An open letter to Representative Ed Case. Because being marked as “Present” is the middle ground that no longer exists.
I am writing to you today because I was unfortunately unable to attend your Talk Story Session at Pearlridge Elementary last night due to illness. However, the questions I intended to ask remain urgent. You have previously cited the “narrow scope” of past executive actions as a reason to avoid impeachment, assuring your constituents that our “checks and balances” would hold. Yet, in just the last month, the Executive Branch has: 1. Violated War Powers by capturing a foreign leader in Venezuela. 2. Bypassed Due Process by deploying federal agents who are now executing U.S. citizens on domestic soil. 3. Destabilized Global Alliances by threatening the unilateral annexation of Greenland and leveraging tariffs against NATO allies like Denmark and the UK.
When the executive treats the Constitution as a set of suggestions rather than the supreme law of the land, "checks and balances" only exist if Congress chooses to exercise them. I had previously expressed my concerns to you last year after you voted to table the impeachment resolution. Your office responded with a resume of your previous votes. Responding to these crises by citing your past resume feels less like leadership and more like a dereliction of duty.
At what point does the execution of civilians or the illegal annexation of an ally meet your threshold for a "broad enough scope"? When will you choose to vote "Yes" on accountability instead of "Present"? Being marked as “Present” is the middle ground that no longer exists. Our community deserves more than a witness in D.C.; we deserve a voice. When the time comes to stand for the constitution, don't just show up. Stand up. Mahalo, A constituent who refuses to back down
My open letter to Representative Case on accountability, the Constitution, and why "Present" is no longer an acceptable answer.
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