Speaking Rationally

A response to "We Have a King"

From a letter to the editor in my town’s paper last, made some interesting assertions. "They (folks intent on reminding us our nation has no king) utilize hand-inked placards and verbose diatribes that possess little substance beyond cliché, and vitriolic attacks lacking knowledge of civic and history in general.”

To start with, I don't know what is wrong with hand-inked placards, as they truly represent the thoughts of the individual, and I am not sure how you get "verbose diatribes” on a placard. Be it as it may, there is so much in that letter that both offends me and, at the same time, reinforces why the “folk” are protesting.

We can debate the validity of the author’s assertions “…that the three branches of our government are keeping each other in check,” that “..they (the protesters) want a government that will restrict all dissenting voices - except their own,” and “.. a portion of our populace (are) express(ing) their unhappiness with their perceived restrictions of their personal desires…” We can also debate his belief that the country needs “a strong presence that promotes absolutes,” ergo, a king.

I cannot speak for all those standing on corners with their “hand-inked placards," but I can speak for myself. I am, and may I presume that many, based on my participation in these protests, are protesting the attack on the principles of the Declaration of Independence, which states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Trump’s policies are a blatant attack on all minorities: gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals, contrary to the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. No one in this country has the right to tell another who they can or cannot love—period.

I object to Trump’s Gestapo-like warrantless seizures of people, contrary to Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution and the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th Amendments. I object to the deportation of children born in the United States, contrary to the 14^th Amendment, Trump’s attempt to restrict voting rights, contrary to the 19^th Amendment, and the deployment of U.S. military forces on America soil, contrary to the Posse Comitatus Act. I object and protest against his stated desire to have a third term as President, contrary to the 20^th and 22^nd Amendments. As for the last egregious attack on our Constitution, I say this: I served my country, and I will not serve a king.

What are you prepared to do?

The Office of the President of the United States is all about honor and integrity, and Donald Trump has none. Thus ends the lesson.