This is first editorial I have ever written. But I am 75 years old and I cannot be silent. For the last two years, the current Republican majority abetted an unprecedented degradation of the American economy, our way of life, the environment, peace, individual opportunity, the rule of law, and our constitution. Only the ultrawealthy and corporations appear to be benefiting.
This Republican government rewards the adversaries of democracy and punishes our allies. Congress refuses to exercise its constitutionally mandated war powers, allowing an out-of-control president to commit war crimes on the high seas and unilaterally wage war. This Republican congress refuses to reign in the unlawful exercise of power by ICE and Border Patrol agents, resulting
in the killing of American citizens, as well as the arrest, confinement, and deportation of non-violent aliens without due process. When incidents are identified the government is uncooperative in helping investigate.
The complete failure of our elected Republican representatives, Bill Hagerty, Marsha Blackburn and Tim Burchett, to vote to rein in these abuses, is unbelievable. Yet their record speaks for itself.
Let me be clear: I don’t think our American system of government was perfect before the Republicans took control. But I do think that today’s Republicans have shown that they cannot be trusted to do what is right for the American people.
It’s time to send our elected Republicans a message when you vote. We want a better America but not the America they are offering.
Richard Piety, Powell, 37849
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What has happened to America under a Republican majority? | Letter
