From Jeannie Blumer

Albany

To the Editor:

Our Constitution guarantees every person in the United States the right to due process of law. Yet many people have witnessed situations in which federal agents operated without transparency; families were separated, and individuals — sometimes even children — were detained without clear information provided to their loved ones. These actions, as many have argued, violate basic principles of due process and humane treatment.

Families have been harmed, and children placed in detention centers have experienced trauma that may last a lifetime. I believe no child should ever be held in a detention facility and that no adult should be detained without full access to their constitutional rights. As a nation, we can and must do better.

At the same time, the country has entered a war that many members of the public view as deeply unpopular. Critics argue that the administration has moved forward without regard for public opinion. In addition, reductions to benefits for low‑income families are scheduled to take effect after this fall’s election — changes that I believe will place even greater strain on those already struggling with the rising costs of food, utilities, and housing. While the administration promised to address these issues, meaningful solutions have not materialized.

We, the people, have a responsibility to ensure that everyone’s rights are protected under the Constitution. If we want our constitutional principles to endure, we must be willing to stand up and defend them.

On Saturday, March 28, communities across the country — including Belleville, New Glarus, Mount Horeb, Albany, and Monroe — will join the No Kings demonstrations to voice concerns about what many see as unlawful or unchecked actions by the current administration.

Silence grants permission. Let your voice be heard on Saturday. I believe we are dangerously close to losing the foundations of our democracy.

Learn more at https://www.nokings.org/.