To KY’s Congressional delegation: Please stop Trump from becoming a monarch. | Opinion

An open letter to Senators McConnell and Paul and Rep. Barr:

I write to you because I’m deeply distressed by the decisions and behavior of our current president. I’m sure you’re aware of the character of his actions since entering office in January. Even so, I feel compelled to communicate my grave concerns to you. And I write as a political centrist, a registered Independent voter, and someone who has supported candidates from both major parties in the past. I write also as a Vietnam combat veteran who was long ago assisted by VA education benefits and who currently enjoys minimal additional benefits from the Veterans Administration. Finally, I write as a citizen who believes himself to be fully patriotic and who continues to believe in the greatness, majesty, and beneficence of the United States.

In my opinion the behavior of Donald Trump as president of the U.S. is wild, unpredictable, incompetent, erratic, and to a great degree seemingly vengeful. His directives, abetted by the work of the unelected Elon Musk, have produced tremendous job loss, increased the cost of goods from groceries on up to vehicles, caused turmoil and uncertainty in financial markets nationally and internationally, and engendered anxiety for those citizens dependent on legitimate medical and financial governmental benefits. Particularly troublesome is the president’s seeming acquiescence, despite his protestations to the contrary, to many proposals in Project 2025 and his populating executive offices with architects and proponents of that document.

This president has changed the worldwide impression of the character, goodwill, and intentions of the United States. His callous public treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a disgrace—and remains so despite what may be current renewed attempts to assist Ukraine. So was his dismissal of top military generals, notably Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General CQ Brown, Jr. So also are his public ruminations about annexing Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. It’s reported extensively that he lies repeatedly and without remorse. In my opinion his judgment, maturity, stability, and intentions are all questionable, deeply troubling, inept, and threatening to the United States and the world at large. His instigation and handling of events on Jan. 6, 2021 are a true manifestation of his character and should have erased all doubts about his unfitness for any public office in the U.S., let alone that of president. His unhinged rhetoric and behavior continue to present an execrable example to our citizens and in particular to our nation’s young people.

Finally, he resents any restraint on his power and thus the independence of the legislative branch of government. To say that he exhibits little regard for and understanding of our tripartite system of governance is an understatement. He is, in the words of columnist David French, attempting to upend the structure of the American government to place himself as president at the unquestioned pinnacle of American power.

I’m urging in the strongest possible terms that you act along with other legislators to make clear to the president and the American public the important governmental role and power inherent in Congress. Seek out those in your chamber who share your views, regardless of party. Engage visibly and forcefully in public dialog about important issues. Confront the president when his judgment and actions are flawed, which is often. Stand up collectively and speak out publicly and loudly when you disagree with his views. Schedule hearings to assess the implications of his questionable intentions and actions.

Build common cause with your colleagues for the sake of the future of our governmental system and of our nation. Condemn the president’s questionable actions. Do not allow Mr. Trump to subvert the stability of our American system of government. Do not allow the American government to slip into authoritarianism--which is where we are headed at this time if people within our institutions, such as yourself, do not speak up.

“We do not live in ordinary times,” in the words of Thomas Paine. “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

The statement above is no exaggeration. Will you please forcefully re-assert the role of Congress. Use your voice and the power of your office to make America right again. Making it great again will then take care of itself.

Richard Domek is a retired educator who lives in Lexington.