TO: You, one of the 128 legislators who voted against seating the legitimately elected Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris, on January 7, 2021
RE: Your failure to abide by your oath of office
FROM: A fellow oath taker
On the off chance that you realize you helped enable the insurrection that erupted in the Capitol yesterday, may I offer a few additional thoughts?
Here's the oath you, and I have both taken:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
While you may now be shocked, or not, to learn that today's outpouring of revulsion, scorn and venom is now against you, Trump, and your like minded colleagues, there are also long term consequences coming your way.
For instance, your photo, your name, your state of representation have all been published in print and in eprint today. You have been included eternally as one of the enablers of the sedition that just occurred in our nation's heart. Unlike you, your staffs, in your DC and home district offices, live nearby there every day. Their families know what you did. And they know that their family member helps support you, and your wacko ideas. Expect some sidelong glances at the next Fourth of July parade, ribbon cutting and church service.
Some years from now, your kids' kids are going to be reading their American History book (online, sure ,but still) and they will be taught about this 2021 attempted coup in Washington DC, fueled by people like you, who agreed with, or at least didn't object, to the lies of Mr. Trump and his posse. Those kids will already know what “enablers” are. And their history book will have your photo, and your title, and your district identity there. The lesson plan will not paint you as a hero, but as a fawning pawn of a well known sociopath, to whom you hitched your star. Welcome to your legacy.
You just became a crony of Benedict Arnold. He made the history books, too. You know why.
Read your oath again. How will those kids in History class think you did? At least you can construct a cover story. Or have your staff do it. Lots of folks who took your same oath died, hoping their lives would protect our democracy. Relax. Their names won't be on the same history book page with you.
You decided the right thing was just too uncomfortable, and you'd rather get your pay and pension. I hope that is in those kids' history books, too. You failed us and your country. May you use your remaining time wisely.
(Signed)
A US Citizen