Dear Federal Civil Servants,
I want to thank you for being about the American people’s business. You are unsung heroes. Without you this great edifice of democracy that we continue to build would crumble and die. That is why I am writing you this letter.
If you have been paying attention to the news, you are aware of the coming administration’s intention to reverse the Pendleton Act that keeps you from being replaced by patronage shills swearing allegiance to the President rather than the Constitution.
If we allow this to happen, the entire wealth and power of our American democracy will be for sale to the highest bidder. Although you did not sign up for this, you are now on the front lines of the fight to preserve our democracy.
I keep hearing rumors that, following Inauguration Day, January 20, there will be a mass exodus of federal employees from the halls of government. I implore you, “Do not quit your job!” You, who found your place of service through meritocracy, are our last line of defense against this corruption.
You will face discrimination and abuse. Refuse to obey any order that forswears your oath to the Constitution. If they transfer you to some subbasement in some forgotten government building to silence you, speak up and continue to speak out.
Make them fire you. Contest your wrongful termination in the courts.
As they pursue their intent to dismantle the agencies that keep this democracy alive, force them to fight and pay for every inch they take toward that end.
In doing so, if you find yourself jobless, homeless, without a safety net, please, reach out. A legion of people is ready to take you in, give you aid and sustenance so the struggle to preserve our Republic will continue. We have your backs.
I thank you in advance for your service.
Standing back and standing by,
Thomas Crown
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