Dear Senator Moran:
I communicate with you knowing, to say the least, that you confront a challenge of historical dimension in deciding whether former President Trump’s conduct both leading up to January 6th and on that date were so egregious and so threatening to our democratic system of government as to require a vote for impeachment conviction. It is my hope that this message does somehow reach you in time, letting you know that there are a lot folks in Kansas who believe the former President’s pattern of inciting violence and placing at risk the lives of members of Congress, the Vice-President, and the police whose job it is to protect those individuals and our Capitol, warrants conviction.
I recognize it will not be an easy vote. It would undoubtedly generate controversy. However, as I believe you know, there are many Republicans in Kansas who would applaud such a vote and herald your courage for casting it. As I also think you know, these Republicans reflect the heritage of a moderate and principled political party—from Governor Landon, to President Eisenhower, to Senators Dole, Pearson, and Kassebaum—and a host of others. These are all Kansans who served with honor and distinction—and were looked to for steady, sensible, principled leadership for our state and our nation. They are individuals who I know you respect, and there are many Kansans who would like to see you follow their example. We will be ready to thank you, should you choose to stand up to whatever political pressure or fear of a Primary next year you might confront.
I assume you know that Qanon leaders have already set March 6th as a likely day for the next big march on the Capitol. This should be no surprise, as their leaders who were key to January 6th are already organizing for the future. They feel they won the first round and are in no way discouraged. Trump is certainly speaking like he will be there for them. And their efforts may not be limited to a return to Washington D.C. It appears State Capitols like Michigan are also on their radar.
I attach a letter that hopefully you’ve seen from Leroy Towns, published recently in the Kansas Reflector. I first got acquainted with Leroy when he worked for Governor Bennet, when I was in the Legislature. He has made a huge contribution over many decades to the benefit of Kansas and the nation. Out of respect for him, I am going to attach a copy of what he wrote. Given his writing skills, knowledge, and political history, his message might have more impact than anything I can say.
This is a time in the history of our nation when key votes can have unbelievable negative impacts on the United States of America. Please be on the right side of history.
I communicate with you knowing, to say the least, that you confront a challenge of historical dimension in deciding whether former President Trump’s conduct both leading up to January 6th and on that date were so egregious and so threatening to our democratic system of government as to require a vote for impeachment conviction. It is my hope that this message does somehow reach you in time, letting you know that there are a lot folks in Kansas who believe the former President’s pattern of inciting violence and placing at risk the lives of members of Congress, the Vice-President, and the police whose job it is to protect those individuals and our Capitol, warrants conviction.
I recognize it will not be an easy vote. It would undoubtedly generate controversy. However, as I believe you know, there are many Republicans in Kansas who would applaud such a vote and herald your courage for casting it. As I also think you know, these Republicans reflect the heritage of a moderate and principled political party—from Governor Landon, to President Eisenhower, to Senators Dole, Pearson, and Kassebaum—and a host of others. These are all Kansans who served with honor and distinction—and were looked to for steady, sensible, principled leadership for our state and our nation. They are individuals who I know you respect, and there are many Kansans who would like to see you follow their example. We will be ready to thank you, should you choose to stand up to whatever political pressure or fear of a Primary next year you might confront.
I assume you know that Qanon leaders have already set March 6th as a likely day for the next big march on the Capitol. This should be no surprise, as their leaders who were key to January 6th are already organizing for the future. They feel they won the first round and are in no way discouraged. Trump is certainly speaking like he will be there for them. And their efforts may not be limited to a return to Washington D.C. It appears State Capitols like Michigan are also on their radar.
I attach a letter that hopefully you’ve seen from Leroy Towns, published recently in the Kansas Reflector. I first got acquainted with Leroy when he worked for Governor Bennet, when I was in the Legislature. He has made a huge contribution over many decades to the benefit of Kansas and the nation. Out of respect for him, I am going to attach a copy of what he wrote. Given his writing skills, knowledge, and political history, his message might have more impact than anything I can say.
This is a time in the history of our nation when key votes can have unbelievable negative impacts on the United States of America. Please be on the right side of history.
John Carlin | Fellow resident of Manhattan, Kansas
[Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images]
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