General Discussion

Refusing to be an accomplice to evil has much more than symbolic or political value. It is the right thing to to. It exposes the evil for what it is. It is, as I say, a moral imperative -- a matter of conscience.

If all of our electeds stood up and acted when a principle we hold sacred demands it, win or lose, come hell or high water, we wouldn't be in this national nightmare.

Objecting to the Florida electors.

Impeaching Bush and Cheney for war crimes.

Filibustering Alito.

The entire House Democratic Conference co-signing articles of impeachment against 47, and inviting their Republican colleagues to join them, every single day.

The entire Senate Democratic Conference pledging to convict, and inviting their Republican colleagues to join them in their pledge, every single day because the crimes are being committed in plain sight.

A joint declaration stating the grievances, usurpations, and abuses with simplicity and signed by every member of the House and Senate. A letter to the American people that puts the facts before a candid world once again.

Refusing to vote with the Republicans that are starving Americans to make sure the healthcare premiums of 40 million Americans more than doubles.

These are all acts of conscience. Moral imperatives. It is the FAILURE to do them that is "playing politics."

If our electeds were all saints, they would never play politics when a principle they claim to hold sacred is at stake.

But they are not saints. We have a lot of good people who do act when conscience demands. But we have too many who are political animals when it comes to matters of conscience. They may have well meaning intentions. They may think they are being practical. But their failures are wrongheaded and incredibly damaging to this nation and the people who live within its borders. And I believe it is up to us to help them see the light. Calling. Writing. Making appointments with staff. Calling on them to stand strong for sacred principles. To stop with the "can't win, so STFU."

Robert Arnold expresses my feelings far better than I can.

...
They'll tell us it was necessary;
that it was the responsible thing to do.
But responsibility without conviction
isn't leadership. It's survival.
And survival is not the same as purpose.
...