Trump’s violent rhetoric endangers democracy

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Incredibly, the President of the United States accused six Democratic members of Congress of “seditious behavior punishable by death.” Their so-called crime in his eyes was to advise United States service members to refuse to obey illegal orders. Yes, the president called for the execution of members of Congress because they told servicemen and women to obey the law.

President Donald Trump called their advice, set out on a videotape, “seditious behavior at the highest level,” and he demanded they be arrested and tried for their crimes. He shared another post saying, “Hang them [sic] George Washington would.”

All who serve in the military swear a solemn oath to uphold and protect the Constitution. To be clear, the US military’s Uniform Code of Justice allows a military member to refuse to obey a “patently illegal order.” That would include an order that directs the commission of a crime or the violation of constitutional rights. In his first term, Trump suggested that the military shoot peaceful protesters in the legs, an illegal and unconstitutional action should it have occurred.

We don’t know whether this president actually believes he has the right to execute these members of Congress, or any service member who refuses to obey an illegal order, or whether he is playing to his supporters. What we do know is that political violence in this country is on the rise, and his statements calling for execution serve as a dog whistle to those who might do the president’s bidding.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, the congresswoman from Georgia, announced recently she has received threats of violence after Trump attacked her because she refused to remove her name from the Epstein discharge petition. In a short time, we have witnessed the murder of Charlie Kirk, the fire bombing of the residence of the Pennsylvania governor, and the murder of an elected Minnesota Democrat and her husband. Our politics have become far too violent, and we must find a way to tone down the rhetoric. All six are under 24-hour protection and one senator received a bomb threat.

This president, when he issues threats like the one he has directed at the six members of Congress, acts more like a 250-pound, 10-year-old schoolyard bully than the leader of a free nation. His actions are wrong, they are dangerous and frankly, they are revolting. We are aware that nothing will distract him from doing this in the future, that there is no one to rein him in partly because he believes he’s above the law, but we wanted to go on record to express our views.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

James B. Astrachan, Chair

James K. Archibald

Gary E. Bair

Arthur F. Fergenson

Nancy Forster

Susan Francis

Julie C. Janofsky

Ericka N. King

George Liebmann

George Nilson

Catherine Curran O’Malley

Angela W. Russell

Debra G. Schubert

Jeff Sovern

H. Mark Stichel

The Daily Record Editorial Advisory Board is composed of members of the legal profession who serve voluntarily and are independent of The Daily Record. Through their ongoing exchange of views, members of the board attempt to develop consensus on issues of importance to the bench, bar and public. When their minds meet, unsigned opinions will result. When they differ, or if a conflict exists, majority views and the names of members who do not participate will appear. Members of the community are invited to contribute letters to the editor and/or columns about opinions expressed by the Editorial Advisory Board.