The following is the text of an email letter that I sent to my congressman today. If you share my opinion and you have a senator or congressman who has not acknowledged the Biden victory (and therefore the lawful legitimacy of his administration), I urge you to join me in writing your representatives. We need to speak out against the big lie. Please feel free to copy and paste to your heart's content!
Dear Congressman Lamborn:
Today marks the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America. If I’ve counted correctly, this marks the 16th inauguration of a President in my lifetime. Some of the presidents were elected in landslides, some in squeakers, and some even after having lost the popular vote. But in each instance, the nation came together under the duly elected president by the time of the inauguration. In each instance, the defeated candidate recognized and affirmed the outcome. On several occasions, defeated incumbent presidents have looked on as their successor was sworn in. This has been an American tradition and a ritual affirmation of our democracy. But this will not happen this year. Our electoral system has been plagued by what we now know definitively as “the big lie,” that somehow, President Trump had actually been the choice of most voters. I know that you are a supporter of President Trump and that you voted to disqualify the votes of some states that Biden carried, even after the attack on Congress. I know that you supported the re-election of President Trump. I know that you voted against impeaching President Trump for his role in promoting the mob’s attack on the Capitol. But now Trump’s run is over, and it’s time for everyone--especially persons in your circumstance--to speak out in defense of our democracy, the rule of law, and the promotion of civil discourse. Given that your website indicates that you’ve not congratulated or even acknowledged the victory of our newly elected president, now is the time to do so. You--and as many of your colleagues as you can persuade--should immediately issue a statement along the following lines:
20 January 2021
Press Release of Congressman Doug Lamborn & Colleagues
Today marks the inauguration of Joe Biden as our 46th president. We congratulate President Biden on his electoral victory, and we want to wish him all the best as he embarks upon his service as president of our great nation. We pledge to take every opportunity to work with our new president and his administration whenever we can to promote the well-being of the American people and our system of government. When we don’t agree, we pledge to act in good faith to pursue alternatives consistent with our form of government.
The result of the recent election has been doubted by some. However, the states, the Electoral College, the Congress, and the Courts (after numerous instances of judicial review) have all affirmed the sanctity and validity of the election results. Let there be no further question that Joe Biden won the election. One of the hallmarks of the success and longevity of the American electoral system arises from the tradition of fair play and good sportsmanship that we teach our sons and daughters each day. The American people have spoken, and even we who supported President Trump must acknowledge the election results according to provisions of our Constitution and laws. Any disagreement that any of us--from congressional representatives to ordinary voters-- have with the new Biden Administration must be expressed in words and not violence. Violence is the antithesis of democracy and the rule of law, and we must all reject it.
God bless the Biden Administration, this Congress, and the United States of America.
Thank you for your consideration. I eagerly await your response.
Stephen N. Greenleaf
