A reply to U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman’s statement of “it’s not what you’re against. What are you for? Show us what you’re for and then let’s have a dialogue”, from his interview with (local television).

The protests you have been seeing stand for the Constitution. All of it, not just the parts that are most valuable to us, and not just at times that are opportune to the moment or to those who wish to lead us.

We support the division of powers. May the legislature legislate, may the judicial adjudicate, and may the executive execute. Each should perform its own role, without shirking responsibility, and while respecting the roles and actions of the other two. These checks and balances limit the accumulation of power and the abuse thereof.

This includes the targeting of law firms, colleges, political adversaries, and the free press through executive orders which aim to intimidate, shackle in litigation, or expose to harm.

We feel that the Republican Congress, Republican executive, and conservative court are abusing your power by either willfully not upholding the rule of law or by passively not upholding the roles of each branch of government.

We stand for the quality and function of government that was constructed over the last 237 years. These laws, departments, programs, employees, and funding commitments were established by elected Representatives and Senators. If you wish to undo it, legislate those changes and be responsible and accountable to those acts.

This covers all the federal cuts, impoundment of funds, slashing of departments, and elimination of regulations that have occurred through executive order.

We stand for the rule of law including due process for all persons. This is plainly stated in the 5th and 14th Amendment as “no persons shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law”.

We stand for free speech and free press. Individuals should not be deported for expressing opposing opinions. Press should not be cherry picked based on favorability of coverage. Nor should it receive legal attacks or regulatory prosecution. Members of congress and opposing leaders should not be targeted by investigations or intimidated.

We stand for the autonomy of sovereign nations. Specifically, Canada, Greenland, Panama, Ukraine, and Palestine. Words and actions towards acquiring or developing any country tarnishes America’s reputation for using its power to do good.

We stand for ethical government. There are so many examples of conflict of interest that we are concerned this country is no longer “of the people and for the people” but are of “Trump’s people, and for Trump’s people.”

We stand for the privacy of the personal information of American Citizens. Especially not at a time when political adversaries are being targeted.

We stand for defending democracy globally. We support NATO, we support Ukraine. We support democratic governments, and leaders who promote democracy. We oppose authoritarians, oligarchs, dictators and corporatocracy.

We stand for a government that is for the common good. Consider all of these actions to cut the government. What for? For the richest Americans to become richer? We get less, they get more?

We stand for the 22nd Amendment — No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.

We stand for the sustainable use of the earth’s resources. The accelerated consumption and the waste it produces, must not erode the viability of earth and its species.

We have a constitutional republic and not a monarchy. We wish to uphold it.

United, we stand for these things. Host a U.P. town hall and have dialogue with us. Don’t let your representation remain an object asleep.