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This #SundayMorning we're asking what can be done about House Republicans who signed onto a lawsuit to overturn an election and install Trump as a de facto dictator.
Isn't this sedition? Do Dems have recourse to punish an obvious attempt to undermine the constitution?
(THREAD)
Isn't this sedition? Do Dems have recourse to punish an obvious attempt to undermine the constitution?
(THREAD)
(2) First off, it's been absolutely terrifying to watch a majority of House Republicans sign on to essentially overturn an election and install a dictator. I mean I thought they couldn't surprise me anymore but they succeeded with this seditious nonsense. https://news.yahoo.com/here-are-the-republican-members-of-congress-who-signed-on-to-the-suit-to-throw-out-the-votes-in-four-states-195834720.html
(3) The fact that this coup has no support in the senate (for now) is cold comfort. And it brings up an important point.
Are there consequences we can bring to bear against the 126 Republicans who have violated their oath to uphold the constitution? https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/109-republicans-election-amicus-brief-1102531/
Are there consequences we can bring to bear against the 126 Republicans who have violated their oath to uphold the constitution? https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/109-republicans-election-amicus-brief-1102531/
(4) A NJ Democrat thinks so and is calling on Pelosi not to seat the 126 Republicans who signed onto the lawsuit, claiming the 3rd section of the 14th amendment gives Congress recourse to address these treasonous acts.
He's not wrong but it's complicated https://www.newsweek.com/new-jersey-rep-nancy-pelosi-not-seat-126-republicans-backed-malignant-texas-lawsuit-1554307
He's not wrong but it's complicated https://www.newsweek.com/new-jersey-rep-nancy-pelosi-not-seat-126-republicans-backed-malignant-texas-lawsuit-1554307
(5) "...having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States... to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof."
(6) It specifically identifies insurrection or rebellion, which implies taking up arms or physical acts of violence. While Dems might define the GOP as seditious, Republicans argue they're pursuing every "legal avenue" available to contest the election. https://news.yahoo.com/constitution-answer-seditious-members-congress-113001597.html
(7) While the GOP's intent is obvious, punishing them politically could deepen divides & spark an actual civil war.
But how can we ignore such treason and allow it to fester in dark corners, undermining democracy at every turn?
Abraham Lincoln faced a similar dilemma.
But how can we ignore such treason and allow it to fester in dark corners, undermining democracy at every turn?
Abraham Lincoln faced a similar dilemma.
(8) Some have argued that failure to punish the South and take a firmer hand during reconstruction allowed racism to flourish there and its seeds have poisoned progress in this country for centuries.
I can't say I disagree. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/06/11/failures-reconstruction-have-never-been-more-evident-or-relevant-than-today/
I can't say I disagree. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/06/11/failures-reconstruction-have-never-been-more-evident-or-relevant-than-today/
(9) However, since the GOP has not technically taken up arms against the republic (although they've encouraged it), we may have to finesse ourselves past this dangerous moment.
We could employ the same strategy Congress used during reconstruction. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/12/adam-serwer-civility/600784/
We could employ the same strategy Congress used during reconstruction. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/12/adam-serwer-civility/600784/
(10) Congress threatened not to seat southern reps until they agreed to the specifications laid out under reconstruction.
Dems could leverage the same threat to get the 126 Republicans to disavow any further efforts to undermine the election. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-12-08/reconstruction-america
Dems could leverage the same threat to get the 126 Republicans to disavow any further efforts to undermine the election. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-12-08/reconstruction-america
(11) It seems laughable to suggest we're relitigating the Civil War but here we are. Grappling with white minority rule that wants to install a white supremacist and disenfranchise minority voters.
Same problem, different century
Hopefully, we're capable of better solutions
Same problem, different century
Hopefully, we're capable of better solutions
(END) Thanks to @craigtrujillo for the #SundayMorning thread suggestion. Come back next week and we'll do this again.
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Like threads like this and want to keep them coming. You can support my work here:
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