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An Open Letter

To: Sen. Cornyn

From: A verified voter in San Antonio, TX

August 11

Quorum breaking has been used as a legal form of protest by both parties in Texas since 1870. It is a necessary feature of our democracy, not a flaw that needs fixing. It is certainly not a crime. You know that the FBI has no authority to hunt down Texas legislators for representing their districts—and by attempting to redistrict mid-decade it is little surprise that their constituents are calling for them to break quorum: what you are demanding is the continued disenfranchisement of your own constituents, nearly half of which are democrats. You have abandoned those constituents, and your own morals and integrity, for continued power. If you do not represent us, then you don’t deserve that power. And if your interest is more in seeking approval from Trump and standing out from Ken Paxton to win an election, then it is reckless dereliction of duties to your people, and to your oath to uphold the constitution. That kind of feckless pandering should beneath someone with your legal training and legislative record. You understand the risks of turning law enforcement into a political weapon. Calling in the FBI for a state legislative dispute is not just wrong. It is dangerous. It chills dissent. It warps the rule of law. It signals to every lawmaker that disagreement will be met with federal muscle, not debate. This is the way of regimes we once condemned, not the conduct of a confident democracy. In chasing power, you are losing your principles. Texans deserve a senator who defends the Constitution, not one who twists it for political gain. Withdraw your call. Respect the limits of the law. Put country before career and courage before cowardice. History will remember what you choose.

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