Imperialism is defined as “ruling or having authority of a sovereign state over its dependencies.”

First, President Barack Obama has ignored our constitution and has allowed aliens to cross our borders and overwhelm our schools and hospitals.

Clearly, those in power in Richmond have been watching and taking notes.

Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced his intention to ignore the policy that every governor of Virginia prior to him has followed in regard to restoring the rights of citizenship to those who have been convicted of a felony.

Our nation and Virginia have been served by representative government.

We must fight all that would take power into their own hands. We need leaders, not imperial rulers.

Frank Ruff, a Republican, represents Lunenburg County in the Virginia Senate. His email address is Sen.Ruff@verizon.net.