The Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are making a shameful mockery of the unassailable virtue of honesty. It has become a foreign concept.
Rep. Liz Cheney, a true-red Republican, has had the audacity to call a lie a lie. For uttering the truth about the 2020 presidential election, labeling Donald Trump’s claims of a fraudulent election a bold-faced lie and having voted for his impeachment, Cheney faces expulsion from the House Republican leadership. She is to be replaced tomorrow by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Why?
Because the majority of Republicans in Congress subscribe to Trump’s false assertions, disputed in the courts and state elections supervisors, Cheney is being shunted aside for rejecting a dishonest party orthodoxy and supporting the election process. Her spineless colleagues continue to court Trump’s favor and by extension support by his base.
If the projected expulsion were not a real possibility, it would seem ridiculous and rancid. Unfortunately, the democracy we all love and treasure is threatened by the constant drumbeat by irresponsible Republicans of fraud in the 2020 election—despite its utter lack of proof.
The folks seeking to oust Liz Cheney care little about the damage they are inflicting on our country. It matters little to these people that some Americans may believe them and question the bedrock of our once exceptional country: our vote and belief it counts.
The congressional sheep, including Rep. Andy Harris, peddle this nonsense to supporters to win elections. Harris and his ilk feed the acknowledged discontent with, and distrust of government to Americans who might follow leaders with vision and integrity.
The theory among Trump and followers is a cynical one: if you tell the same lie over and over, it may seem the truth to the uninformed.
Through the despicable behavior of her misguided colleagues on the right, Cheney seems heroic, a symbol of honesty, even it means a temporary exile and unconscionable shunning.
When sloughing through a swamp with crocodiles hungry for power and money, it is difficult to survive if your intention is to speak the truth and defend the basic tenets of democracy. Why are the other swamp residents so driven by political avarice and praise doled out by the unelected swamp rat?
Cheney is a principled conservative. Her views run counter to mine. Yet, she accepts the undeniable truth: the 2020 election result was unimpeachable, that calling it otherwise is a lie, and that Trump incited a riot against democracy on Jan. 6.
Punished and sent to the corner to do penance, Cheney will not keep quiet. She has a responsible, credible voice. Her expulsion would be foolhardy for a party whose distaste for dissenting views makes it increasingly irrelevant and morally corrupt.
By casting its lot with a person loyal only to himself and devoted to wreaking revenge on party members opposed to his vacuous leadership, the Republican Party is damaging itself and the nation.
As the New York Times columnist, Thomas K. Friedman, wrote last week, “To be a leader in today’s G.O.P., you either have to play dumb or be dumb on the central issue facing our Republic: the integrity of our election. You have to accept everything that Trump has said about the election—without shred of evidence—and ignore everything his own attorney general, F.B.I. director and election director said—based on the evidence—that there was no substantive fraud.
“…There is simply nothing more dangerous for a two-party democracy than to have one party declare that no election where it loses is legitimate, and, therefore, if it loses it will just lie about the results and change the rules (as in pernicious efforts in state legislatures to suppress the vote to ensure future victories.”
I vote for honesty. I vote for principled leadership on either side of the political divide.
I vote against attempts to dismantle our democracy. I vote against fraudulent behavior instigated by an ex-president with no concern about the inviolate foundation of our fractious country.
In an op-ed in the Washington Post, Liz Cheney wrote, “I am a conservative Republican, and the most conservative of conservative values is reverence for the rule of law. Each of us swears an oath before God to uphold our Constitution.”
Simply said, easily understandable, these comments are ageless and incontrovertible. Even for those who might disagree with the congresswoman’s political views.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
Marie Teat says
Those that believe there was no voter fraud will eventually have a rude awaking. Look at the mess this Country is in right now with the in competent Biden/Harris Adm.
Jeff Staley says
You owe it to yourself and our country to seek out more sources of information regarding our lack of voter fraud and how well the country is recovering from the worst health crisis in more than 100 years. Fox News has no interest in offering truthful and balanced information. They are deliberately working to manipulate public opinion seemingly to further divide and weaken our country. If you try learning from the perspective of historians, academic or independent economists, court opinions and now the principled leadership in the Department of Justice, you will begin to understand the reality of the more than 60 failed court cases claiming voter fraud without offering a shred of evidence for it. Perhaps more difficult to gain is perspective on how professional and ethical people like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are moving ahead quickly and productively on a wide range of difficult issues. There is absolutely no question the country will be in a lot less mess with their leadership than it was under the Trump administration. Trump’s instigation of the January 6 attack on the Capital and the entire Congress in a despicable attempt to change the outcome of a free and fair election was a stab in the heart of our Democracy. He is well known to only think about himself and wanting to stay in power rather than the damage he has done to the country by brain washing millions of people like you with the help of Fox News, Twitter and Facebook.
Please don’t think I am trying to argue with you. I am simply saying there is much more for you to learn if you want to more responsibly complain about what is threatening our Democracy. There will never be a rude awakening about voter fraud based upon facts. That should be good news during this difficult time, right?
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Jeff, Do you regard MSNBC and CNN as reliable sources of honest reporting?
Yes or No, please.
Deirdre LaMotte says
I think it is lovely that many here are trying to reason with you. I am not so charitable. I am appalled at the lack of facts people decide to ignore, Try pretending to be a “scholar” and on your own research what is really occurring. THERE WAS NO VOTER FRAUD! Truly, really and actually!
But there is no facts that will convince a Trumpie. One cannot reason with the delusional.
Stephen Schaare says
I simply cannot understand this obsession with Liz Cheney by the Dems. I thought she had potential as a conservative some years ago. Today, she seems at least odd with her personal contempt with the former President.
The Dems love anyone who hates Trump- I get it. Let the process go forward. I have no personal interest in the Chaney career whatsoever.
As far as Rep. Dr. Harris is concerned, let the process, once again, move forward. Should Harris be replaced, fine with me. The voters of the first district will decide.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you for your response, Steve. I find it “odd” that you think Liz Cheney “seems at least odd with her personal contempt with the former President.” Isn’t that the point? She disdains the Big Lie,” honors the truth and respects the election process. She understands that claims of fraud are baseless and banal.
My interest in Liz Cheney has nothing to do with her career. As stated in my column, it has do with her principled stand. She stands out from her fellow Republicans because she understands the lack of integrity perpetrated by the ex-president and his sycophantic followers.
Stephen Schaare says
Thank you for your reply.
I understand your view of integrity and honesty by Liz Cheney, I get it.
My use of the word “odd” is at issue. Ok, I always viewed the late Sen John McCain as odd. Following his experiences in Viet Nam, Naval career, I believe his pursuit of political office was certainly honorable. Sadly, in my personal opinion, a poor career choice on his part.
Following him for years, I realized his only interest was to get as much “camera time” as possible. In this pursuit, he would take every opportunity to criticize fellow Repubs. He also lied and broke campaign promises regularly. This “odd” behavior made him one of the most frequent guests on the Sunday morning shows. “Meet the Press”, “Face the Nation”, et al, adored the man. Often called a “Maverick “, he was nothing of the sort. He needed that face time on camera.
Having promised the voters of Arizona to repeal and replace “Obamacare”, once reelected, he gave us the indelible image of his deciding vote with his tiny little hand giving the tiny “thumbs down”. Big lead up, high drama, glaring at leader McConnel. He was the lead story on the news, great video.
Howard, I regarded him as an “Odd” person. The same as Liz Cheney. No reference to truth,integrity and the like. Simply odd. Thank you.
Michael Davis says
I’ve seen no obsession with Liz Cheney “by the Dems.” If they mention her at all, it is in the context that she is no hero. For example, she joined the Republican lie that questioned whether Obama was born in the United States. (It is true as Hawaii is not in the US.) I’ve not heard Democratic politicians comment on Cheney.
I admit that I don’t listen to Tucker Carlson or One America, so I may be missing the news that informs other commentators here.
The people who are obsessed with her are the Republicans. They are the cancel mob, not Democrats.
Howard Freedlander says
Exactly, Michael.
Howard Freedlander says
Spot-on, Michael.
Stephen Schaare says
To correct the record, each and every Sunday morning political program opened with and gave lengthy coverage to Liz Cheney. All Dems, all lefties. The woman they once hated as conservative is now their heroine.Her personal hatred and loathing for Trump has made her the lead story.
I had to look up what this”big lie” thing was. Still with the election results?
Pretty clear to me this Liz Cheney matter drives home the message that free speech indeed comes at a cost. The Repub structure will act as they may. If the voters in Cheney’s district vote her out, then they will have a different Rep in the house. No big deal,
Michael Davis says
You are not correcting the record except to exhibit your biases. I also watch news shows and see no love for Cheney among “All Dems and all lefties.” I’d say provide the names of all these Dems, but I’d guess you’d come up with some other point. It is like playing Wak-A-Mole deflecting any criticism coming up with something new. Wak-A-Mole can be fun on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, but it is a futile exercise in discussions.
Stephen Schaare says
I was referring to the hosts of the Sunday shows, not every registered democrat in the country.
Let me offer a few names you may recognize. Chuck Todd, George Stephanopoulos,Martha Radditz, Wolf Blitzer, Jake Tapper, Nicole Wallace, Margaret Brennan and her fill in host, so forth and so on.
Deirdre LaMotte says
It has nothing to do with Liz Cheney except she is a conservative Republican who is telling the truth… and getting “canceled” by her Party for doing so. Read today’s Thomas Friedman opinion piece online.
Rev Julie Hart says
Thank you Mr. Freedlander for speaking your heart and mind and the truth. I’m a registered Dem but I’ve never felt so sorry for anyone as Liz Cheney. I am horrified at what is happening to the Republican Party and feel sorry for those who are deeply loyal to that Party, which has been wrested away from them by lies on top of lies. It is a fearful happening in our country right now. We will go forward in truth with integrity to save our Democracy? Or will the repetitious lies continue to erode our trust and faith in leadership. So, Liz, I’m sorry. My heart goes out to you.
The Rev Julie Hart
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Rev. Julie. Erosion of trust and faith in leadership, on whatever level, weakens our democracy. Very worrisome.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Trumpism is a cult. Why is anyone surprised? The object is to solidify power. Nothing else. These Retrumpicans care nothing for
dialogue, bi-partisanship or whatever. It is a fear of losing a nation of a white majority. It is going to happen and they are freaked.
The solution? Gerrymandering to the hilt, and endless ridiculous stances in Congress that is tragically embarrassing. What else can one call it? As a former Republican, of 40 plus years, good riddance!! The Party has devolved into a horrible joke.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you,Deidre. The devotion to Trump is mystifying, and concerning. Equal devotion to democracy is frighteningly absent.
Mary Hunt-Miller says
Thank you for your excellent letter, Mr. Freedlander. As an American who has loved and been proud of America’s system of government and reputation within the world, I am also horrified by what I am seeing happen to the Republican party. It continues to embrace lies of fraud which have been totally proven false, even by Trump appointed judges and Republican election officials. The willingness of Mr. McCarthy and other powerful Republican politicians to continue to promote the “Big Lie” which prompted the insurrection of January 6th is dangerous. It appears that holding on to power is their only motivation instead of fealty to the Constitution and their oaths of office. They continue to mislead many Americans who believe the untruths that they are spreading. It does matter to all those who love this country’s values and system of government more than they love a defeated President.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Mary. Winning at any cost, including manipulation of distorted information, is the driving force behind the ouster of Liz Cheney. There’s a cost to speaking the truth and questioning a morally corrupt person.