Letter to DEMAND IMPEACHMENT

Here's my (believe it or not, slightly shortened) draft letter to members of both the House and Senate, of both parties, regarding the constitutional emergency and the need to impeach Trump. I don't know that I will send to every one, but I will be sending it out to members I think just might be receptive. 

As a concerned U.S. citizen, I feel compelled to write about what I perceive as a burgeoning and accelerating constitutional crisis precipitated by President Donald J. Trump's actions and those of his administration, under his direction. My appeal to you is founded in objective fact, transcending political ideology and even policy itself. It is rooted in simple patriotism, love and concern for our republican form of government, and a fundamental commitment to our nation's constitutional framework established in the 1789 Constitution. I feel sure that as an elected representative, you must share these concerns.

Clear evidence shows that the current administration has repeatedly disregarded the constitutional oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constituiton. That Constitution explicitly requires that the president "take care that the Laws be faithfully executed" (Art. II, Sec. 3). This includes his brazen attempt to end birthright citizenship, a right unequivocally set out in the 14th Amendment. Moreover, the administration has unquestionably and explicitly attempted to circumvent the legislative powers of Congress by impounding approved funds and even effectively eliminating established federal agencies, jeopardizing both American lives and our economic stability, in clear violation of both case law and statutory law.

The unilateral imposition of outsize tariffs, ostensibly under authority specifically enacted for temporary national security emergencies, is a significant misapplication of these statutes, intended for scenarios far removed from those being addressed. This misuse of power illustrates a fundamental disregard for the legislative oversight intended by our laws. Certainly there was never intent that the president would be free to start a massive trade war with our closest allies and neighbors. Such actions imperil not only our prosperity but our national security.

The list of constitutional breaches, including violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause (Art. I, Sec. 9) and credible allegation of actual bribery, points to a pattern of behavior that, in my view, warrants impeachment. (Wired; reliable reports that oligarchs have paid $1 million and more to meet with Trump to attempt to obtain influence). This can only be seen as bribery, an explicit ground for impeachment. In every case, this administration's actions constitute a major turn toward autocracy, underscored by attempts to suppress voter turnout and disseminate misinformation on a mass scale. Our republic is in grave danger.

Given these concerns, I urge Congress to initiate articles of impeachment against President Trump. This action is imperative to uphold the integrity of our government and to reassure the American public of the enduring strength of our democratic institutions. Even if there is scant chance of immediate success, we must begin to develop the momentum necessary to make change. I believe there is growing alarm among already a majority of Americans for the future of our country and our Constitution. Only removal of this would be elected king can ensure their survival.

I choose to withhold my name not out of anonymity but to underscore the gravity of my concerns about potential retaliation against dissenting voices. Even Republican members of Congress have received threats from self-described supporters of the administration.

Thank you for considering this urgent appeal to safeguard our constitutional democracy.

Sincerely,

An American Citizen

 

.............

RESIST. BOYCOTT.
ORGANIZE. CONTRIBUTE.

NEVER GIVE UP. 
DEMAND IMPEACHMENT.