Dear Editor,

My (mild) admonishment to my seven and ten-year-old grandsons is the same time-honored refrain uttered by my Grampo Garcia:  “Asi, asi mi hijo – cayadito y despacio” – “This is the way, my son – quietly and slowly.” It was the manner in which I grew to understand how almost all matters and manners of our ranch work would proceed, daily. The passage of time (some 77 years) has managed to ‘fray the edges’ of those principles espoused by my best friend and hero, my grandfather. The manifestation of those frayed edges has come to me in the form of impatience.  

In a weak attempt to assuage my concerns over the ‘real’ possibility that our Constitutional republic may suffer irreparable damage, a friend asserted: “Remember, we have the rule-of-law on our side.” I had to remind my friend that literally everything “Constitutional” was founded on a covenant of principles – it was ‘literally’ the verbal and written agreements with which we began this ‘experiment’. Since Marbury v. Madison we have all agreed that there can be only one arbiter on matters Constitutional – until now. 

Today many Americans believe that we can dispense with or renounce our Constitution – our covenant regarding our democracy. The rule-of-law, as a principle, works only if ‘you’ believe in the rule-of-law.  A ‘knife’s edge’ does not begin to accurately depict the perilous Constitutional situation in which we now find ourselves.

It has become readily apparent to me that some of our Congressional representatives don’t share my sentiments about the precarious standing of our democracy.  I have attempted to communicate with my U.S. Representative Neguse several times – ignored each time. I should not be surprised by Neguse’s failure to respond, or even acknowledge my letters (email). This is what most Americans have come to learn and expect – your Congressman will gladly court you – asking for donations, kissing babies and even patronizing you with promises, mostly empty.

I am not an ideologue (or demagogue), but I am a liberal Democrat who believes in the tenets, principles and philosophies espoused as and by Democrats. Unfortunately, my own belief is that the Democratic House leadership of Mr. Jeffries and his fellow leaders are ill prepared to address or impede the ‘hostile take-over’ of our government. I also believe that my own Congressman, Representative Neguse, in an effort to curry favor with our Democratic leadership is AWOL on this entire matter of the unconstitutional take over by this President and his ilk, including those in both Houses.

My grandfather Feliberto was the elderly ‘statesman’ of the ranching community where I was raised.  He was respected by everyone. It was his leadership that ensured the acequias (irrigation ditches) were cleaned and readied for spring water; ensuring that roadways were passable in winter, etc., etc.  “Haste a un lado o vete” – “Move out of the way or leave,” he mildly demanded. Only a few men would dare not heed his words.

Representative Neguse and others who continue to wait for direction from the Democratic leadership should have worked for my grandfather. There is work to be done – taking your hands out of your pockets simply to begin wringing-of-hands will not work.  Do something – anything.

Rudy V. Garcia

Gilpin County