Since 2016, Donald Trump has galvanized the far-right to target vulnerable populations, degrade human rights, and erode democracy. He has used fear tactics, misinformation, and bullying to scare people into submission. He has removed webpages that offer scientific evidence-based information because they do not support his narrative. He has achieved this either by outright actions (many of which are unconstitutional) and/or by promulgating regulations. Regulations have legally prescribed public comment periods.
On this page are my submitted public comment or statements on recent actions by the Trump administration that threaten our communities and/or our democracy. This is not an exhaustive list, and my responses are focused on providing public comment to federal agencies on specific proposed and final rules.
If you are interested in submitting public comment on a rule or regulation, you can do so through the Federal Register. For public comments submitted through the federal register, the agency must review every comment. Submitting public comment is an important form of civic engagement, and puts your opinion into the public record.
Dear Friends,
In the midst of confronting a growing viral pandemic, last week our country faced another serious threat. For me, it felt like September 11 – only this time Americans who were incited by Donald Trump’s lies and conspiracy theories were provoked by him to engage in an insurrectionist attack. The mob put our Congressional representatives, their staff, journalists, and others in harm’s way.
On January 6, I took my oath of office for a second term as your State Representative. On the same day, these terrorists were invited by Trump to attack our nation’s democracy and invade the U.S. Capitol. This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to charge Trump with one article of impeachment for inciting insurrection.
I’ve been asked whether I think Congress should proceed with actions to remove Trump from office, given that President-elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration is less than 12 days away. I’m asked, is it worth it?
My answer is a definite and unequivocal YES.
I hear others suggest that we should ignore what happened in order to achieve unity.
My question for this moment is: What should our goal be? Unity for what?
I fear for our country if we do not act. Historically, insurrection attempts that escape responsibility get more dangerous. Our action or inaction will determine how January 6 is viewed by history.
I believe we are compelled to demand accountability and enforce consequences.
I believe every Congress member, Senator, and Governor should speak out in support of Trump’s removal from office and demand a full account of what and how the attack on the Capitol happened. Last Thursday, I wrote to Governor Baker and urged him to call for Trump’s resignation and removal from office. My letter to Governor Baker is here.
I believe Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to the country and is unfit for office. He has violated his oath, and he needs to be removed as quickly as possible. Every day he remains in office creates a new risk to the country.
I recognize that for many people, what happened at the U.S. Capitol is tragically expected and all too familiar. The role that white supremacy and racism has played — and still plays — in our country is unmistakable. The treatment that peaceful protesters for racial justice received this summer as compared to the treatment many in the mob received this week at the Capitol fills us with anger and disgust. The blatant hypocrisy and racism is unavoidable. First Lady Michelle Obama wrote movingly on this here.
As we approach the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., I am seeking ways to honor his life, and I am reflecting on the violence surrounding his death and its connections to last week’s mob. I am also inspired by Dr. King’s statement and challenge: “We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.”
As your State Representative, I promise to use this moment to commit to provide more opportunities for your engagement in our democracy, to ensure my accountability, to join with you in our demands for justice, and to amplify our infinite hope in all of our struggles.
Please take good care of yourself. We need you.
Mindy
Peaceful political dissent is not dangerous. It is a basic tenet of a democracy. It is a patriotic act and it is protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Donald Trump is the danger to American democracy. His orders to federalize the California National Guard and deploy 4,000 U.S. Marines to the streets of Los Angeles, over the objections of and overriding the authority of the Mayor of Los Angeles, the LA Police Department, the Governor of California and the Attorney General of California are not normal. Indeed they are a total overreaction, an escalation, an ostentatious abuse of power and, likely, an illegal act.
His actions and statements not only threaten Los Angeles residents, create chaos and provoke fear, but he has also undermined public safety in cities across the country — where Americans know that disregarding a Governor’s authority and using the national guard and the military to silence political opponents, thwart protest, and attack citizens is wrong, unAmerican, weak, deeply undemocratic, and an attack on our democracy and on our rights.
Today, Donald Trump warned that people who protest “will be met by force”.
I commit to continued protest and to vigorous dissent against harmful federal actions and policies, and to defend every American’s right to do so without the threat of military intervention.
Being elected as a State Representative, I took an oath too. And today I reaffirm my oath of office to uphold the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ constitution and the United States constitution.