Dear Republican members of the House and Senate;
In light of your stunningly silent support for Donald Trump’s petulant decision to revoke the security clearances of anyone who dares to criticize him, I’ve included the following content from the letter written to Trump yesterday by retired Admiral William McRaven, former commander of the U.S. Joint Special Operations with the hope that the admiral’s words might embolden you to finally stand up for the right of all Americans to speak freely without fear of retribution:
“Dear Mr. President:
Former CIA director John Brennan, whose security clearance you revoked on Wednesday, is one of the finest public servants I have ever known. Few Americans have done more to protect this country than John. He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question, except by those who don’t know him.
Therefore, I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency.
Like most Americans, I had hoped that when you became president, you would rise to the occasion and become the leader this great nation needs.
A good leader tries to embody the best qualities of his or her organization. A good leader sets the example for others to follow. A good leader always puts the welfare of others before himself or herself.
Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities. Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.
If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken. The criticism will continue until you become the leader we prayed you would be.”
So, dear Republican members of the House and Senate, do you care that Americans are offended by the realization that your self-serving fear of Trump and his base has again prevented you from demonstrating the same courageous love for country as has Admiral McRaven?
Do you?