Like millions of people in this country, as well as much of the rest of the world, I am stunned by the rapid deterioration of America, our values, Constitution and role in being a positive force in the world. I would like to ask our local Republican thought leaders some questions in this regard: Are you OK with our president “not knowing” whether he must adhere to the Constitution? Are you fine with vastly increasing our debt by extending tax cuts overwhelmingly benefiting the wealthy, while cutting health care, food, housing and education for our most vulnerable citizens (let alone cutting foreign aid that will now lead to potentially millions of deaths)? Are you totally fine with our president enriching himself and his family to the tune of billions of dollars by having a completely transactional approach to foreign countries regardless of human rights or ethical concerns (but Hunter Biden!)? Do you agree with investing in coal, cutting investment in renewables, while also slashing funding for cutting edge technologies that China will be, and already is dominating? Likewise, do you agree with slashing spending and grants previously used to hire scientists and researchers in health care, science and technology? Do you think this administration’s current policies are making American a more democratic society, promoting freedom and democratic values worldwide, or a more authoritarian, autocratic society, emboldening dictatorships and autocratic governments worldwide? I await your answers.
Peter Weitzman
Northamptom