AFSCME’s Saunders: ‘Impeach this president who daily desecrates American values and lives’
WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders said the following regarding the movement to impeach President Donald Trump for inciting insurrection:
“AFSCME has long fortified the foundations of democracy, including voting rights, civil rights and workers’ rights. After careful consideration, we call for the resignation or, failing that, the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump, a clear and present danger to these foundations.
“The president has flagrantly violated the oath he swore to preserve, protect and defend our democracy. As a public service workers union, AFSCME takes its responsibility to the public seriously, and we uniquely understand the need to hold accountable those who do not. And given AFSCME’s strong civil rights history, we have a visceral grasp of the hypocrisy and double standard clearly at play – people of color marching peacefully for justice are often met with violence, while those wearing MAGA hats and carrying Confederate flags were allowed to loot and riot on Wednesday with impunity.
“Further, President Trump and his enablers have blood on their hands. AFSCME expresses our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who was bludgeoned in the head with a fire extinguisher by these terrorists and succumbed to his injuries. Despite all his rhetoric about supporting law enforcement, President Trump’s failure to acknowledge Officer Sicknick’s murder is a slap in the face.
“Finally, we must never allow President Trump’s many enablers to whitewash their complicity. For years, craven politicians eagerly made excuses for the president because they thought it would advance their own careers. We will not allow them to now distance themselves out of the same political expedience. They must be held accountable, just as President Trump must be held accountable, so that their support for sedition will forever be a stain on their legacies.
“Some have questioned the worth of impeaching a president with just days left in his term. This misses the point. Accountability in public service is a hallmark of democracy. Public service workers – nurses, custodians, corrections officers, teachers and so many others – are accountable to their communities for their important work. Elected officials must be held to an even higher standard. We somehow have been conditioned to accept a lower bar for Mr. Trump, and that is wrong. We must set a strong example for future presidents who may believe they can embrace tyranny without consequence.
“AFSCME calls on President Trump to resign. If he will not, Congress should impeach and convict this president who daily desecrates American values and lives.”