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Letter: Utah congresspeople have a duty to stop Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and U.S. President Donald Trump give a joint news conference at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on Monday, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Sens. Hatch and Lee, and Reps. Bishop, Curtis, Love and Stewart,

You are elected representatives of the people. The people — not a party, not a political ideal nor platform. You are charged with and directly responsible for ensuring a balance of power exists within the three branches of government. No more blind acquiescence! No turning a deaf ear to the abuse of the executive branch. Be leaders. Get involved. Set election consequences aside. Fight! Do your jobs!

The unchecked power of President Donald Trump and his continued abuse of executive authority is the greatest threat to our democracy. His actions in Helsinki are deeply troubling, potentially treasonous. Seemingly blind to anything negative regarding Russia, he berates European allies, denigrates and questions American institutions and praises the unchecked actions of an adversary. It’s an amazingly sad yet phenomenal example of “divide and conquer.” Is Putin Trump’s counterpart or is he Trump’s controller? The actions in Helsinki more than suggest the latter. Do your jobs! Investigate, impeach and restore proper balance to the executive branch or our government. Do it now.

Dan Thirkill, Farmington

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