1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding President Trump's recent call for the arrest and trial of six Democratic lawmakers. This rhetoric poses a significant threat to our democratic institutions and the rule of law. It demands immediate and unequivocal condemnation from all elected officials, regardless of party affiliation. Trump's suggestion that these lawmakers should face trial for "seditious behavior" simply because they encouraged service members to disobey unlawful orders is a dangerous mischaracterization of their actions and an abuse of the concept of sedition. It is crucial to remember that our military personnel are bound by the Uniform Code of Military Justice to disobey unlawful orders. By encouraging adherence to this principle, these lawmakers were upholding their duty to the Constitution, not engaging in sedition. Furthermore, I am troubled by Speaker Mike Johnson's defense of Trump's comments. As a leader in Congress, Speaker Johnson should be safeguarding our democratic norms, not endorsing rhetoric that undermines them. His support for these statements sets a concerning precedent and further polarizes our political discourse. I urge you to take a strong stance against this dangerous rhetoric. We need our elected officials to defend the principles of our democracy, protect the right to dissent, and ensure that political disagreements do not devolve into baseless accusations of treason or sedition. Please speak out publicly against these comments and work with your colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. Our nation faces numerous challenges that require thoughtful, bipartisan solutions. Instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric, I implore you to focus on addressing critical issues such as healthcare reform, economic stability, and maintaining the integrity of our financial institutions. The recent discussions in Congress about expiring Obamacare subsidies and potential reforms to pharmacy benefit managers are far more deserving of your attention and energy. I look forward to hearing about the concrete steps you plan to take to address this issue and to promote a more constructive political dialogue in our country. Your leadership in this matter is crucial for preserving the health of our democracy and the trust of your constituents.