Reading the Riot Act

I've said this before, but it bears repeating.  

Right now, things in Connecticut are in a tailspin; they've been that way for the last three years.  In my opinion, the proper remedy for what's happening would be to at least impeach the governor, and force him to answer to the state legislature.  Unfortunately, the General Assembly's hands are effectively tied, since they cannot meet unless the governor calls them into special session.  

I find that the situation is approaching that which led to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.  Allow me a moment to explain this.   

The purpose of the Declaration was to disclose the tyrannic practices of King George, and assert that due to this tyranny, it had become "neccessary" for the thirteen colonies to govern themselves.  In a similar manner to the Declaration, "let facts be submitted to a candid world" (1).  

The history of the present governor of Connecticut is a "history of repeated injuries and usurpations".  He has:

• Refused his assent to laws that are neccessary for the public good. 

• Made municipalities obtain his permission to enact neccessary laws.  Where such permission has been sought, the governor has utterly neglected to attend to such matters.  

• Effectively abandoned legislative representation, because some members of the General Assembly have opposed "with manly firmness" his invasions on the rights of the people (1, 2). 

• Made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their offices.  

• "Sent hither swarms of officers to harass the people, and eat out their substance"

• Suspended operation of the legislature unless they, on his whim alone, are called into special session.  

• Declared himself invested with power to legislate in all cases whatsoever.  

• Unreasonably infringed on the rights of free speech, free assembly, and freedom of religion. 

• Encouraged violent crime by tying the hands of law enforcement, and refusing to address the safety and protection of the people (3, 4).  

• Declared the right to bear arms to be non-existant (5).  

• Plundered our towns, and "destroyed the lives" and livelihoods of the people (2).  

In doing these things, the governor has "undermined the integrity of his office, betrayed his trust, and acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury..." of the people of the State of Connecticut (6).  

Furthermore, "in every stage of these oppressions", the people "have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms".  As it was in colonial days, "repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injur(ies)" (1).  

So, how do "we the people" of Connecticut change the current situation? How do we make things better, and get the state back on its feet again? The only way to do this is to demand accountibility from our government, and "vote the bums out" in 2022.  Otherwise, to quote the late comic George Carlin, things will "never get any better.  Be happy with what you got".  

It's now or never, folks.  It's time for a change!

(Apologies for the vulgarity in the video below; remarks cited start at 1:36) (7)

Sources:

1. "Declaration Of Independence: A Transcription". National Archives, 2021, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.

2. "House Republicans Call For Greater Transparency And Collaboration From Gov. Lamont". Cthousegop.Com, 2020, https://www.cthousegop.com/house-republicans-send-letter-to-lamont/.

3. Stefanowski, Bob. "Opinion | Democrats Turn A Blind Eye To Connecticut’s Juvenile Crime Wave". WSJ.Com, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-connecticut-juvenile-crime-gun-violence-homicide-shootings-murder-lamont-11637345153.

4. "Rep. Candelora, Sen. Kelly Call On Gov. Lamont To Expand Call For Special Session To Address Rise In Crime". Cthousegop.Com, 2021, https://www.cthousegop.com/rep-candelora-sen-kelly-call-on-gov-lamont-to-expand-call-for-session-to-address-rise-in-crime/.

5. "Chapter 943 - Offenses Against Public Peace And Safety", Section 53-202d, Clause 5, Sub-Clause D. Cga.Ct.Gov, https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_943.htm#sec_53-202e.

6. United States House of Representatives, Articles Of Impeachment Against William Jefferson Clinton. H.Res.611, United States Congress, 1998.  Accessed via https://www.congress.gov/bill/105th-congress/house-resolution/611/text.  

7. YouTube User "SkyEcho7".  George Carlin - It's A BIG Club & You Ain't In It!. 2019, https://youtu.be/Nyvxt1svxso?t=96. Accessed 14 Dec 2021.