In a civil, functioning democracy, elected representatives do not threaten political rivals with politically motivated prosecution.
Nor does anyone who supports justice and the rule of law do this, condone it or tolerate it. Insulting other humans for their race, religion, or origin is also beyond the pale.
I am outraged by Rep. Andy Ogles' public statement calling for illegal actions to be taken against Zohran Mamdani:
Here are the details:
Andy Ogles, a
Republican from Tennessee, has sent a letter to Pam Bondi calling for Zohran Mamdani to be stripped of his citizenship and deported.
Rep. Andy Ogles
@RepOgles
His tweet:
"Zohran "little muhammad" Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York. He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings.
Attached is my letter to @AGPamBondi.""
This is appalling, abusive and bigoted. It is also a call for corrupt extrajudicial action -- it is entirely unworthy of an elected representative. It undermine due process and the rule of law and democracy itself.
Some would call it full blown fascism. Certainly it is in direct contravention to the constitution you and Ogles swore to defend.
As much as some of your anti-rule of law and anti-constitutional colleagues would like, in a functioning democracy, you do not get to instruct the AG to strip citizenship and deport someone because you disagree with them. You do not get to strip the voters in NY or LA of their right to elect who they choose.
You also do not get to call for violating the constitutional right of Habeas corpus if you swore an oath to the constitution.
Ogles' comment brings Congress into disrepute. It violates the law and constitution.
Silence is compliance.
Please do not remain silent.
Please speak out to condemn Ogles's comment; refer him for an ethics investigation; move to censure him.
It's your responsibility, your duty, to speak out for decency and the rule of law.
Please reply to let me know what you will do: will you stand for the constitution, rule of law, and standards of civility and decency? If not please explain how your silence would be compatible with your oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.
First sent on June 27 by Mary
