Nine months ago, Republicans took control of Congress and the Presidency. In that time, they have proven their inability to govern. Republicans previously voted over 50 times to strip Americans of their access to private health insurance yet they took power in January with no plan. The U.S. proceeded to abandon the Paris Climate accord as hurricanes devastated Texas, Florida and all of Puerto Rico and its 3.5 million U.S. citizens. Please note that 21 U.S. states have populations smaller than Puerto Rico.

Presidential tweets threaten nuclear war with Korea. The Republican tax plan eviscerates government, balloons the deficit and directs over 80 percent of benefits to the top 1 percent. Russia continues to influence our elections via social media as Congress does, um, nothing. The president has managed to divide the country around football and aspiring young immigrants while calling Nazis ‘good people.’ Silence is support.

Elected officials should support the idea that government is part of the solution, not part of the problem. First responders are government workers and our neighbors. They deserve and receive praise and support. This same kindness of spirit and affirmative support should extend to all who serve in government to aid, assist, and provide for our communities and society at large. We are a better country for it.

Mark Joselyn

North Bend