I continue to honor my oath to our Constitution I took over 60 years ago

Americans over 80 have lived through more than a third of our nation's 250-year history. We asked them why this moment feels different. Murphy, 84, is one of those elders. Here's what he has to say.

At 84, I’ve been alive for more than a third of America’s history as a nation. My ancestors fought in the American Revolution, and I was born 94 days after Pearl Harbor. All of the men I grew up with served in WW II. I continue to honor my oath to our Constitution that I took as a young naval officer over 60 years ago.

Our nation’s Founders deliberately created a government of laws, not men, and decreed three coequal branches to check and balance one another. The Trump Administration is very very different from that vision. Trump has broken the system by intimidating Congress and disregarding its laws while largely neutering or ignoring the courts.

I am outraged by the sight of armed masked men breaking into cars and homes in American cities. Their behavior is remarkably similar to 1930’s fascism. ignoring the 1st, 4th, 10th, and 14th Amendments to our Constitution and laws passed by Congress is not protecting and defending the Constitution nor taking care that laws are faithfully executed. 

I am especially outraged by Trump’s irresponsible behavior as our nation’s commander in chief. War sends fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters into mortal danger. Combat is not a video game, it’s not a sport, and it’s not a negotiating tactic.

It’s time to turn to new leaders who will restore our commitment to democracy. Otherwise, we will no longer be the land of the free and the home of the brave.