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Senator Moran and the Right Side of History

2/13/2021

10 Comments

 
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.
Digital Signature - John Carlin
John Carlin | Fellow resident of Manhattan, Kansas
Rioter in the Senate Chamber
[Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images]
10 Comments
Richard Baker
2/13/2021 09:00:45 am

As always, the wordsmith. I like Senator Moran. Like you he just about always granted an interview and did not dodge questions! Now you need to send Senator Marshall, but don’t use big words!

Reply
William McKay
2/13/2021 09:05:37 am

Well said, thank you.

Reply
Karl kohfeld
2/13/2021 11:15:40 am

Please do the right thing and vote to impeach President Trump nobody I mean nobody is above the law

Reply
Mary Janssen
2/13/2021 11:45:29 am

Thank you for your articulate and unbiased letter to Senator Moran. I, too, have written him and asked that he review the facts set out by the managers who presented an indisputable accounting of the former president’s role in the Jan 6 insurrection. Unfortunately, far too many of us in Kansas do not get a voice in our National governance.

Reply
Betty Stevens
2/13/2021 12:12:16 pm

It is helpful to separate Trump from the mainstream Republican party. I know many Republicans who are sane and thoughtful, unlike all Trumpers.

Reply
Carol Duerksen
2/13/2021 12:47:09 pm

Thank you for so eloquently saying what so many of us in Kansas support. Your courage to do the right thing for Kansas will go down in history.

Reply
Larry Dreiling
2/13/2021 01:06:44 pm

Thank you for your letter of hope. Jerry and I have known each other nearly 45 years. He’s a good guy. Like you, I hope he finds himself on the right side of history.

Reply
Rebecca Hughes
2/13/2021 01:37:20 pm

Thank you for writing a letter to Senator Moran. I have little hope that Senator Moran will go against his Party Oath to defend Trump and his authoritarian tactics.

Reply
Karen Carlin Finstad
2/13/2021 02:18:30 pm

Perfect letter John,
Thanks, let’s hope Jerry listens.

Reply
T Jensen
2/14/2021 01:09:03 pm

Unfortunately, Kansas senators did not live up to profiles in courage

Reply



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    John W. Carlin​—​61st Speaker of the Kansas House, 40th Governor of Kansas, 8th Archivist of the United States, and student of leadership

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