitutional rights and lets Congress and the states set reasonable campaign limits. (Wikipedia)
2. Strong Transparency Laws. I’ll back laws like the DISCLOSE Act to shed light on super PACs, 501(c) groups, and shadow spending—forcing disclosure of donors above certain thresholds. (Wikipedia)
3. Returning Political Power to the People. Campaign finance policy belongs with voters and legislators—not unelected judges. We’ll push for a “For Our Freedom Amendment” to ensure decisions on spending limits rest with the people. (Washington Post)
Conclusion
Money should never define our democracy—but unless we act, it will. I’m ready to take on Citizens United, expose dark money, and ensure that government answers to people, not millionaires. Join me—we’ll rebuild a democracy that works for all.
By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Missouri-4
When the Texas GOP tried to ram through another gerrymandered redistricting map—backed by Donald Trump himself—Democratic lawmakers did something bold: they walked out.
That’s right. They left the state to block a vote and protect the very heart of our democracy—your right to a fair vote. This wasn’t some political stunt. It was a last resort to stop a blatantly rigged map designed to give MAGA Republicans an unfair advantage in future elections.
Texans, you should be proud. Your Democratic lawmakers stood up and said: “Not on our watch.” While MAGA Republicans try to redraw the lines to silence your voice, these Democrats are fighting for you.
This isn’t just about Texas. This is about every state where MAGA extremists are using gerrymandering to claw their way back into power. If they can’t win fair, they’ll cheat. And if you think they won’t come for your district next, you haven’t been paying attention.
Redistricting should be fair. Voters should pick their politicians—not the other way around. This Trump-backed power grab would reshape the House map to favor Republicans by surgically packing Democratic voters into as few districts as possible. That means fewer choices, less representation, and more power for an unpopular movement that can’t win on its own merits.
This is what election interference looks like. Not with voting machines or foreign actors—but with a pen and a district map. It’s legal manipulation designed to rig the game before it even starts.
We should all be angry. No matter your party. Because if they can silence one voice, they can silence yours too.
When I’m elected as your congressman, I’ll fight to end partisan gerrymandering once and for all. I’ll back national standards that protect every American’s right to a fair vote—whether you live in Texas, Missouri, or anywhere else in this country.
Stand with the lawmakers who are standing for you. The Texas Democrats are the real patriots here—not the ones kissing Trump’s ring while carving up democracy behind closed doors.
Over the past few weeks, the Supreme Court has made decisions that help Donald Trump’s administration strengthen executive power. In multiple key cases, six conservative justices have outvoted the three liberals, weakening courts’ ability to check the president. Many of these rulings came in one-page orders without full explanations, hiding how and why the court sided with the White House. When judges stack power on one side, our system of checks and balances breaks down and the rule of law erodes .
Education Department Ruling
On July 14, 2025, the Supreme Court cleared the way for President Trump to cut nearly half of the Education Department’s staff. A lower court judge had blocked Trump’s plan to fire about 1,400 workers and move functions like student loans and special education to other agencies. By lifting that block, the court let Trump reshape a cabinet agency without Congress’s approval. Critics warn that students with low incomes or special needs could lose vital support if these duties leave the department .
What about Missouri Schools?
This change affects about 892,246 public school students in Missouri (fall 2023) and could leave only about 880,200 by fall 2025. With fewer workers, the department will struggle to enforce civil-rights rules or run programs like Title I funding, special education, and student loan help. Families in both rural and city areas may lose key support, making schools less fair and hurting Missouri students now and in the years ahead
Blocking Nationwide Injunctions and Birthright Citizenship
On June 27, 2025, the Court used a 6–3 vote to limit judges’ power to block Trump’s policies nationwide. In the birthright citizenship case, it ruled that judges can only protect the people who sue, not everyone in the country. That halted lower court orders that had paused Trump’s executive order ending citizenship for babies born to non-citizen parents. The decision did not rule on the policy’s legality, only on who can block it, effectively letting Trump push forward until more courts weigh in .
Other Key Cases
This term, the Supreme Court also backed other Trump moves. It let his administration resume deporting migrants to third countries without a hearing on harm. It upheld a ban on transgender people serving in the military. It allowed the government to freeze or cut payments to groups that carry out federal work. In each case, conservatives used a fast-track “shadow docket” process, leaving people with fewer legal options and speeding up the president’s agenda .
Undermining Congressional Power
The Court has also let Trump bypass rules set by Congress for independent agencies. It allowed him to fire two Democratic labor board members and paused a judge’s order to reinstate three Consumer Product Safety Commission officials. These watchdog agencies were created by lawmakers to protect the public. By siding with the president, the Court weakens Congress’s power to set terms and duties of these officials, giving the White House more control over agencies meant to stand guard over our rights .
Why This Matters
These rulings reshape Washington’s balance of power. By lifting blocks and narrowing who can challenge policies, the Court hands more power to the president and sidelines Congress. This breaks the Constitution’s plan for three branches to share authority. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the birthright decision a “travesty for the rule of law.” Legal experts warn that deciding by bare-majority orders without transparency erodes trust in all branches of government .
Public Support for Reform
Many Americans see the danger and want change. A recent Pew Research Center survey found 87% of adults favor term limits for members of Congress, and nearly 80% support age or term limits for Supreme Court justices. This broad agreement crosses party lines and shows voters know rules on service length help keep democracy healthy. Reforming term rules for judges and lawmakers is key to restoring balance and trust in government .
Conclusion and Possible Outcomes
If Supreme Court justices decide cases based on personal views instead of the Constitution, we risk:
Unchecked Power: The presidency could act without real limits.
Weakened Laws: Agencies and programs may be dismantled without Congress.
Loss of Trust: When courts side with power, people stop believing in justice.
Risk of Anarchy: With no faith in the system, some may break rules, leading to chaos.
Only 35% of Americans say they trust the judicial system, the lowest level ever recorded . To protect our republic, we must restore judges who follow the Constitution, not personal views. We need term limits for Supreme Court justices and all elected officials. This will help keep power balanced and ensure our courts serve the people — not one man’s power grab.
Support Our Campaign
Help restore checks and balances. Get involved today!
Since January 2025, President Trump has used his power to weaken checks on himself, change rules to make voting harder, fill top jobs with loyal but unqualified allies, pressure the Justice Department, and attack the press—moves that cut education jobs, threaten fair elections, and let politics override honest law enforcement, all of which can hurt small towns and farm families in rural Missouri. (Full article about a 5 minute read)
Since January 2025, President Trump has taken actions that weaken our democratic system. This report explains what he has done and why it matters, especially for rural Missourians.
1. Taking More Control in Washington
– New Executive Orders: Trump signed many orders giving the White House more power over federal agencies. This means fewer checks by Congress or judges.
– “Unitary Executive” Idea: He believes the president should control all parts of the government. Most presidents do not go this far.
– Court Rulings: The Supreme Court allowed some of these orders, like cutting thousands of Education Department jobs (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-supreme-court-clears-way-trump-gut-education-department-2025-07-14/).
2. Changing Election Rules
– Birthright Citizenship: Trump tried an executive order to end automatic citizenship for babies born in the U.S. Courts stopped it.
– New Voter Restrictions: He signed an order requiring extra ID for voter registration and threatened to cut funding to states if they handle mail ballots too flexibly.
– Threats to Local Control: He talked about sending federal agents to run cities like New York or Washington, D.C.
3. Mixing Politics and Law Enforcement
– Justice Department Shake-Up: Many experienced lawyers quit because they felt pressured to defend policies that break the law (The Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/exhausted-doj-team-defending-trump-in-court-hit-by-mass-exodus/).
– January 6 Pardons: Trump quickly pardoned about 1,500 people, many violent, involved in the Capitol attack.
– New FBI Leaders: He picked close allies for top jobs, replacing career agents who work independently.
4. Targeting Critics and the Media
– Limiting Press Access: Some reporters were blocked from White House briefings.
– Media Investigations: The Federal Communications Commission opened probes into outlets like NPR and PBS.
– Threats to Lawyers: The Justice Department warned law firms they could lose government work or security clearances if they sue the administration.
5. Who Is Helping?
Name
Role
Action
Pam Bondi
Attorney General
Disbanded FBI task forces
Kash Patel
FBI Director
Replaced independent agents
Dan Bongino
Deputy FBI Director
Appointed after pardons
Ed Martin
Acting U.S. Attorney (DC)
Pulled prosecutors from Jan. 6 cases
Brendan Carr
FCC Chair
Launched “news distortion” investigations
6. Why This Matters to Rural Missouri
– Local Schools: Cutting Education Department jobs can hurt programs that support rural schools.
– Voting Access: New ID rules and mail ballot threats can make it harder for farm families to vote.
Fair Treatment: When the DOJ changes leaders for politics, it can ignore crimes that affect rural communities, like drug trafficking or farm fraud.
7. Unqualified Cabinet Picks
Since January 2025, President Trump has filled key posts with former Fox News personalities who lacked the usual qualifications. For example, he tapped Pete Hegseth—a Fox & Friends host with no high-level military or Pentagon experience—as Secretary of Defense, even though Senator Thom Tillis warned he was “out of his depth” managing the Pentagon’s complex operations. Trump also chose Dan Bongino—a conservative podcaster and ex-Secret Service agent who’s never served in the FBI—as Deputy FBI Director, a role normally held by career agents. Reuters called the move “a slap in the face” to bureau professionals and noted Bongino’s lack of any FBI background. These picks show a preference for media loyalty over proven public-service expertise.
Conclusion
Trump’s actions since January 2025 show a clear pattern: he is using his power to weaken democratic safeguards. This slow shift toward more control at the top can become dangerous for everyday Americans, especially in rural areas that rely on fair rules and strong local voices.
References
US Supreme Court clears way for Trump to gut Education Department, Reuters, July 14, 2025: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-supreme-court-clears-way-trump-gut-education-department-2025-07-14/
DOJ Lawyers Quit in Droves After Being Ordered to Defend Trump, The Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/exhausted-doj-team-defending-trump-in-court-hit-by-mass-exodus/
What Is a Constitutional Crisis and Are We in One Under the Second Trump Administration?, Teen Vogue: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-a-constitutional-crisis-trump
Reuters, “Hegseth narrowly wins confirmation to become US defense secretary,” January 24, 2025: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hegseth-narrowly-wins-confirmation-become-us-defense-secretary-2025-01-25/
Reuters, “‘Slap in the face:’ Bongino appointment sends shockwaves through FBI,” February 27, 2025: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/slap-face-bongino-appointment-sends-shockwaves-through-fbi-2025-02-27/
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