Patty Satalia, Diane Ebken and Linda Barton

State College

We are living through a moment of real national danger. The rule of law is being strained, constitutional limits are ignored and federal power is increasingly used to intimidate and divide rather than to protect.

When national institutions falter, the states are not spectators. They are a constitutional counterweight — and today, they may be our last line of defense.

Democratic governors, acting together, have the authority and responsibility to meet this moment.

As chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is uniquely positioned to convene his colleagues and help forge a unified response rooted in constitutional governance, democratic norms and equal protection under the law.

That leadership must be visible and coordinated: A joint declaration of principles, interstate cooperation to protect civil liberties and emergency legislative action to set clear limits on unlawful federal overreach.

Governors should also insist on accountability where federal enforcement has failed, including basic standards for transparency, oversight and the use of force.

History does not judge moments like this kindly when leaders hesitate — and when citizens stay silent. Governors will only act boldly if they know the public is watching and demanding leadership.

This is not symbolic. It is urgent. And it is achievable.

Now is the time to call our governors and urge them to stand together, defend the Constitution and lead. Call or email Governor Josh Shapiro at 717-787-2500 or www.governor.pa.gov/contact/.