To: The United States House of Representatives and The United States Senate
Opposing Flippant Accusations of Treason
President Trump's flippant accusations of treason against those in Congress who did not applaud him during his state of the union speech are an affront to the American system of government. All members of Congress should denounce these attacks on the integrity of our institutions.
Why is this important?
America was built on dissent. America was built on debate. America was built on freedom of speech. To suggest that it is treason to show a lack of support for the president or what he says is an attack on our way of life and breaks down the possibility for civil discourse and disagreement over policies.
We must demand a higher moral standard from those who represent us. We must expect those who lead us to aspire to a greater and more just nation. Allowing Trump to make these baseless and dangerous accusations puts all of us at greater risk.
As President Roosevelt said, "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
We deserve a president who will build upon the greatness of those who have come before us to lift us up higher, not a president who will tear down anyone and anything in service of his own glory.
We must demand a higher moral standard from those who represent us. We must expect those who lead us to aspire to a greater and more just nation. Allowing Trump to make these baseless and dangerous accusations puts all of us at greater risk.
As President Roosevelt said, "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
We deserve a president who will build upon the greatness of those who have come before us to lift us up higher, not a president who will tear down anyone and anything in service of his own glory.