An open letter to the President & U.S. Congress; State Governors & Legislatures

Protect Democratic Norms Against Authoritarian Overreach

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I am deeply concerned about the recent attempts to normalize authoritarian rule in our country. The actions of the current administration, particularly those orchestrated by Stephen Miller, pose a significant threat to our democratic norms and institutions. The administration's strategy of polarizing public debate and forcing Americans to take sides is a dangerous tactic aimed at eroding our democratic foundations. We've seen alarming examples of this, including threats to invoke the Insurrection Act, attempts to undermine judicial authority, and aggressive federal interventions in cities like Portland and Chicago. While polls show that the public largely opposes these actions, the administration believes it can sway low-propensity voters by dominating the political attention economy. This calculated approach to supercharge civil tensions for political gain is unacceptable and must be countered decisively. I urge you to follow the example set by Governors J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Gavin Newsom of California. These leaders are actively working to protect our democracy by emphasizing the threat to democratic norms and directly confronting authoritarian pushes. We need a cohesive strategy at both state and federal levels to safeguard our democratic institutions. As your constituent, I ask that you take immediate action to: 1. Publicly denounce any attempts to use federal forces against peaceful protesters. 2. Support legislation that reinforces checks and balances and limits executive overreach. 3. Promote transparency in government actions and protect the independence of the judiciary. 4. Engage in public education efforts to inform citizens about the importance of democratic norms and the dangers of authoritarianism. The stability of our democracy depends on elected officials like you standing firm against authoritarian tendencies. I urge you to act now to protect our cherished democratic values and institutions. Our nation's future hangs in the balance, and your leadership is crucial in this critical moment.

▶ Created on October 8, 2025 by Jeffrey Barlow

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