What I’m writing will obviously not appeal to those diehard MAGA members of Congress who are in lockstep with the leader of their party. Those whom I hope to reach are the members of the House and Senate who are conflicted and suffering pangs of conscience with having to stand by, support and be a party to the damage being inflicted upon our democracy and the rule of law.

With each passing day we see the country, as led by Donald Trump and his associates, sliding precipitously down the slope toward authoritarian rule. The expression, “caught between a rock and a hard place,” aptly describes their position.

On the one hand, they have had to set aside their core values and traditional conservative moderation, and accede to Trump’s radical, illegal, vindictive and often just cruel actions.

These hard-to-swallow actions, too lengthy to list all, include: the appointment of a gang of unqualified sycophants, hell-bent on undermining our most vital government agencies and functions; the pardoning of the violent Jan. 6 insurrectionists; empowering Elon Musk, his quarter of a billion dollar donor, to take a wrecking ball to programs and personnel whose services and benefits are near and dear to the constituents in their home states and districts; and the most shameful of all, appeasing Russia and its dictator Putin, while leaving Ukraine and our democratic European allies in the lurch.

On the other hand, what can they do to resist? By not going along with the dictates of the administration, they most assuredly would incur the wrath of the bully-in-chief. Unlike their more patriotic colleague, Liz Cheney, they quake under the threat of being “primaried” and feel compelled to fall in line. And maybe it is asking too much for someone to stick out his or her lone neck on principle, when the result would be to lose their position and livelihood. Collectively, however, they could confront the bully, nullify his threats, and safeguard our democracy in the process.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to check the crimes and abuse of power of the president via impeachment. A bipartisan effort with the Democrats, who are already on board, could free Republicans from that “rock and hard place.” And who better than Sen. Mitch McConnell to help persuade them?

As it stands now, McConnell’s legacy as Trump’s greatest enabler will not be reflected well in the history books. Here’s his chance to use his power of persuasion to motivate enough of his colleagues to ensure a conviction, thereby changing his legacy from villain to hero.

This may all seem too far-fetched, but bold action is needed, lest in the not-too-distant future, we will all be constrained, when given a “Musk salute,” to respond in kind. Some 50 years ago the Republican leadership in the Congress confronted Nixon, whose misdeeds pale in comparison to Trump’s, with the ultimatum to either resign or face impeachment, and he was gone.

Of course convicting Trump would leave us with his henchman J.D. Vance who, if he doesn’t reverse direction, could face the same fate as his predecessor.

So, congressional Republicans, just picture that scene at he end of “The Wizard of Oz” when the Munchkins dance and sing with glee at the passing of the Wicked Witch; that sense of joy and relief can be yours when you help rid yourselves, the nation and the world of the evil orange menace in the Oval Office.

Gerard Simonette lives in Northampton.