In challenging the will of voters, Rep. Hagedorn chose to put party over country

I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to the patriots who stood up for the Constitution, and for law and order, on January 6, 2021. Our cherished Constitution created the greatest democracy two centuries ago and continues to guide us. The Constitution created the Federal system to ensure that the power flows from the people to the States and to the Federal Government. It created the Congress to pass the laws, the Executive Branch to enact and enforce them, and the Judiciary to determine when laws have been violated.

I am disappointed that our member of Congress, Rep. Jim Hagedorn, was not among the patriots. He voted to challenge the electors from several states, which is contrary to the law enacted by Congress that stipulates a role for Congress only when there is a dispute within a state resulting in two slates of electors. He violated his oath to uphold the Constitution, and instead catered to the emotions of the leader of his political party.

Morality, justice, and emotions like empathy guide the drafting of the laws to create the more perfect union for all Americans. But once the laws are written, facts — not emotions or opinions — determine how they are enforced. In our system, the courts determine when laws have been followed. The courts at every level have determined, after review of the facts, that there has been no systemic voter fraud or violations of the election laws. Opinion does not overturn those facts, and to allow Congress to intercede as Rep. Hagedorn attempted, will destroy our democracy.

As a physician, I offer hope to patients, but also tell them the truth. Many times, I have said the words: “I wish I had better news, but it is cancer.” Representative Hagedorn, there is a cancer right now in your party. Treating cancer, as you personally know, requires difficult decisions about potentially harmful chemotherapies and often painful procedures. But unless you take the necessary actions to remove this cancer from your party, it will kill our democracy.

By disregarding the facts about the election, Republicans have allowed our fellow citizens to become enamored with a false reality, and now we are seeing the consequences when false hopes are dashed. You have an obligation to lead by acknowledging the facts of the election and taking the necessary next steps of removing the cancer of mistruth and authoritarianism that is growing in your party. 

—Dr. Chris McCoy, Rochester