- 🧵1. How shall we govern ourselves? We need a constructive program to oppose this regime. Gandhi said we must not only protest, we must build anew. Thanks to recent reforms in the House, we can protect our democracy, continue to govern & build power. Here's how: constitutionaldefense.us
- 2 I've been working with the reform committee in the House since 2019--it passed 202 recommendations to update & build capacity. After the Jan 6th attack, legitimacy became a safety concern. How can we upgrade our system so Americans can contribute feedback & support democracy outside of elections?
- 3.Congress is largely paralyzed, under attack and losing its Constitutional prerogatives. We must fight this downward slide & carry on governing for the People. Here are the 7 R's of opposition power: Rights,Rules, Reputation,Record, Rooms, Recognition & Representation. constitutionaldefense.us
- 4.Rights: Congress is the heart of Article One in the U.S. Constitution—first among equals in our three branches of government. The First Amendment allows citizens to petition to redress grievances and assemble peacefully. Here's a more formal way, beyond protest. constitutionaldefense.us
- 5. Rules: Rule of law requires checks and balances between the three branches of government. Congress must have the capacity and will to hold the executive accountable. Internally, Congress has adopted new technology & rules to coordinate with local civil society. constitutionaldefense.us
- 6. Reputation: a community led hearing will provide authentic shared knowledge and lived experiences to inform decision-making. Americans across the USA have unique expertise, and many are willing to share for the public good. These hearings identify and elevate these voices.
- 7. the Record: The Congressional Record (CR) preserves debates & proceedings. It holds the issue memory & provides primary material for contemporary lawmaking. Civil Society Field Hearings create a Civic Voice Record, collected by communities and preserved digitally. constitutionaldefense.us
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- 8. Rooms:Congress doesn't require its marble buildings for Civil Society Field Hearings. Districts nationwide offer suitable public spaces—libraries, schools, parks, amphitheaters, community centers, church social rooms, grange halls, or VFW posts-that can host civic events. constitutionaldefense.us
- 9.Recognition: Testifying before Congress acknowledges the importance of citizen input in the national legislature. These convenings demonstrate how the People's House can hear & value local voices, shaping & co-owning the data for evidence-based lawmaking. constitutionaldefense.us
- 10. Representation: Members derive their leadership confidence & capacity for action through representative duties. An active, supportive constituency back home is the currency of power that can persevere & prevail against an aggressive, overreaching presidential regime. constitutionaldefense.us
