Senators and congressmen, why aren’t you doing anything about the “self-coup” that Musk and Trump are enacting? Do you not recognize a coup when you see it? A self-coup is when a legitimately elected leader uses his position to seize total control, eliminating legal and constitutional restraints on his power. And that’s exactly what Musk and Trump are doing. Stop staring at your navels and pretending it’s not happening. By remaining quiet as this self-coup unfolds, you are complicit with this onslaught of illegality, the hollowing out of our government, and the death of democracy. Shame on you!
As an expert on totalitarianism, Timothy Snyder notes, because of your inaction we are becoming like Russia. President Trump, supported by oligarchs and their media power, is trying to humiliate the other branches of government. Trump and Musk are seeking to marginalize the legislature — forever — by ruling without passing laws.
Open your eyes. Trump is seeking to marginalize the judiciary — forever — by ignoring court rulings. Sound familiar? These things, of course, have already happened in Russia.
Do we want to be like Russia in any way? Weak, poor, without freedom, hated, unhealthy, ill-educated, indiscriminately killing their neighbors, and led by a dictator?
As Sens. Curtis and Lee continue to help confirm Trump bootlickers — who are otherwise totally unqualified Cabinet nominees — and all our Republican legislators ignore the administrative coup that is progressing right under their noses, we are following Russia’s well-tread path. FYI, it’s not where we want to go.
Wake up! Congressmen and senators, do you need an inspiration? Manhattan’s U.S. attorney, Danielle Sassoon, stood up for justice. We demand that you stand up for the legislative branch, the judiciary, the Constitution and democracy, before it’s too late.
Stop cowering in your congressional cubicles hoping we don’t notice. Do something. Now!
Justin F. Thulin, Salt Lake City
