Open letter to Rep. Chuck Fleischmann,
In light of recent events and in anticipation of celebrating the life of MLK, I am reminded of his quote, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” I know that as a lawyer you have sworn to conduct yourself with integrity and as a Scout you have observed an oath to do your duty to God and country. As our representative, you have taken a oath to faithfully discharge your duty to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.
How can you faithfully discharge your duties and adhere to your oaths without requiring consequences for President Trump’s calls for insurrection? Imagine these were not Americans, but a foreign threat— no doubt you would call for consequences. Not just for the actors, but also for the instigators.
This is not about political party or political stances. It is simply a matter of right over wrong. We will never have unity without those in power clearly and unequivocally making amends. What are you doing to bring unity? The unity our country experienced after Watergate was only possible because Republicans stood up for truth and held Nixon accountable for his actions.
There is fallacy at work. The belief that our great democracy will survive because it always has. The fact is that the only reason this great experience has endured for all these years is because of men and women consistently putting country before person or party. Doing so despite our nation’s greatest tragedies.
Will you be remembered for continuing a baseless objection to a lawful election after the largest breach of the Capitol since 1814? Remembered for supporting insurrection without punishment?
Or will you be remembered for putting country before party and person and standing up and speaking out for what is right and just? Will you finally openly admit that Trump has cast a dark shadow on our nation and hold him to account?
We will overcome this blight, but only if Republicans like you step up to fulfill your oaths. It’s not too late to save your legacy. As MLK said—“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Blair Cannon