PUTNEY-The Jim Jeffords ("I didn't leave the party, the party left me") solution:
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate both have narrow majorities, and in two years 100 % of House members and one third of the Senate will be contested.
Donald Trump got the "anger vote" - it was not a mandate. It was aimed at the incumbents and will soon be directed at the Trump administration. Both the House and Senate were elected to represent their constituents, not a would-be tyrant.
If just a couple of representatives and four or so senators switch to Independent, they will regain their Constitutional power and not be an automatic rubber stamp for Donald Trump. There are few if any members who aren't wary of his cabinet picks and of many of his plans for civil rights or his attacks on health care, Social Security, Medicare, the FBI, and other government functions.
The time to stand and object is now - not after the fact. Political power comes down to numbers. If legislators switch to independent, it takes away Trump's numerical majority and restores power to the people's representatives.
Every member retains the right to vote at will on any issue, not abrogate their Constitutional responsibility.
Trump threatens to "primary" anyone who opposes his will - and he already has, including Nancy Mace, Susan Collins, Joni Ernst. Lisa Murkowski, and others.
In the end, they and others will be judged by their independence, not their subservience.
L. Michael Lovell
Putney
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