Did you know we have a semiquincentennial next year? Say it proudly, because 2026 will mark America’s founding 250 years before, on July 4, 1776. In 2026, there’s also an election for 33 U.S. senators and all U.S. representatives in Congress; 2026 could be a year of celebrating democracy, voters and elections.

However, on Jan. 27, Donald Trump’s acting attorney general illegally fired the prosecutors who worked on the January 6 and classified documents prosecutions against Trump. Trump had previously illegally fired inspectors general who guard against fraud, abuse and conflicts of interest in federal agencies.

He’s assembling his own personal militia by pardoning nearly 1,600 convicted insurrectionists, including those who violently attacked and injured police on Jan. 6. He’s talked about running for a third term, even illegally dispensing with elections altogether.

Trump is violating the law to test how far he can go before there is opposition. The administration has signaled its intentions by taking down the White House’s online link to the U.S. Constitution. As legendary reporter Dan Rather says, “The silence of critics is essential to the growth of authoritarian power.”

If you want to celebrate our 250th birthday next year, speak up now to oppose Trump. Get active with a pro-democracy organization. Tell members of Congress to stop his grab for power. Read “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.”

Do not obey in advance. Stay informed. Defend the rule of law. Let’s save our country. Onward!

LAURIE CAPLAN

Astoria