The Republican Party has practiced voter suppression for decades. But they are now taking it to a new level. Their ongoing support for Trump’s attempt to overturn the election results is equivalent to treason. Many Republican senators and representatives are objecting to certified results of the Electoral College. These results have been approved by Republican election officials. Republican judges, including some appointed by Trump, have thrown out 60 lawsuits to overturn election results.
At least 18 Republican state attorneys general and 126 Republican representatives signed a lawsuit to throw out the votes of states that voted for Joe Biden. They had no evidence of any voter fraud to support their lawsuit. The Supreme Court dismissed it. All of them are probably guilty of the federal crime of sedition. Sedition includes incitement of rebellion or civil disorder against authority or the state. Urging the courts and Congress to overturn the will of the people in our 2020 election appears to be both illegal and unconstitutional. All of these officials took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. They all need to be held responsible for their actions.
A handful of GOP lawmakers in Congress have said that Biden is the president-elect and that their fellow Republicans should stop the anti-democratic actions. Unfortunately, these words are falling on deaf ears. Despite Trump’s loss by over 7 million votes and the pending end of his presidency on Jan. 20, too many remain afraid of Trump. They fear his ability to attack them and possibly support primary opponents if they don’t properly bow down to the emperor with no clothes.
The definition of treason includes betraying one’s country. Trying to overturn a legitimate election fits that definition. The Constitution defines treason as intentionally betraying one’s allegiance by levying war against the government or giving aid or comfort to its enemies. Although their shameful actions may not meet the more rigorous requirements of treason under the Constitution, their actions clearly meet the spirit of the word. It does appear that they violated the law against sedition. We will all need to hold them accountable.
Robert Kleinman
Port Washington, NY
