1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I write to you as a concerned citizen, urging you to uphold your sworn duty to defend the Constitution. The actions of former President Donald Trump and his allies pose a grave threat to our democracy, and it is your responsibility to act. John Locke, whose philosophy inspired our founders, warned that when a leader exceeds their lawful authority, they forfeit their legitimacy. In his Second Treatise of Government, Locke wrote, “Whosoever in authority exceeds the power given him by the law… ceases in that to be a magistrate.” Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, his pardons for January 6 rioters, and his attacks on the rule of law demonstrate a clear disregard for constitutional order. Locke reminds us that the people have the right—and the duty—to oppose leaders who act as “thieves and robbers.” I call on you to: 1. Hold Trump Accountable for his abuses of power and his role in undermining democracy. 2. Defend the Separation of Powers by resisting efforts to concentrate authority in the executive branch. 3. Protect the Rule of Law and ensure no one is above it. This is a constitutional crisis. As Senator Angus King recently warned, we cannot rely solely on the courts or hope this moment will pass. You must act to preserve our democracy. I urge you to stand firm, as leaders like Margaret Chase Smith and Bill Cohen did, and put principle above party. The American people are counting on you to defend our country.