The people have spoken. Our democracy is secure. Congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump and a very special thanks to the millions upon millions of voters who ensured the 2024 election’s outcome is beyond dispute.
Vice President Kamala Harris has conceded. Trump is the definitive winner and will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2025. Regular constitutional order has prevailed.
There will be no frivolous lawsuits contesting the outcomes of individual state elections; no recounts; no claims the election was rigged or stolen; no legal challenges with possible appeals all the way to the Supreme Court; no questioning of the legitimacy of Electoral College votes.
The Republicans will control the executive branch. They will likely also dominate both houses of Congress. Between January 2025 and the 2026 midterms, Republican elected officials no doubt will effectively respond to the chief challenge of democratic governance: establishing an appropriate balance between individual liberty and equality of opportunity. Once that equitable balance is in place, solid conservative governance on behalf of all the people will be ensured.
Conservative principles will guide the GOP’s decisions and actions:
(1) Character counts. (2) Minimally regulated markets best ensure fair competition and human flourishing. (3) The U. S. Constitution unites us as a people dedicated to the rule of law. (4) Since a centralized, remote, and powerful federal government poses a major threat to individual liberty, the smaller the government, the better. (5) A strong police force and military are safeguards for domestic tranquility and international peace.
With solid conservative principles as their guides, Republican officials will govern wisely. Rest assured, all Americans — whatever their economic status, race or creed — will flourish as seldom before in our nation’s history.
Andrew Bjelland, Salt Lake City
