1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

“Petition to Defend American Democracy and the Rule of Law” To the Honorable United States Senators and Congressmen: We, the undersigned Americans, write out of profound concern for the future of our constitutional democracy. The United States is facing a pivotal moment. Our system of government—built on checks and balances, the peaceful transfer of power, an independent judiciary, free and fair elections, and the rule of law—is under sustained threat from authoritarian rhetoric and actions that undermine democratic norms, weaken institutional guardrails, and place loyalty to one individual above allegiance to the Constitution. At this moment in history, courageous leadership matters more than party labels. We respectfully urge Democratic Senators and Congressmen to engage in serious, good-faith conversations with Republicans from politically competitive (“purple”) states and encourage them to take an extraordinary but principled step: to become Independents and caucus with Democrats for the explicit purpose of safeguarding American democracy. This request is not about ideology. It is about duty. It is about recognizing that when a political movement embraces authoritarian tactics—such as delegitimizing elections, threatening political opponents, killing American citizens, attacking the free press, politicizing law enforcement, and rejecting constitutional constraints—silence or party loyalty becomes complicity. History does not judge moments like these kindly. Republicans who represent diverse electorates are uniquely positioned to act as constitutional guardians rather than partisan actors. By declaring independence from party structures that enable authoritarianism, and by caucusing with those committed to democratic norms, these Senators and Congressmen would: • Affirm that the Constitution supersedes party loyalty • Protect free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power • Preserve the independence of the judiciary and federal institutions • Demonstrate moral courage in the face of political pressure • Restore public faith in representative government We recognize that such a decision carries political risk. But leadership has never been about convenience—it has always been about responsibility. To Democratic Senators and Congressmen: we ask that you actively lead these conversations, extend respect and partnership, and make clear that this effort is about preserving democracy itself—not advancing partisan dominance. To Republicans in purple states: we urge you to listen not only to party leadership, but to the full breadth of your constituents and to your oath of office. Independence in this moment would not be a betrayal of conservative principles; it would be a fulfillment of constitutional duty. Democracy survives only when individuals are willing to defend it, especially when doing so is difficult. We call on you to act with clarity, courage, and conscience. The future of American self-government depends on it. Respectfully, The Undersigned