Letter: Thoughts And Questions

Politics is confusing at the Washington DC level - no wonder us regular people are scratching our heads trying to understand it.

​I thought the United States favored Democracy and democratic leadership over dictatorship? If so, then why is our administration bashing NATO and the EU leaders, and praising autocratic leaders who have some of the worst human rights abuses in our world today, including meddling in our democratic elections? Is this the message the American People really want our leaders to give to us and the rest of the world? Diplomacy is a good thing; putting demigods on a pedestal is another.

I thought tax reforms were meant to help all working and middle class Americans? If so, then why do the top 1% of the wealthy get a tax cut of 3.4%, while the middle class get a tax break of only half that at 1.7% (plus 10% of our middle income people have taxes that stay the same or even go UP). And why is the 14% tax break for corporations permanent, while our 1.7% tax break rolls back in 2025, causing our taxes to rise? Is this how the American People want our leaders to treat us?

I thought that tariffs were preferred as a negotiated compromise between countries so there is a more level playing field for locally produced goods. If so, then why is our administration forcing trade wars not only with our competitors, but also with our ALLIES, causing our own Michigan farmers and auto industries to suffer economic consequences (which is what is happening right here & right now)? Is this how the American People want our leaders to work with other Nations in the global economy?

I thought “American Family Values” included the safety of children, all children. If so, then why did our administration take thousands of children from their mothers and fathers who are trying to leave dangerous conditions in their own countries, using them as leverage and threats, causing unspeakable suffering to them and their families, and costing us taxpayers billions of dollars in the process? And why are there hundreds of children still without their parents in our detention? Is this how the American People want to treat children and resolve our own immigration issues?

I thought that the United States, amidst its imperfections and mistakes, had ideals of free democratic elections, global diplomacy, generosity for our workers and taxpayers, respect for the press, protection for the environment, support for the underdog, safety nets for the less privileged. I thought the United States was admired for its values and not feared for its unsupported threats. I thought the United States was respected because of dignified leadership, not through spouting questionable opinions at rock concert-like revivals. I know which country the American People want to be proud to live in. It’s up to us to vote those leaders in.
Sally Wagoner