I don’t think of myself as partisan but as a Christian ethicist. I don’t think one party is wrong or that the other party is right about everything. Some issues are too complex for one sided solutions. There’s a lot of gray in a world of black and white. There should be more listening, less shouting. 
But when it comes to lives being at stake, I must speak out. Once again, I wrote my senators and congressman. I’m making it a public letter by sharing it with you. 
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Dear Senator/Congressman,
I am writing to implore you, during these times, to stand with both Republicans and Democrats in Congress for the importance of international law.
It is my understanding that President Trump said in an interview published Thursday there was only “one thing” to limit his global power. “My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.” He added: “I don’t need international law.”
This is extremely dangerous. We need you to stand up, now.
President Trump’s rejection of international law — the framework the US has for generations advocated to avoid wars between major powers and protect the sovereignty of lesser ones — could make the world more dangerous. Nations such as Russia and China have demonstrated in Ukraine and the South China Sea that they will flout global norms. By joining them, Trump could further embolden US foes.
Plans to “run” countries in our hemisphere and aspirations regarding Greenland, regardless of the charter principles of NATO or the people of Greenland’s desires, further degrade our position with our own allies.
The checks and balances and constitution of the United States are all indeed intended to limit the power of the president. Please do what you can to take your responsibility seriously. We elected you to represent all of us, not just your base.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Steve West
Chaplain, Fair Haven Methodist Home for the Aging
