Revised Draft Letter to Congressional Representatives and Senators DEMANDING impeachment

Here's my revised draft letter. I might make slight customizations based on whether the recipient is a Representative or Senator, and of which party, but the core I think is here. By the way, my fear of retribution isn't, in my honest opinion, misplaced. I think they will eventually try to use the various powers of the state to suppress and punish dissent. But we are Americans. We must show the courage of our convictions. It is our sacred duty, no joking and no screwing around.  

As a concerned U.S. citizen, I feel compelled to petition you, as a representative in Congress, about the burgeoning and accelerating constitutional crisis precipitated by President Donald J. Trump and his administration, under his direction. My appeal to you is founded in objective fact, regardless of political ideology and even policy itself. It is rooted in simple patriotism, in 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 core beliefs and concerns.

Clear evidence shows that this administration has repeatedly disregarded the constitutional oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution. That Constitution explicitly requires that the president "take care that the Laws be faithfully executed" (Art. II, Sec. 3). His violation includes the brazen attempt to end birthright citizenship, a right unequivocally set out in the 14th Amendment. Moreover, President Trump has 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. He has tried to usurp Congress' power to decide whether and how funds and aid will be applied.

The unilateral imposition of outsize tariffs, ostensibly under authority specifically enacted for temporary national security emergencies, is a significant misapplication of the law, which was intended for real national security emergencies, not presidential pique. This misuse of power illustrates a fundamental disregard for the legislative control 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 Emoluments Clause (Art. I, Sec. 9) and credible allegation of actual bribery, point to a pattern of behavior that I believe 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 (Art. II, Sec. 4). In every case, this administration's actions constitute a major turn away from democracy and toward autocracy, underscored by attempts to suppress the right to vote and disseminate misinformation on a mass scale. We cannot fail to see that 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 with scant chance of immediate success, we must begin to develop the momentum necessary to change course before it is too late. I believe there is growing alarm among 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 realize that in a time like this, there is risk in speaking out. But even before the Declaration of Independence, it was widely accepted in Anglo Saxon law and political philosophy that there is an inalienable right to protest, to petition the government for redress of grievance, and to advocate for rights and policies without fear of retribution or suppression. Since I am urging you, as an elected official, to stand up, show courage, and be counted as opposed to creeping dictatorship, I must show courage too, and say this openly, and not to hide away in fear. Thank you for considering this urgent appeal to safeguard our constitutional democracy.

Sincerely,

David Studhalter  --  Portland, Oregon

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RESIST. BOYCOTT.
ORGANIZE. CONTRIBUTE.

NEVER GIVE UP. 
DEMAND IMPEACHMENT.