On Sunday, we asked another Hot Button question: Do you support Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley's broad-based actions to undermine President Trump's nominations and directives?

Today, we're publishing letters from those who support Sen. Merkley. Another post published today shares letters from readers who feel that Merkley is wrong.

If you'd like to add to the discussion, please comment below. Look for a new Hot Button question on Sunday.

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I strongly object to the way you have phrased this question. To oppose a President's agenda is part of our democracy and should not be couched as "undermining!" I strongly support Sen. Merkley's leadership to block the president from his chaotic, autocratic, runaway efforts to undermine our democracy!

Rosalind Hamar, Southwest Portland

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I support Sen. Jeff Merkley's broad-based actions against Trump's nominations. Sen. Merkley still believes in "government by the people for the people." Very few elected officials in Washington seem to know what this looks like. I am proud of our senator for standing up for what is right in a place where officials are being bought out or bullied.

Sandra Reeves, Southwest Portland

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Yes, I support Sen. Jeff Merkley's actions to undermine Trump's nominations and directives as he sees fit. Sen. Merkley is a man of principles, who is not afraid to stand up for his ideals and the wishes of the majority of his constituents. He has not made a pledge to "just say no" to every proposal whether he agrees with it or not, unlike the Republican representatives in 2008. But he will say no to blatant bigotry, sexism, xenophobia, self-interest and incompetence. This is what we expect from our elected representatives no matter which party they represent. That is what would make America great again. 

Ellaine Whisler, Forest Grove

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I strongly support Sen. Jeff Merkley's consistent efforts to ensure proper consideration and deliberation before President Trump's directives and nominations are put into effect. (I see the wording of this week's question as unfortunate, since thoughtful deliberation need not have the intention of undermining.)

The potential consequences of the President's decisions are far-reaching, and can carry a high human cost. That in itself should demand thorough consideration, instead of what too often seems to be ill-considered or even impetuous actions from our nation's leader.

In a democracy such as ours, our congressional representatives are our voice in the government's decision-making. Sen. Merkley is dutifully relaying and acting on the questions and concerns that he is receiving from many of his constituents.

A healthy democracy requires an engaged and vocal public. Blindly "falling into line" behind government dictates is not constructive. Unquestioning acquiescence to top-down directives might seem more efficient and less frustrating to those who would dictate, but such is not our way in this country. We allow for all perspectives to be aired, then we seek agreement on what's best for the many. For the sake of ourselves and our children, I hope that such healthy discourse and counterbalance never come to be viewed as a "problem" to be "solved."

Dr. Claude Cruz, Troutdale

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In the current administration, much of what we regard as the birthright of Oregonians is on the line. Clean waters, abundant wildlife, towering forests and the right to enjoy our public lands all are threatened. Trump and his cronies have made it no secret that they want to see an end to clean water protections and much of the Endangered Species Act. They wish to treat our public forests as tree farms, selling them off to the highest bidder. Merkley is one of the few brave souls standing in the path of the orange bulldozer as it careens towards us, and he deserves our admiration and support.

Cris Waller, Milwaukie

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I absolutely support Sen. Merkley's vocal resistance to the Trump agenda and in particular, his appointees. (An Education Secretary who knows nothing about public education, a science-denier as head of the EPA, an oil tycoon as Secretary of State, Steve Bannon on the National Security Council, to name but a few!) It is not just that they espouse policies to which I am opposed, it is that they have absolutely no qualifications to do the job, much like Trump himself. Trump's lack of knowledge about how government functions has created a constitutional crisis. I am grateful that we have a senator who is willing to speak truth to power and to stand up for American democracy.

Carol Howe, Tigard

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For many years now I have been continually impressed with Sen. Jeff Merkley's reasonable voice as he represents rural and urban constituents in Oregon. On every issue, such as housing foreclosures, climate change, international concerns, consumer rights, and now the next Supreme Court justice, he bravely stands for ethical solutions based on intellectual and scientific honesty. He is one of the few clear thinking members of Congress we have left in these days of darkness and bewilderment in D.C. 

In these troubling days we need to support the few bright lights we see in our capital, one of whom is Senator Merkley.

Donna Murphy, Northeast Portland

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I definitely support Sen. Merkley's resistance to the nominees President Trump is making to his cabinet, or, shall I say filling spots with billionaires or campaign donors without direct experience in the subject they are to oversee. Merkley is fulfilling his responsibility to stand with his constituents and seek responsible governance in our democracy and President Trump needs to represent all citizens, including the majority who didn't actually elect him. We need courageous members of congress, no matter what their party affiliation, to be responsible and to protect citizens from unconstitutional behavior by a rogue president.

Helen Kerner, North Portland

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