David Brooks, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and others have said: “More than a few of my Republican friends really dislike (privately) what Trump and Musk are doing. But they are afraid. Afraid for their jobs, safety, and indeed for their lives and families.”

We get it!  Who doesn’t want to be safe?  Especially for your family!
Perhaps you even thought being a legislator would be a cushy job (at least some of the time - ha!).
Most of the time, most of us are pretty safe.
But sometimes the times demand something else of some of us.

Occasionally the times require us to take some risks.
That’s what George Washington, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the Revolutionary soldiers had to do.
That’s what we asked of our military:
on the beaches of Normandy, on patrols in Iraq and Afghanistan.
That’s what we ask of judges, witnesses, jurors, and cops
in trials of mafia leaders and others in organized crime.

Not just to celebrate others who do that.
Not just to appreciate heroism in the movies.
But to put our own lives on the line.
And yes, some people have died.
But what’s the alternative?

Suppose Washington and the signers and the soldiers had said, “This is dangerous, let’s forget this whole business. King George isn’t really that bad.”
What if there were no Eliot Ness, no courageous witnesses, etc?
What if no soldiers were willing to risk their lives for our country?
What if Patrick Henry had said, “Give me liberty, or …. On second thought, to heck with liberty!”?

No, that's probably not what you thought you were signing up for
when you ran for office.
But is that not what these times demand?

Every day Donald Trump consolidates more and more power,
replaces people of principle with flunkies who
offer blind loyalty, who will sell their soul.
Every day it is getting harder to challenge him.

Surely there are a few Republicans who see what is happening,
who know what is needed, and have the courage to act.
And even more surely, there are MORE than a few Republicans
who know others who agree with them,
who can stand up TOGETHER,
and can form a cornerstone that others will join.

Many are asking universities, law firms, and other institutions
to stand up together,
to resist bullying and intimidation,
in spite of the risks and costs.
Is this not a time for everyone
– especially our political “leaders” –
to do the same?

It will not be an easy battle.
But what is the alternative?
Who is better positioned than Republican leaders to stop this train
from taking us all over a cliff?
Is Trump’s America what you want for your grandkids?

You took an oath to protect against all enemies foreign and domestic.
That oath needs your integrity, needs your courage.
We’ve all seen movies with that kind of heroism.
We need that heroism to move from the screen to real life!

It can feel very strange, very strange,
to realize it’s your turn at bat,
and the whole team is counting on you.
(Or on you and a few others.)
Bizarre, surreal, a strange dream.
But here we are!  Here we are.
And the simple fact is: WE NEED YOU!
The country needs you!
And make no mistake: The time is now!

What everyone can do

• Sign and lovingly cajole all your friends and networks to sign also.
• Tell your reps: "We need your courage!"  Try sending this letter.
• Ask them to talk to their colleagues and stand up together!
• Join with your friends and make your voices heard ... non-violently!
  
  
• Is this a big ask?  Maybe.  But if we’re asking Republican leaders to stand up to Trump, they are the courageous ones taking the risks.  Surely we can take a few minutes to send this to many of our contacts, so that it keeps expanding and really takes off.  I hope you agree.
  
  

What Republican Leaders can do

What's to say?  Maybe just this: "These are the times that try men's souls."
Don't let your soul be found wanting.
Find those of like mind, and talk to each other!
And dare yourselves and each other ..... 
perhaps even to do the unthinkable.
For your country, for yourselves, for your kids and grandkids.
You'll be glad you did.