This is an open letter to Republicans who are following [president] Trump like sheep, and to Democrats and Independents who are still trying to figure out what’s next. What will you do to prevent the destruction of this country?
Senators and Representatives are charged with acting to preserve the USA and its precious democracy, as testified in their installation oath to follow the Constitution. Although I may not be one of your direct geographical constituents, my citizenship allows me — forces me — to communicate with anyone in Congress. The assaults on democracy, institutions, legal aliens and federal employees are cruel, vindictive, unjust and unnecessary.
Every day, Trump is shredding pieces of this country and throwing them away. To save money? RIDICULOUS! It's like cutting down all the trees to save a forest when the disease is the shredder, not the trees. It is time to develop enough courage to listen to the American people and DO SOMETHING!
Trump is the opposite of presidential. He demonstrates negative traits easily witnessed. He is not a leader. He has no moral vision. He cares nothing for people or organizations which have historical and beneficial characteristics and have enriched our culture. He cares nothing about his insulting behavior to leaders of other countries or their people. He is both a liar and a hypocrite. He is vindictive and does not accept responsibility for being wrong. He is angry at anyone who does not agree or expresses a different viewpoint. He is self-indulgent, thoughtless and ignorant.
As a result, he attempts to diminish others or he gets rid of them with falsehood and insult. He recently proclaimed that “America is a fat, dumb and foolish country." Perhaps – for electing him – but he should look in the mirror! How insulting and outrageous for someone who claims to love America! He seems to think he can do or say anything because he believes he is (or wants to be) king! This is not a kingdom! This is a democracy with Senators and Representatives who are charged with serving the needs of their constituents; i.e., PUBLIC SERVANTS! That representation is supposed to be for everyone -- whether they believe in or follow similar ideologies -- whether they live in wealth or in poverty – from wherever their ancestors came. We are suddenly learning how little politicians seem to care and how reluctant they are to make waves.
Congress is like the third leg of a table that balances the leadership of this country to be reciprocally accountable. Where is their courage to do the job for which they were elected? There are graver concerns than Trump’s narcissistic personality. Our legal system, checks and balances, national security, and influence in the world are no longer at risk – THEY ARE BROKEN!
There is no trust in the Department of Justice because the it accepts his lies and fails to hold him responsible. Laws, rules and norms are abandoned and orders by the Courts are ignored. Other departments are being led by wealthy sycophants who are actually causing great harm (prevent or cure measles with Vitamin A – REALLY?). News media, colleges and universities are being intimidated. Effective leaders in various governmental departments, upon which we depend, have been fired, leaving a legacy of fear and a dearth of expertise among the remainder. Staffing is reduced irrationally so work cannot be done successfully.
Trump is listening to phony influencers (such as Elon Musk, Peter Navarro, Stephen Miller and Laura Loomer) who have little or no knowledge of, or experience in, government and who foster no beneficial purpose for the nation. Our political enemies (internal and external) are on a joy ride because of the chaos, poor decisions, and negative consensus. Business leaders are living with unrelenting anxiety but are afraid to speak out because of likely retribution.
The economy is in free-fall and Trump’s promises to reduce prices remain unfulfilled. Trump has imagined he can take extraordinary measures to “protect” the US from violence and fraud, but he is creating an environment that can actually lead to the same and a new type of war! Perhaps this is purposeful so he can declare martial law and abandon democracy thoroughly. Some of these actions are outright illegal and impeachable!
Congress, do something! If one person can be assaulted and deported “by mistake” while others have been suddenly taken off the streets, kidnapped and deported to places which are suspiciously secret and unsafe, all without explanation or legal process, what else can happen? NO ONE IS SAFE! Your loved ones are in danger too! What will you do then? How much threat will encourage you to be courageous? DO SOMETHING! It is past time when the US Congress should be taking a stand about what is right and what is wrong. Trump is indifferent to right and wrong, good and evil, as evidenced by his lies about the 2020 election and his multiple felony convictions.
The world watched as Trump committed treason January 6, 2021, and he should be in jail for any or all of the aforementioned. It is shameful for a convicted felon to be President of the United States and the current situation is abysmal. AREN’T YOU ASHAMED? When something is bad or wrong, it is mandatory to say or do something to fix it. Ignoring only reinforces. THIS IS THE TIME to take responsibility for saving this country. Republicans are able to stop this insanity, vitriol and cruelty but seem unable to stand for what is right and good.
This begs the questions: What does Trump hold over their heads? What are they expecting to earn for misplaced loyalty? Are they hoping to sit at his table in the new regime? Do they really imagine he will be loyal to them? WHAT ARE THEY (YOU) AFRAID OF? The fact is that doing nothing makes Congresspeople as guilty as Trump is of the malevolence he is bestowing on this country. They are allowing him to get away with illegal and immoral activities. Therefore, INACTION OR CONDONATION DEMONSTRATES THEIR OWN ILLEGAL AND IMMORAL BEHAVIOR.
If this continues, Congress too will soon be out of a job – no matter what or who they think will be their salvation. Espoused Christian values will not save them when they are flouting the values of Christianity and every other faith. Trump is tearing this country apart, embedding fear, hate and corruption. His actions are making people sick! Families are in turmoil! There will be some who commit suicide and others who will simply die as a result. And there is nowhere to escape. It feels like no one cares. WHAT WILL YOU DO TO PREVENT THE DESTRUCTION OF THIS COUNTRY?
Katie Delaney, Keene, New Hampshire
Cosignatories:
Áine deDanaan, Keene, New Hampshire
Lewis Whittum, Keene, New Hampshire
Terri O’Rorke, Keene, New Hampshire