Over 40 Lawmakers Say “No” to Trump Inauguration. But Why?
Congressman Brendan Boyle says although he has certified the results of the Electoral College, he disagrees with the election results in which Trump won.
By Rakesh Raman
Congressman Brendan F. Boyle has added his name to the growing list of adversaries who have decided not to attend the presidential inauguration scheduled for Friday, when Donald Trump will begin his four-year term as the U.S. President.
“After wrestling with this question for the last two months, I have concluded I cannot participate in this inaugural celebration,” Boyle said today, adding that Trump is a unique threat to the Constitution and to the country.
Boyle’s sharp reaction to Trump’s presidency has come close on the heels of the critical observation of Congressman John Lewis who expressed last week that Trump is not a “legitimate” President because of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Lewis stated that the Russians participated in helping this man (Trump) get elected because of which the candidacy of Hillary Clinton was destroyed. He also said he won’t attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Congressman Boyle also said that although he has certified the results of the Electoral College, he disagrees with the election results in which Trump won.
[ Wikileaks May Release the Secret Tax Returns of Donald Trump ]
“The election of Donald Trump presents a challenge to my long held view of presidential inaugurations,” Boyle said. “As much as I cherish this day, can I in good conscience celebrate that which I believe is a grave mistake? Can I sit by mere yards away and applaud the desecration of the most important office in the history of the world?”
“I accept the decision of the people. I respect it. But I will not celebrate it,” said Boyle who is now in the list of more than 40 lawmakers who have decided to skip the Trump inauguration.
A couple of days ago, Congressman Ted W. Lieu said he will not attend the inauguration because Trump is still misleading the people of the country.
He added that Trump has made statements denigrating the patriotic and professional men and women of U.S. intelligence services, many of whom risk their lives in service to the nation.
Congressman Lieu also stated that Russian hacking of Americans and American political organizations during the 2016 U.S. presidential election was multifaceted and brazen, with the goals of undermining faith in the U.S. democratic process and harming Secretary Clinton’s electability.
“Putin and the Russian government developed a clear preference for Trump,” Lieu said.
[ Congressman Ted Lieu Drops a Bombshell: Russian Hacking Favored Trump ]
Meanwhile, Congressman Boyle, who is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Oversight Committee, has raised more questions about Trump’s links with Russia.
Referring to the recent allegations of Russian possession of incriminating material involving Trump and his campaign’s coordination with Russian officials, Boyle has demanded a bipartisan congressional investigation into the allegations.
“If true, the intelligence report outlining allegations of Russia’s possession of compromising personal and financial information about President-elect Donald Trump is beyond unsettling and sheds great light on Mr. Trump’s oddly sympathetic approach to Russia and its meddling in our election, as determined by our intelligence community,” Boyle said in a statement.
“If substantiated or verified, I will call for a formal, bipartisan congressional investigation into these scandalous and disturbing allegations,” Boyle demanded.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Inaugural Committee is making all preparations to ensure a smooth inauguration ceremony. It has created a dedicated website for the inauguration.
The site states that the country is “once again establishing a government of, by and for the people, as we, the people, Make America Great Again!”
By Rakesh Raman, who is a government award-winning journalist and runs free school for deserving children under his NGO – RMN Foundation.
Photo courtesy: Presidential Inaugural Committee
