The masquerade party is over

Our nation has been subjected to countless lies from the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency. He lied that his inauguration crowd was the largest in history. He lied that the Russians had nothing to do with him being elected. He lied about asking the Ukraine President to lie about Joe Biden’s son. He called news organizations that called out his lies “corrupt.”. He lied about climate warming. He called COVID-19 a hoax. Faced with electoral defeat, he and his base broadcast the biggest lie of all.

It is time that the country, its elected officials, the media, and citizens take a step back from the brink of managing two realities — one that is tested by fact and data and by the mechanisms put in place by the Constitution, and one that is like a video game but with life and death consequences.

Then we need to act. Look around you. Are there still signs and flags suggesting a false reality? Signs and flags for a president that lost the election? Signs for candidates down ballot?

Most towns and cities have sign ordinances. Call your local officials. It is time to take them down.

A patriot, by definition, loves and defends his or her country, NOT a president. In opposition to the monarchy of King George, our founders organized this country, creating a government comprised of three equal branches. Those that claim to be patriots in order to establish a Trumpian dictatorship are exactly the opposite. They are insurrectionists. They have tried to usurp our nation’s flag to represent their white supremacist or conspiracy theory beliefs. Some even dress in 18th century, Viking, or G.I. Joe costumes. On January 6th, they formed a criminal lynch mob, chanting “hang Mike Pence,” and they attacked the heart of our beloved country.

Truth, civility, and the laws of our established system of government will prevail. The masquerade party is over.

As three of the millions of Americans who were frightened, disgusted, and ultimately shamed by the riot and siege of the Capitol on January 6th, we feel compelled to have our voices heard in response to the lies and sedition we witnessed. Neither Trump, nor Hawley, nor Cruz are worthy of the privilege of holding office. The betrayal of their oaths to preserve and defend the Constitution is tantamount to treason. The laws under which we all consent to be governed provide a remedy for this sad assembly of crooks. The president, his congressional enablers, and the felons who caused death and desecration at our Capitol should be impeached, removed from office, and sent to await their trials together.

For such a large group, we recommend a border holding facility. We are not heartless. We suggest that they each be given a foil blanket and toothpaste to ease their stay.