Letters to the Editor, Jan. 20, 2021: A call for Rep. Harris to resign

The following is an open letter from the several Democratic Central Committees, including those of Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties, to the Maryland Congressional Delegation.

Penalize Rep. Harris
It is with a heavy heart and sincere disappointment that we draft this message to you. While disagreement and compromise are essential to the functioning of any democratic institution, there are times when significant departures from the norm necessitate a serious and considerable response.

The recent actions of our Congressman, Dr. Andy Harris, give us no other recourse than a formal request for punitive action to be taken. It is a very serious matter to challenge the actions of an elected official, not taken lightly, and never solely for political purposes.

We believe the actions of Dr. Harris are so far outside the limits of responsible representation of Maryland’s First District that they warrant a serious and consequential response. Dr. Harris has lost the trust and confidence of his constituency; his unacceptable actions lead us to declare he has forfeited the privilege of representing the honest people of Maryland’s First District.

Additionally, we commend the steadfast leadership of Maryland Democrats in the pursuit for justice against the incumbent President. We wholeheartedly support our leadership in your endeavor to see this President tried and convicted by the U.S. Senate for the crimes he has committed against the United States of America and her people.

Thank you for your hard and steadfast work in representing the state of Maryland and this country. It is our hope that, one day, we may enjoy a Congressman who does the same.
Yours in Solidarity,
Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee
Caroline County Democratic Central Committee
Carroll County Democratic Central Committee
Dorchester County Democratic Central Committee
Harford County Democratic Central Committee
Kent County Democratic Central Committee
Queen Anne’s County Democratic Central Committee
Talbot County Democratic Central Committee
Wicomico County Democratic Central Committee
Worcester County Democratic Central Committee
Talbot County Democratic Central Committee
Easton

Cardin on impeachment
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives bipartisan vote to impeach President Donald Trump:
President Trump stands alone as the only American president to be impeached twice by the House of Representatives because he is the only sitting American president in our 244-year history who incited a violent insurrection against our own government. There have been presidents with whom I have disagreed on nearly every policy matter, but I knew they at least understood the U.S. Constitution, took their constitutional oath seriously, and respected the checks and balances and separation of powers in our government.

Donald Trump should have resigned last week when he failed to take any action to quell the violent mob that he urged to head to the Capitol. He should have resigned after the death of the Capitol Police officer who was attacked by the domestic terrorists as they invaded our seat of government searching out lawmakers and staff. Six people have now lost their lives as a result of the lawlessness encouraged by our president, who keeps saying he supports ‘law and order.’

For the sake of our nation, Donald Trump should resign now and allow our country to heal from the wounds he has inflicted upon our democracy by his flagrant disregard of the Constitution and contempt for the rule of law. Of course, Donald Trump has never voluntarily put the country before his own self-interests, which is why we find the country in crisis today.

The instability and constitutional trauma caused by Donald Trump’s actions make it more important that the Senate expedites an impeachment trial or multitasks by also holding confirmation hearings and votes on President-elect Joe Biden’s crucial national security nominees. The Senate also urgently needs to pass the next COVID-19 relief package to help Americans during the ongoing pandemic. I urge outgoing Majority Leader McConnell to work with incoming Majority Leader Schumer to bring the Senate back immediately to deal with the blatant transgressions of our president. The amount of time he has left in office is irrelevant. There must be serious consequences for encouraging the overthrow of our legally elected government.
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
Washington, D.C.

Governor Larry Hogan issued the following statement Jan. 15 on the passing of Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend.
Serving the people of our great state was Mike Miller’s life’s work, and he did so with unrelenting passion and courage for a remarkable 50 years. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mike’s wisdom and trademark humor. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate.

The First Lady and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to President Miller’s wife, Patti, their five children and 15 grandchildren, his Senate colleagues, and all who loved him.

Effective immediately, Maryland flags will fly at half-staff in honor of Senate President Emeritus Miller’s distinguished life and legacy until sunset on the day of interment.
Gov. Larry Hogan
Annapolis