A message to my Congressman

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My message to Congressman Jimmy Panetta

After reading your May 4th newsletter on the chaotic first 100 days of Trump 2.0, I'm more convinced than ever that Congressional Democrats are taking boxing gloves to a gun fight. You write about legislation to curb Trump's abuse of power. But this legislation will require some Republican cooperation to pass, and most importantly, would need Trump's signature to go into effect unless you miraculously get a veto-proof majority in both the House and Senate. 

Considering how unlikely it is that any of this legislation could ever become law it looks like you're just engaging in busywork so it looks like you're doing something, but which is clearly a waste of time.

I understand you wanting to play by the rules, and certainly you shouldn't break any laws fighting Trump, But the Trumpers have thrown out the rule book, so you need to be more aggressive and visible than you would be under ordinary circumstances. Maybe I missed something, but I haven't seen you showing up at any local anti-Trump protests. You need to demonstrate that you're actively involved in the fight side-by-side with the ordinary folks who are making the effort to publicly stand up to Trump. Show up so that they will know that their message is reaching Washington and not just the passing cars.

Show up with the protesters in front of the White House, Supreme Court, and Capitol. Get on the national news! Do interviews with CNN and MSNBC, Encourage your colleagues to do the same so those networks aren't constantly interviewing the same handful of celebrities like Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and AOC. 

Aggressively pursue your Republican colleagues in the House and don't let up until you've convinced them that following Trump is the path to personal, professional, and national disgrace. Many of them already know this, but they lack the courage to follow up on it. Help them find that courage! 

This is no time to pull punches. People are scared and we need to know you're on top of it.

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