As you may have seen, Gov. Mills made it clear to the president that Maine won’t be bullied. Join us and many others from across the political spectrum in thanking Gov. Mills for her moral courage and ethical leadership.
At a bipartisan meeting of governors last Friday, President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding to Maine unless the state adopted his personal policy preferences. He went on to say, "I am the law." These chilling words suggest he has a limited understanding of – and no respect for – the actual structure of power sharing and rule of law established by the U.S. Constitution.
Gov. Mills responded with one of our favorite phrases: We’ll see you in court.
By standing up for the rule of law and the Bill of Rights, Gov. Mills called to mind the "Declaration of Conscience" made nearly 75 years ago by U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine. The commitments inherent in "Americanism" outlined by Sen. Chase Smith are just as true today as they were then. The basic principles of our democracy include "the right to criticize; the right to hold unpopular beliefs; the right to protest; and the right of independent thought."
Dissent and disagreement are critical features of our system, not bugs. Rather than threatening or coercing states into compliance with his personal views like a dictator, the role of the president is to celebrate any opportunity to engage in and debate important political issues.
The foundation of this country has always been that we do not and will not have a king. In our system, the people have the power, through Congress, to determine how funds are allocated and under what conditions. Moreover, the states have the ability – within the bounds of our constitutional commitments – to make law that reflects local priorities, needs, and perspectives.
President Trump’s behavior should bring condemnation from all people of conscience who believe in American democracy and the rule of law. We applaud Governor Mills for taking a courageous stand. Join us in thanking Gov. Mills.
In solidarity,
