BY FRED BERL
Los Alamos

As a veteran, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. As we mark the anniversary of its signing on September 17, 1787, I call on my fellow veterans to honor that oath through civic action.

Our founders saw this threat coming. George Washington called foreign influence “one of the most baneful foes of republican government.” Thomas Jefferson warned that liberty demanded constant vigilance against corruption and outside interference.

Unlimited dark money and foreign-backed interests are flooding our elections, bending public policy to agendas that have nothing to do with the American people. Veterans and everyday citizens are being drowned out by money we cannot match from donors we cannot see.

Across the political spectrum, Americans are uniting around a cause that transcends political parties. A constitutional amendment to restore the states’ ability to set reasonable limits on money in elections and shut out foreign interference. Twenty-five states, both red and blue, have already answered the call, passing non-binding resolutions urging Congress to propose such an amendment.

This Constitution Day must be more than a ceremony. As veterans who have fought and bled for our Republic, we have earned the right — and carry the patriotic duty — to demand better. We didn’t serve this country so foreign money and billionaire donors could choose our representatives for us.

Fellow veterans, we no longer wear the uniform, but our fight is not over. Let’s honor the oath with action. Talk with your state and federal representatives and urge them to do everything in their power to make this amendment a reality.

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