Dear Senator Collins,
Who would have thunk it, another four year term with Donald Trump at the helm. And, as before, though he is uniquely unqualified to lead any government, being completely absorbed with his own interests and power, he has the singular gift of of being a substantial mob head, a real "Don", able to intimidate those around him into submission, whether through election "primarying", to tweeted threats against critics, their families, their freedom or by aggregating government control and using it against those against him or even just those who remain neutral. And my, isn't it breath-taking to see senator after senator succumb to these threats, embrace his unqualified, dangerous cabinet picks, crawl to Mar-a-Lago to curry favor - all in the good company of tech tycoons, oil executives and more.
I know you remember only too well the chaos, greed and narcisism of Trump's first four years. Being a team player, you tried to ask hard questions and occasionally would speak out, but were often so willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the man - in spite of his long track record of misogyny, moral and financial bankruptcy, pathological lying, vindictiveness, extortion and chicanery. Eventually, after January 6th, you, too, recoiled and voted to bring him to task, though you, alas, were unsuccesful in that attempt.
Well here's another chance. I know it wasn't the fight you were hoping for and I assume you will be trying to find what silver linings there may be in the approaching storm but I urge you, beg you, to block any cabinet or judicial appointments that throw up unqualified and dangerous sycophants, insist on full hearings, full vetting. The government cannot become the playground of billionaires and autocrats. I realize that it may put you in a dangerous place and that there aren't many of you who might so stand - for that it will be imperative that you work tirelessly to convince your fellow legislators of the growing perils of simply abandoning their responsibilities to Trump and his cohorts - and such resistance would likely end your political future. It's really about serving America's promise and hope, the long arc, isn't it and I hope that you will find the strength and courage to do so.
Do not go gently into that dark night!
