An open letter to the U.S. Congress

Demand Withdrawal of Troops from Cities Before Budget Negotiations

21 so far! Help us get to 25 signers!

The ongoing government shutdown is not merely a budgetary impasse; it is a symptom of a profound constitutional crisis that threatens the very foundations of our democracy. I am deeply concerned about the presence of troops in our cities, which I believe is an unprecedented overreach of federal power and a direct threat to our civil liberties. The current administration has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to ignore constitutional norms and violate the separation of powers. This has created an environment where normal, responsible governance has become impossible. The destruction of USAID, the disregard for congressional appropriations, and now the deployment of troops in urban areas are all part of a pattern that undermines our democratic institutions. I strongly believe that no budget negotiations should proceed while our cities are under what amounts to military occupation. This is not a partisan issue, but a matter of preserving the fundamental principles of our republic. The presence of troops creates an atmosphere of intimidation and fear, which is antithetical to the free and open debate necessary for resolving our nation's fiscal challenges. I urge you to take immediate action to demand the withdrawal of these troops as a precondition for any budget talks. This is a critical step in restoring the balance of power and rebuilding trust in our governmental processes. We must return to a state where laws are respected, appropriations are honored, and the constitutional framework is upheld. The consequences of inaction are severe. Each day that passes with troops in our streets further erodes public confidence in our institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations. We must act now to prevent what I fear could become a "Constitutional crash," where the normal functioning of our government grinds to a halt. As your constituent, I implore you to stand firm on this issue. Insist on the immediate removal of troops from our cities, and only then engage in good-faith budget negotiations. Our democracy depends on your courage and commitment to upholding the Constitution in these unprecedented times.

▶ Created on October 7, 2025 by Jeffrey Barlow

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