CIVIL RIGHTS POLICIES: Legal and ethical concerns

We, the undersigned, wish to express our support for the Constitution, the rule of law, democracy, and our system of checks and balances. We have observed several actions by the current presidential administration that raise legal and ethical concerns. These include: 

• The executive branch’s unilateral actions to delay or cancel appropriations that have already been enacted into law. 

• The proposal to repeal birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the Constitution. 

• Expanding local law enforcement involvement with federal immigration enforcement. 

• Efforts to penalize sanctuary jurisdictions. 

• The association of immigrants with criminal activity. 

• Implementation of tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China. We are particularly concerned about tariffs against, NATO member, Canada and Organization of American States member, Mexico. Both Canada and Mexico are also members of NAFTA. These tariffs may increase the costs of goods and services across the United States. 

• Attempts to replace federal employees who have union contracts with individuals loyal to the administration. Federal employees are required to make decisions without political bias according to established rules and laws. 

We acknowledge these issues as part of a broader concern regarding potential changes to civil rights policies within the Justice Department. This letter serves as an initial step in expressing our perspectives on these matters.

ETHEL STEINMETZ MARMONT

JAMES R. MARMONT

ROGER A. STEINMETZ

KATHY CARDWELL

WENDY ST. JAMES

PATRICIA BENTLEY

CAROLYN JOSLIN

VICKY MEYER

Coeur d’Alene