Sen. Angus King voices a "Personal Statement of Integrity" on President Donald Trump's one-hundredth day in office
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In a throwback to the past, we take a nostalgic glance at a moment in history that still resonates powerfully – the spirit of Maine's very own Senator Margaret Chase Smith.
During a time not unlike our own, she rose to the occasion and graced the Senate floor with her "Declaration of Conscience," a mere 75 years ago. This courageous speech was a clarion call intended to shake the very foundations of a country teetering on the brink of chaos, far from any foreign threats. Smith's faith in the ideals of America and the resilience of its democratic system burned bright, offering a beacon of hope during the tense days of the Red Scare.
One of the most significant speeches of the Twentieth Century, the "Declaration of Conscience" set Smith apart as a figure of unparalleled bravery and conviction. Who could forget the day she stood toe-to-toe with political adversaries, all for the sake of democracy? Her palpable anxiety before the speech was almost palpable, as her chief aide, Bill Lewis, held back her prepared script until the last moment, lest her conviction waver beneath the crippling weight of the times.
But she pressed on, letting the words pour forth and etch their way into the annals of history.
"Mr. President," she began, "I would like to speak briefly and simply about a serious national condition...a condition that comes from the lack of effective leadership either in the legislative branch or the executive branch of our government." Powerful words that still reverberate today.She continued, calling out her fellow senators for their complacency and complicity in the erosion of democratic values.
"It is high time that we stopped thinking politically as Republicans and Democrats about elections and started thinking patriotically as Americans about national security based on individual freedom."
Her sentiments echo loudly in the halls of power today, as Congress falters, the courts hold firm, and an awakened populace rallies for protection of the Constitution – sometimes from within.
Independent Senator Angus King, representing Maine today, can't help but draw parallels between then and now, as he watches President Trump steam ahead on his campaign promises after reaching his 100-day mark in office. King is quick to point out that the focus isn't on the president's agenda, but his methods.
Methods that threaten the very fabric of American democracy.
As Trump continues to dismantle and disregard the executive branch's responsibility to "faithfully execute" the laws passed by Congress, many watch in disbelief and some in despair. This flagrant disregard for the Constitution is sending shivers down the spines of Americans, as they fear the slippery slope their country is sliding down.
However, there are some who claim to appreciate the president's policies and are willing to overlook his assault on the Constitution. But Senator Smith's message was clear as day: "Tellingly, during that exchange, he said, 'We are the law,' a statement which is wholly inconsistent with our form of government."
And what of the future? Well, my friends, it's up to us. It's time to channel the spirit of Margaret Chase Smith, stand tall, and declare our own conscious commitment to the principles our country was built upon – a commitment that transcends party lines and unites us all as Americans.
Let's honor Smith's memory by taking a stand for freedom, for justice, and for the sanctity of our Constitution. Because, at the end of the day, we are the ones who will decide the future of our country. Let us not fail ourselves, or the legacy of Margaret Chase Smith.
- Smith's historic "Declaration of Conscience" speech, delivered 75 years ago, reflects an exceptional instance of political courage and conviction that sets a powerful example for today's political landscape.
- Smith's speech, delivered during a time reminiscent of our current political climate, has a haunting resonance in today's partisan politics and war-and-conflicts dominated general news.
- Smith's call to action, urging her fellow politicians to think patriotically instead of politically, is echoed today as a growing number of people rally for policy-and-legislation, crime-and-justice, and war-and-conflicts issues.
- With President Trump exceeding his 100-day mark in office, Senator Angus King, representing Maine today, sees a striking resemblance between the current political turmoil and Smith's era, focusing on the president's methods that, in King's view, threaten the very foundation of American democracy.
- Much like Smith, King encourages citizens to consider the repercussions of their political choices and to honor the principles on which the country was founded, going beyond partisan opinions that can often divide us.
- As we continue to grapple with the challenges of our time, we must reflect on the obstacles that Smith overcame and take inspiration from her conviction to uphold the Constitution, demonstrating that individual actions can have a spectacularly positive impact on the future of our nation.
