One of the great qualities of democracy is that it enables people in no position of power to express freely how they feel about matters relating to how their lives are affected when decisions by authorities of the day are perceived to be tailor-made for political advantage rather than being geared to improve life for all people, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious persuasion.

Throughout the United States and around the world, there is mounting concern about the strange and bizarre political antics of the new US administration. These concerns are not only baffling to experts, but have captured the attention of many people who normally do not focus on activities in that nation’s capital.

Perhaps this age of mass communication operating 24/7 has something to do with people from all walks of life taking more interest in how governments conduct their affairs, especially in situations where questions arise about honesty, credibility and respect for truth.

Political stability within a country billed as the leader of the free world is seen as crucial, as the world continues to be deeply concerned about the threat of terrorism from extremist groups operating mainly in the Middle East, but with tentacles that have penetrated countries around the world via a cyberspace recruiting system. It is that lone wolf syndrome that worries officials in countries considered potential targets of attack by extremist groups, including America.

Of increasing concern is the unpredictable North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who persists in carrying out missile tests believed to be aimed at having the ability to deliver a nuclear strike on American soil. Kim has already made that objective known, even though such an act would mean the end of his regime, which would be no military match for America and its allies. No right-thinking person would want any type of warfare between nations with nuclear weapons, remembering the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which left hundreds of thousands dead and wounded, and signalled the end of the Second World War.

Apart from the North Korean threat, in addition to trouble spots in the Middle East, reports have surfaced that the son of Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US forces, has vowed to avenge his father’s death with a savage strike in the US. These reports are being watched very closely by the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security.

With the new administration under Donald Trump in the grip of controversy to the point of one official describing the White House as being in a downward spiral, and scrambling to find a way to stop the fall, the situation is not good.

The trail of disturbing issues that have plagued the White House since Trump took office has generated reaction throughout the United States and around the world, and the political skirmish still raging over the firing of James Comey as director of the FBI, allegedly over the continuing investigations into potential collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign during the presidential election is far from cooling.

Apart from the almost-daily explosive revelations that rock the very inner workings of the White House, President Trump recently disclosed information with Russian officials at the White House that was deemed as highly classified to a point where it is feared that lives could be in danger in countries connected with that information. The President defended his actions, saying he had every right to share information about terrorism and air travel safety with the Russians.

However, another major political storm erupted when top news services, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, revealed they had confirmation about a memo from the fired FBI director in which he states that the President wanted him to cease investigating Michael Flynn, his former adviser.

Flynn’s Russian ties were known by the FBI and that put him on the radar of the investigation. A bigger part of this whole picture is that the White House has been so bogged down in damage control that Washington itself has come under the spotlight with people expecting both Democrats and Republicans to play a more direct role in dealing with an administration that appears to have lost its way.

It is troubling for people around the world, including Bermuda, which has always has a magnificent relationship with America and no doubt will continue to do so for many years to come, irrespective of who is president.

The world knows there are millions of wonderful Americans who care deeply about honesty and credibility, even in the nation’s highest office. They also know that no one, including the President of the United States, is above the law.

Perhaps hope really lies in having an independent prosecutor conduct a full investigation into the potential involvement of Russia in the elections and allowing the facts to dictate the outcome. It is a testing time for America but there are sufficient good people willing to stand up for doing the right thing to keep that nation strong.