On This Anniversary Of Paul Revere's Ride

Statue of Paul Revere near the Old North Church in Boston

Today marks the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's famous ride through Boston alerting citizens of the impending arrival of the British, that would be the start the American Revolution. While I'm no history expert (or fan, to be honest), I just couldn't help but think about that ride and our then-impending war for independence and how relevant that feels today. For, in my opinion, we are at another inflection point in this country's history and we desperately need a chorus of bipartisan modern-day Paul Reveres to sound the alarms so that our freedom and democracy can survive.

Our constitution lays out three co-equal branches of government, and while the judiciary branch is working hard to hold the executive branch accountable to the rule of law, the Trump administration has clearly decided that the judiciary and even the legislative branches are not equal to it, and therefore need not be considered. Indeed, the executive branch is currently ignoring court rulings (including even from the Supreme Court) and audaciously disregarding the Constitution they swore to uphold. It is not hyperbole to say that we are in a constitutional crisis.

Yesterday, Heather Cox Richardson (HCR), a noted historian who has been keeping lots of folks like me informed about what's going on with the Trump administration met with Angus King, a senator from Maine. I was engrossed by the conversation (clip below) and impressed with King's grasp of the constitution, political science, and history. It occurred to me that if all our representatives in Washington were as well versed (or half as well versed) as King is, we probably wouldn't be struggling for our country to survive today. If you haven't already listened, here you go -- it is well worth the 40-minute time investment. Really.

So, now what? Well, it seems to me we have literally one and only one move right now: let our representatives and government know how we feel. We need to contact our officials by email or phone call and let them know, specifically, how our lives have already been damaged and the fears we have should this administration not be stopped. Anecdotes are super-important, as is protesting. Conservative New York Times opinion writer David Brooks said today that “Trump is shackling the greatest institutions in American life,” and then called for a “comprehensive national civic uprising” to create “a long-term vision of a fairer society that that offers a positive vision.” Sounds good to me (and I do not often agree with Brooks).

Here's a link to 5 Calls, which streamlines the calling process greatly and allows you to address specific areas of concern. Or, call your elected representatives directly using these numbers:

• The U.S. House switchboard operator phone number: (202) 225-3121

• The U.S. Senate switchboard operator phone number: (202) 224-3121

• The White House: Comments: (202) 456-1111 or Switchboard: (202) 456-1414

We need congress to show strength rather than capitulate to the very real fear of retribution for upholding their sworn oaths of office to support and defend the constitution. Going forward we will need to insist that additional limits on power are instilled so that an oligarchic tyrannical autocracy doesn't return. I, personally, think there need to be term limits, proof of civics competency, no-lifetime (health) benefits, and zero investment activity allowed during terms of service for all our elected government officials. I recognize those are likely never going to happen, but if/when we are rebuilding a government, maybe we can get them passed, who knows?

In the meantime, we the people need to be loud and to be heard. HCR gives us until September to see if the USA survives. I think that decision will be made sooner, but since she's the expert, perhaps not.

Peace out.