Come November, the American people will have the chance to

In the words of Donald Trump, "Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence. Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first. They will have the chance to reject today's rule by the global elite, and to embrace real change that delivers a government of, by and for the people," we are confronted with the age-old question of sovereignty, freedom, and the power of the people to shape their own future. Trump’s statement echoes a deep and timeless longing for self-determination and the rejection of outside forces that seek to undermine the will of the people. In his words, there is a call to action—a reminder that the people themselves hold the power to create change, to reshape their own destiny.

This notion of self-determination is not new; it is a foundational principle that has guided many of the world’s greatest civilizations. In ancient Greece, the idea of the polis—a self-governing city-state—was paramount. Athenians believed that they, not kings or foreign powers, should determine their own fate. They declared their independence through the establishment of democratic institutions, where every citizen had a voice. The very concept of democracy as we know it today was born from the ancient Greeks’ belief that the people should govern themselves, not be ruled by a distant or elite class. Trump’s call to re-declare independence is, in essence, a return to these ancient principles—the idea that true power lies with the people and that they alone should control their future.

Trump’s emphasis on rejecting the rule of the global elite speaks to a recurring theme in history: the battle between the common people and those who hold power from afar, disconnected from the needs of the masses. This struggle has played out in countless societies, from the rise of Roman plebeians against the patricians, to the French Revolution, where the people rose up against the aristocracy that had long ruled over them. The cry for equality and the demand for a government that serves the common good has been heard throughout the ages. In the context of Trump’s words, this battle continues, as he suggests that the American people have the power to reject the influence of those who govern without regard for their needs.

Consider the story of Cincinnatus, the Roman general and statesman who is often cited as a model of virtue and selflessness. Cincinnatus was called from his farm to serve as dictator during a time of crisis, but once the threat was quelled, he relinquished his power and returned to his simple life. His actions represented the ideals of Roman Republic—the belief that power should be held in trust by the people, and that leaders should serve the public good rather than personal ambition. In this way, Cincinnatus symbolizes the kind of leadership that Trump is invoking: a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people, with leaders who prioritize the welfare of citizens over the influence of elite factions.

Trump's call for real change that delivers a government of, by, and for the people is a reflection of the ancient principle of just governance. The Romans built their republic on the idea that government must reflect the will of the citizens, with checks and balances to prevent any one group from seizing too much power. Likewise, in America, the Founding Fathers enshrined this principle in the Constitution, establishing a system that allowed for the people to have a voice through their representatives. This framework, rooted in the ideals of self-rule, ensures that the government remains accountable to the people and that no elite group can dominate the political landscape. Trump’s statement echoes this belief, reminding Americans that they hold the power to shape their future and can reject the influence of those who seek to maintain power from the shadows.

The lesson in Trump’s quote is one of empowerment and participation. It is a call to action for every individual to take ownership of their role in shaping the course of their nation. Throughout history, the greatest revolutions and transformations have come when the people stood up and declared that they would no longer be subject to distant rulers or elite interests. Whether in the streets of Paris, where the people stormed the Bastille in the name of liberty, or in the American Revolution, where colonists fought for independence from British rule, the voice of the people has been a powerful force for change. Trump’s call is a modern echo of this ancient tradition: that independence, sovereignty, and freedom can only be achieved when the people actively participate in the process of governance.

In our own lives, we must recognize the power we hold to create change. Whether in politics, business, or personal endeavors, we must understand that action is the key to shaping our future. Sitting idly by and allowing others to dictate the terms of our existence is a form of self-surrender. Instead, we must take up the mantle of agency, making deliberate choices that reflect our values and priorities. Just as Nasser called for independence from foreign influence, and Mandela called for freedom from oppression, we too must recognize that freedom is not just a right—it is a responsibility to actively engage in the world around us.

Let us take this lesson forward into our own lives: the future is not set by fate or the whims of distant elites, but by our actions and our engagement in the present. Empowerment comes from participation, and the true essence of freedom lies in the understanding that we must always fight for the right to shape our destiny. Just as the ancient peoples rose to challenge the forces that sought to hold them back, so too must we continue the struggle for a world that reflects our collective will, a government that works for us all.