Some Jewish Solons Join Oust-Trump Movement

Other items in today’s column include:
*Prominent Jews speak out about assault on Capitol
*LGBTQ Victory Fund Celebrates Nine Members of Congress

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a growing member of Congress members, both in the House and the Senate, on Thursday called for the removal of President Trump from office, either by impeachment or by invoking the Constitution’s 25th Amendment, in the wake of the assault by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The relevant portions of the 25th Amendment reads as follows:

Section 4.

Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office

Among those calling for Trump’s immediate removal are a number of Jewish Democratic  members of both houses. The list, still growing, included when this article went to press:

SENATE
–Charles Schumer of New York, the Senate Minority Leader
—Ron Wyden of Oregon

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
—David Cicilline of Rhode Island
—Steve Cohen of Tennessee
—Ted Deutch of Florida
—Sara Jacobs of  San Diego, California
—Jerrold Nadler of New York
—Jamie Raskin of Maryland
—Brad Schneider of Illinois

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Prominent Jews speak out about assault on Capitol

In my column yesterday, I included some of the immediate reactions from Jewish groups and individuals to the assault on the U.S. Capitol.  Today, other members of our community are making their thoughts known.

I’ll run them in alphabetical order:

—Matt Brooks and Norm Coleman, respectively executive director and national chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition:  “The Republican Jewish Coalition congratulates Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States. After the abhorrent mob attack yesterday on our Capitol, our elected officials went back to work, fulfilled their duty under our Constitution, and certified the results of the 2020 election. Now is the time for the same peaceful transition of power that the US has carried out for over 220 years. It is also time for healing and unity in our country, because we face many serious and significant challenges. As President-elect Joe Biden takes office, the COVID-19 pandemic has already taken many lives and disrupted our vibrant and growing economy. Our adversaries and competitors abroad will be watching the new administration closely. It is vital that we come together as a nation and pursue policies that are consistent with our founding principles and that strengthen the uniquely successful federal republic that our founders built. In particular, we hope to work with the incoming Biden administration on issues such as the US-Israel relationship and preventing a nuclear Iran. Peace and stability in the Middle East can be achieved when America takes a leadership role, supports Israel, opens doors for cooperation between Israel and her neighbors, and – very importantly – acts prudently to restrain the hegemonic ambitions of the theocratic dictators in Iran. We are blessed to live in the most free, safe, and prosperous country in the world. America’s Founding Fathers created a constitutional government that has weathered many challenges, including outright civil war. In these troubled times, we must come together so that this remarkable country will continue to thrive, in peace and security.”

—Todd Gutnick, senior director of communications for the Anti-Defamation League: ” In the wake of yesterday’s violence at the Capitol, ADL is tracking the extremists involved in the coup — particularly what they are saying on social media. ADL has found that extremists are celebrating what they regard as a huge success, and have quickly turned to planning their next attempted coup, targeting Inauguration Day. Below is a snippet of what we’re seeing unfold in the dark corners of the extremist web.

1. A white supremacist Telegram channel posted “Reminder that the U.S. Presidential Inauguration day is on January 20th. That is the next date on the calendar that the Pro-Trump and other nationalist crowds will potentially converge on the Capitol again.”
2. On Wimkin, a new social media platform, a group calling itself “Million Militia March” posted an ominous call to action, saying in part: “BORN July, 4 1776 – DIED January 20, 2021 Is this ^^ how it’s going to be? It’s up to US now. It’s up to YOU and ME and our fellow Patriots. IF OUR COUNTRY DIES on 1/20, it won’t be the only thing that dies. President Trump will die, they will hang him, if not by a rope they will end him in some way. Don Jr. too. Eric too. Ivanka. Barron. The First Lady. They will not leave ANY Trump free to avenge what they have done to their father. THEY FOUGHT FOR US. What are WE going to DO?” In a November YouTube video that has since been removed, Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio told fellow members that on January 20 “show up there (DC) in Biden gear and you turn his inauguration into a fucking circus, a sign of resistance, a sign of revolution….”

 

—Michael Jeser, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County: “Like many in our community, we watched yesterday’s events in DC with horrifying concern. The brazen lawlessness on display not only threatened the lawful transition of power, but also the democratic norms and values that have made America one of the most pluralistic, inclusive societies in history. As Jews, we have a long and storied history of using peaceful protest for positive means. From the Civil Rights Movement to Soviet Jewry and beyond, our right to dissent has powered meaningful societal change, but what we saw yesterday at the nation’s capitol is antithetical to both our practices and teachings. But amidst the darkness of yesterday’s events, we were equally proud of our elected officials who worked through the night to make sure that our democracy prevailed….”

—Sara Katz, chief executive officer of the National Council of Jewish Women: “Yesterday’s effort to thwart the will of the people, interrupting Congressional efforts to certify the results of the Electoral College at the suggestion of the president, strikes at the very core of our democracy. It was voter suppression plain and simple. This attack on our democratic process was encouraged and incited by the President and it must not go unanswered. We demand the immediate resignation or removal of President Trump, who incited and encouraged violence as a form of attempted voter suppression of 80 million people, including people of color and historically marginalized populations who voted in record numbers this election. The actions of the crowd, draped in racist, white supremacist and antisemitic clothing and flags, endangered the lives of everyone present in the Capitol. Furthermore, President Trump refused to de-escalate the crisis and instead effectively showed approval for the destruction within the Capitol Building and the disruption of the process of counting Electoral College votes. If President Trump remains in office, we cannot trust that he will not attempt to once again overthrow the results of the election, engage in mass voter suppression, and incite more violence. NCJW calls for prosecution of the domestic terrorists who broke federal law and threatened the safety of all present in the Capitol and demands an investigation into why the city of DC’s request to deploy the National Guard in advance of planned violence was denied until it was too late. Just months ago, peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters a mere two miles away near the White House were attacked with tear gas and rubber bullets and arrested in large numbers. Peaceful protestors were met with violence, but yesterday the domestic terrorists who destroyed property, trespassed, instigated violence, and violated federal laws while attempting to overthrow a fairly decided election were able to walk away. The reason is clear: systemic racism. We must do better. NCJW will work with our advocates across the country, our partners, and our elected officials to demand justice. At NCJW, we value our constitutional protections that are echoed in our Jewish values –safeguarding our bodily autonomy, securing our right to a fair election, and ensuring the safety of all people in this country. President Trump has proven he is not fit to uphold our laws and it is time for him to resign or be removed from office before he can cause any more damage.”

—Jack Kliger, president and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York: “We have a responsibility to stand up and condemn the blatant bigotry displayed at the Capitol on Wednesday. We cannot be silent bystanders. We must speak up and take action wherever and whenever we witness hatred and threats of violence. Our Museum draws on lessons from the Holocaust to educate about hate and injustice in our current times. We remain committed to educating our visitors, whether in-person or online, on the reality and dangers of extremism.”

—Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress: “Today is a victory for the perseverance of democracy after the brutal onslaught on our nation’s integrity and historical traditions that we witnessed yesterday. I commend Vice President Pence and the members of the U.S. Congress for upholding American Constitutional norms and reminding us of the majesty of our traditions. At the same time, I unambiguously condemn the thugs and criminals who yesterday epitomized the worst elements of society by vandalizing the sacred halls and chambers of Congress, together with all who incited and abetted their unconscionable violence that also resulted in a tragic loss of life. Now is the time for all Americans of good will, regardless of our political or ideological views, to rally behind President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and ensure that our government will successfully defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and tackle the many challenges confronting our nation and the world.”

—Abby J. Liebman, president and CEO of Mazon: a Jewish Response to Hunger:  “The insurrectionist violence on Capitol Hill yesterday did nothing more than undermine our nation’s democracy, constitution, and the effectiveness of the United States Government. A peaceful transfer of power is not only important for ensuring our elected officials can do their jobs, but it is critical to ensure our nation’s most vulnerable are protected and have access to everything needed to survive, including food. In times of national crisis, the most vulnerable are the most at risk among us. Governmental dysfunction and yesterday’s violence only make their lives more difficult and our country more dangerous. We welcome the return to work by Congress hours after the violence. We hope that their return to the House and Senate chambers is the start of a new chapter of governing that includes a renewed commitment to promoting the general welfare and championing the cause of those most in need. We look forward to working with the incoming Biden Administration and members of the 117th Congress to inspire restored faith in American lawmakers and provide much-needed relief to food insecurity in these trying times.”

—Matt Nosanchuk, president of New York Jewish Agenda: “Yesterday, the U.S. Capitol was the scene of a deadly insurrection by pro-Trump rioters, some displaying Confederate and Nazi paraphernalia employed by antisemitic and white nationalist groups, as they desecrated America’s temple of democracy. This outrageous attack was incited by the sitting President of the United States. He was aided and abetted by Members of Congress, including several U.S. Representatives from New York, who announced that they would support the demonstrably false claims of a stolen election and seek to overturn the will of the voters — a blatant violation of the oath they took to uphold the Constitution. NYJA must be absolutely clear: Donald Trump cannot be trusted to hold power — not now, not for the next 13 days, not ever again. We support efforts by Senator Chuck Schumer and many members of the NY congressional delegation to remove Trump from office immediately, either via the application of the 25th Amendment or impeachment and removal by the Congress. Every day that he is allowed to remain in office poses a threat to our democracy. He must be held accountable for his desperate and dangerous efforts to cling to power at all costs. Yesterday’s mob violence is an affront to every one of the Jewish values that drive NYJA’s work: Dignity, Justice, Responsibility, Equality, and Unity. These very same values are the foundation of our democracy. And we are called upon now to put those values into action. As Jews, we know all too well the consequences when mob power grows unchecked in a democracy — we can never allow that to happen in the United States.”

–Ann Toback, chief executive officer of the Workers Circle: “Yesterday, President Trump incited a violent attack on our nation’s democracy and its people in a vain attempt to remain in power, addressing and encouraging an armed mob of his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol while the 2020 election results were being certified by Congress. This insurrection followed months of President Trump refusing to condemn violent threats against elected officials and urging the overturn of our electoral process. President Trump’s actions have violated his oath of office to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’ The Workers Circle, a progressive Jewish organization, calls on the Vice President to invoke the 25th Amendment to immediately remove Trump from office and for Congress to take the steps required to immediately begin impeachment proceedings. Yesterday we watched in horror as the ‘People’s House’ was invaded and desecrated. As a Jewish organization, our collective memory is rife with the terrible dangers of unchecked leaders who foment violence and use political instability for their own aims. We also denounce and demand accountability from those elected Members of Congress who lied to the American people about the election’s results and refused to certify them, placing their own political agenda above our country. These officials failed their oaths and should resign or be removed. We decry the inaction of the U.S. Capitol Police, who stood by while white insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, and the too-slow mobilization of the national guard. The restrained posture of law enforcement in the face of an aggressive, white mob stands in stark and shameful contrast to their suppressive and violent response to the peaceful, mass protests led by People of Color for racial equality and an end to police brutality in Washington, DC and across the nation. Violence and autocracy will not have the final word. We will remain steadfast together with millions of Americans across this nation who are committed to uphold and strengthen our democracy for the good of all its people.”

 

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LGBTQ Victory Fund Celebrates Nine Members of Congress

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, will be among nine members of Congress whose service in Congress will be honored by the LGBTQ Victory Fund at 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, when it holds its “Inauguration 2021” event on line.  Celebrated by the Victory Fund as “the queerest Congress in American history,” other currently serving LGBTQ lawmakers include U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Reps. Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Mondaire Jones, Chris Pappas, Mark Pocan, Mark Takano, and Ritchie Torres.

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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World.  He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com