Former Sioux Falls mayor Knobe’s open letter to Thune: Show some political courage and take a stand against Trump
I took this to Sen. John Thune’s Sioux Falls office several days ago.
Dear John,
It has been interesting to witness the shifting political sands. Some of your Republican colleagues are not toeing the party line like they did a few months ago. They have drawn red lines in the sand and are standing up to the bullying from the White House. That takes courage and character.
There are many issues/problems that Trump and his people have created. The unapproved “War” (his term) in Iran is the latest. We, the people are standing up and speaking up. Former MAGA supporters aren’t anymore.
The courts have ruled against Trump’s actions numerous times. He is losing in court and in the court of public opinion. Recently a judge talked about actual contempt charges against the Trump administration. Impeachment of your friend Kristi Noem is no longer cocktail talk.
John, this is going to end badly for Trump. It’s not if, it’s when. Trump’s bad end will ultimately be a good beginning for the country and the world.
You have the power to decide how and when that end comes. For most of us, the sooner, the better.
John, I know our home state is red. I also know numerous members of your party are not happy with the path we are being forced to follow.
History is going to be harsh on Trump. History is going to be harsh on MAGA. History is going to be harsh on those who stood by saying nothing and doing nothing.
Each day you have choices. Do I stay silent? Do I bow and kiss the ring of Trump? Do I honor my oath? Do I stand up for democracy? The Rule of Law? The Constitution?
Think about the choices your Dad made in the military. He chose to fly. A dangerous occupation in war. He chose to take off and land on an aircraft carrier. He didn’t take the easy path. He chose one of the most difficult.
You can choose to keep speaking and acting the way you have been. Or you can choose the difficult path. The one your Dad took. The path which took us to freedom, fairness and justice.
Following your Dad is not the easy choice, but it is the right one.
Note to readers: If you want to let Sen. Thune know you want him to take the difficult path, go to WeThePeopleSD.org. Sign the petition and share this post.
The independent Rick Knobe is a former Sioux Falls mayor and a regular contributor to The South Dakota Standard
Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons
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