Senator Angus King Issues a Call for Conscience Amid Trump’s First 100 Days

Senator Angus King Issues a Call for Conscience Amid Trump’s First 100 Days

Nearly 75 years ago, Margaret Chase Smith, a junior Republican Senator from Maine, delivered a powerful speech addressing a crisis within the nation. This crisis did not stem from a foreign threat but instead from forces undermining the foundational values of American democracy.

Smith’s ‘Declaration of Conscience’ emerged as one of the most significant speeches of the 20th century, showcasing her exceptional courage and unwavering principles.

Years later, reflecting on that speech, Smith confided that she felt overwhelmed with anxiety before addressing the Senate. During the height of McCarthyism in the early 1950s, she instructed her chief aide, Bill Lewis, to withhold copies of her speech from the press until she began her address, fearing she might lose her nerve.

However, she persevered, marking her moment in history.

Setting the Scene: Margaret Chase Smith’s Historic Speech

Smith began her monumental speech with a stark warning:

“Mr. President, I would like to speak briefly and simply about a serious national condition. It is a national feeling of fear and frustration that could result in national suicide and the end of everything that we Americans hold dear. It is a condition that comes from the lack of effective leadership either in the legislative branch or the executive branch of our government.”

Her message resonated deeply:

“I think that it is high time for the United States Senate and its members to do some real soul searching and to weigh our consciences as to the manner in which we are performing our duty to the people of America and the manner in which we are using or abusing our individual powers and privileges.”

Smith concluded with a powerful exhortation:

“It is high time that we stopped thinking politically as Republicans and Democrats about elections and started thinking patriotically as Americans about national security based on individual freedom. It is high time that we all stopped being tools and victims of totalitarian techniques – techniques that, if continued here unchecked, will surely end what we have come to cherish as the American way of life.”

The Resonance of History in Today’s Politics

Today, Senator Angus King finds strong parallels between Smith’s era and our current political landscape. He asserts that the serious national condition we confront transcends partisan boundaries. This situation pertains to the essence of America and the governmental framework that has sustained the nation for over two centuries.

King emphasizes that the focus should not solely be on the president’s controversial agenda but on the troubling methods employed to pursue it. This disregard for due process poses a significant threat to all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.

Despite his colleagues’ apparent indifference, King believes that the current president is conducting an unprecedented assault on the Constitution. He expresses concern that Congress, so far, has maintained a posture of inactivity, effectively becoming complicit in this assault.

Understanding Presidential Responsibilities

It is crucial to revisit the terms outlined in Article II of the Constitution, which delineates the powers and duties of the president. This includes the authority to grant pardons and the role of commander-in-chief during wartime, albeit with the limitation that Congress holds the power to declare war.

The Constitution explicitly states that the president’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the laws are enforced faithfully. King stresses that this administration is fundamentally failing in this duty, which he considers a grave constitutional violation.

Additionally, the administration has undertaken a series of seemingly unrelated actions. Together, these steps indicate a dangerous trend toward authoritarian governance.

A Disturbing Pattern of Governance

King presents a troubling array of actions that paint a thorough picture of the current governance style. This list is alarming because it illustrates a growing propensity to govern without adherence to the law or constitutional limits.

For those who support the president’s policies, it is essential to reflect on the long-term implications of ignoring unconstitutional practices. Today’s targets may be federal employees, but tomorrow, the situation might shift to anyone challenging the administration.

Safeguarding Democracy: The Role of Congress and Citizens

What can be done to reclaim constitutional governance? King identifies Congress as the first line of defense, yet notes that the majority party has significantly neglected these responsibilities.

The judiciary still serves as a critical backstop, typically adhering to constitutional principles. However, relying solely on the courts to uphold democracy is insufficient. Reclaiming power requires collaborative efforts across branches of government.

Most importantly, King points to the people as a vital force for change. Individuals are increasingly mobilizing their voices through rallies, correspondence, town hall meetings, and conversations in their communities.

He reminds us of our vows to uphold and defend the Constitution against all adversaries, both foreign and domestic.

Embracing a Legacy of Conscience

Inspired by Margaret Chase Smith’s unwavering commitment, King feels the necessity to articulate his own ‘Declaration of Conscience.’ He acknowledges that this moment is challenging but emphasizes that recognizing and confronting the dangers posed by the current administration’s first 100 days is of utmost importance.

Reflecting on the words of President Abraham Lincoln, who faced considerable reluctance in his time, King underscores the timeless relevance of Lincoln’s message. Lincoln stated:

“Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation.”

Senator King sincerely hopes that during this challenging period, leaders will choose the path of honor by upholding constitutional values.