DEMAND THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO RESIGN
- by: Beth H
Dear Secretary Mnuchin,
As fellow graduates of Riverdale Country School, we have watched with dismay as polarization has continued to grow among our fellow citizens. The ugly, tragic rally in Charlottesville offered a frightening window into the hate that is dividing our country.
As Americans, we are deeply troubled by President Trump’s response to the rally, and the racist policies he and his government are continuing to enact. By drawing a false equivalency between white supremacist neo-Nazis and the protesters who opposed them, by striving to demonize immigrants and people of color across America, the President—in words and in actions—is helping to tear down the values that have made our country strong. We are horrified by his lack of moral leadership. And by yours.
We have waited for you to speak out.
Thus far, you have stood silently by the President, complicit in everything he says and does.
Your classmates from Yale addressed that silence in an eloquent and heartfelt letter directly to you. They argued that it was your “moral obligation” to resign and that they “know you are better than this, and we are counting on you to do the right thing.”
Your response then was deeply troubling. After defending President Trump’s indefensible stance, you instead blamed the media—and “culture wars”— and called this urgent, moral, conversation a “distraction” for the administration.
Steven, like you, we are Riverdale alumni. We all grew up in one of the most culturally and racially diverse cities in the world. We were fortunate enough to attend a school that taught us about equity, social justice, and the importance of doing the right thing. How is it that you have moved so far away from the values that we shared as students together?
Your fellow Cabinet member, Gary Cohn, who is also of the Jewish faith, has at least spoken out clearly and forcefully on the issue. “Citizens standing up for equality and freedom can never be equated with white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the KKK,” Mr. Cohn said, adding that Trump “can and must do better” on condemning hate groups.
Where are you, Secretary Mnuchin? We have come together to let you know that WE cannot stay silent as you did. Like your classmates from Yale, we believe your resignation would be the most honorable choice. However, in light of your statement, we urge you to speak out more clearly so that the nation you were chosen to serve can hear your voice and be assured that you believe in an America where equality and inclusion are fundamental values, and where bigotry has no place.
The people who have signed this letter are all members of the greater RCS community. We are asking you to be brave, honorable, and genuinely committed to all of the American people whom you serve. Please sign our petition and we ask that when you do, add your graduation year from RCS.
Sincerely,
RCS Classmates
Sign PetitionSign PetitionAs fellow graduates of Riverdale Country School, we have watched with dismay as polarization has continued to grow among our fellow citizens. The ugly, tragic rally in Charlottesville offered a frightening window into the hate that is dividing our country.
As Americans, we are deeply troubled by President Trump’s response to the rally, and the racist policies he and his government are continuing to enact. By drawing a false equivalency between white supremacist neo-Nazis and the protesters who opposed them, by striving to demonize immigrants and people of color across America, the President—in words and in actions—is helping to tear down the values that have made our country strong. We are horrified by his lack of moral leadership. And by yours.
We have waited for you to speak out.
Thus far, you have stood silently by the President, complicit in everything he says and does.
Your classmates from Yale addressed that silence in an eloquent and heartfelt letter directly to you. They argued that it was your “moral obligation” to resign and that they “know you are better than this, and we are counting on you to do the right thing.”
Your response then was deeply troubling. After defending President Trump’s indefensible stance, you instead blamed the media—and “culture wars”— and called this urgent, moral, conversation a “distraction” for the administration.
Steven, like you, we are Riverdale alumni. We all grew up in one of the most culturally and racially diverse cities in the world. We were fortunate enough to attend a school that taught us about equity, social justice, and the importance of doing the right thing. How is it that you have moved so far away from the values that we shared as students together?
Your fellow Cabinet member, Gary Cohn, who is also of the Jewish faith, has at least spoken out clearly and forcefully on the issue. “Citizens standing up for equality and freedom can never be equated with white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the KKK,” Mr. Cohn said, adding that Trump “can and must do better” on condemning hate groups.
Where are you, Secretary Mnuchin? We have come together to let you know that WE cannot stay silent as you did. Like your classmates from Yale, we believe your resignation would be the most honorable choice. However, in light of your statement, we urge you to speak out more clearly so that the nation you were chosen to serve can hear your voice and be assured that you believe in an America where equality and inclusion are fundamental values, and where bigotry has no place.
The people who have signed this letter are all members of the greater RCS community. We are asking you to be brave, honorable, and genuinely committed to all of the American people whom you serve. Please sign our petition and we ask that when you do, add your graduation year from RCS.
Sincerely,
RCS Classmates
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