What’s truly at stake by Jan Simon

I appreciate the specificity of Jan’s suggestions of what we can do in response to Republican’s refusal to recognize the reality of Biden’s victory. I looked up links to both the law firms mentioned to make it easier for you to contact them. It appears that there is a problem with Jones Day’s website, I hope because it’s been crashed by all the protests against their representation of Trump’s bogus lawsuits. But let’s keep trying.

Growing Discomfort at Law Firms Representing Trump in Election Lawsuits—The New York Times

Pompeo promises ‘smooth transition to second Trump administration’ as world leaders congratulate Biden—Politico

U.S. sets record for coronavirus hospitalizations with over 60,000—CBS News

November 10, 2020

What’s truly at stake
by Jan Simon, Shoreline, Washington

I came of age in the 70s. The first time I cast my ballot was in 1972, when the voting age was lowered to 18 and I was sure that college students like me would elect George McGovern and oust Richard Nixon from the White House. The outcome of that election was the start of my cynicism about politics and, of course, with Watergate, Nixon’s impeachment (and his pardon!) it only increased. I began focusing almost solely on our country’s faults and failings.

That was, until Trump. I listened to all of his impeachment hearings and, while there was great sadness and disappointment for the outcome of those hearings, I learned in my bones what truly is at stake. I began to treasure the preciousness of what our country stands for and the possibility that its best core values could be realized if we give Her a chance. I also experienced how tenuous and easily lost those possibilities are. Look at what Trump has dismantled and fomented in just four years!

Like so many others, I breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday morning when the election was called for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. And I sobbed listening to their speeches on Saturday evening. What heart, care and commitment they will bring to us! Now, I’m not cynical, but I am livid and deeply concerned: we must give Joe and Kamala a chance to do the job that more than 74 million Americans elected them to do.

Someone—or even better, many—must finally have the courage to do the right thing: compel the General Service Administration director to sign the letter that officially acknowledges the election results. This will give the next administration the tools and funding they need to start the transition process. Honor the outcome of the election. Give our new administration and our country a fair chance. The pandemic is raging out of control, hospitals are filling up, our friends and neighbors are concerned for their health, the roof over their heads, the food on their tables, the care for their kids. Enough pandering to Trump’s ego . . . it’s time for elected officials to muster the courage to care more for their constituents than they do for what Trump will tweet.

Please, now, call all your Republican members of the House and Senate and demand that they stop holding our country and our constitution hostage. Recognize the election and start the transition. Our messages will make more of a difference than you can imagine.

And, also now, please, call the offices of the law firms, including Jones Day and Porter Wright, that are billing millions in legal fees defending Trump’s baseless claims. The New York Times reports that attorneys at these firms are uncomfortable with the positions they’re promulgating. Appeal to them to resign from their representation and return America to the heart of our democracy: elections and the peaceful transfer of power. Speak with or leave a message for the managing partner at every office and, graciously but pointedly, appeal to their obligation to decency.

These actions will take no more than 30 minutes of your time. But they have the potential of making a lifetime of difference.