An open letter to Congress

Dear Senators and Representatives from both Political Parties:

I know your job is difficult. I’d hate coming to work where I’m expected, at least in public, to despise almost half my coworkers just because we disagree.

One side knows the republic hangs in the balance but can’t decide how to cut it down to keep it from choking. The other side twists itself into knots defending a mercurial president who rides one whim after another.

It’s a dysfunctional work environment.

Here are some suggestions for getting back to doing the people’s business.

The chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee advised Republicans not to hold in person town hall meetings. That’s bad advice. You shouldn’t have to put up with violence, but you do need to answer hard questions from real constituents.

That’s a huge part of your job. Also, let’s put this to rest. No one is paying people to get up early on a cold Saturday to attend a town hall meeting. Virtual town hall meetings are virtually worthless. You need to show up.

But here’s some advice for Democrats. Stop holding signs and wearing pink to protest. Articulate an alternate vision that isn’t just, “I hate Trump.” In the future, when a 13-year-old cancer survivor is introduced, have the courtesy to stand and applaud.

I understand almost the second you win; it’s time to raise money for the next election. But campaigns need to end and governing needs to begin. If you govern by listening and working together, elections won’t have to be your primary focus.

No politician wants a primary, but protecting the Republic is more important than protecting your right or left flank.

Executive orders are like eating candy for breakfast. It gives a sugar high, but you’re hungry before noon.

Laws that are sustainable are bipartisan laws where both sides compromise and find the middle. Compromise is hard, but those laws are sustainable no matter who’s in power.

Congress is a coequal branch of government. Unfortunately, presidents from both parties must have skipped that 7th grade civics lesson. Most try to stretch executive power. This president is taking that stretch to the breaking point.

It’s the job of Congress to provide a check and balance. Legislators who refuse to push back when they fundamentally disagree with a President from their own party, need to be shown the door by voters.

It’s important to govern on the platform you campaigned on. Almost every successful candidate campaigned on lowering prices. That seems forgotten amid chaos. Remember now. Also, “America First,” can’t mean America Alone. We are citizens of the world. We must stand for freedom against aggressive tyrants.

An untrained person wielding a chain saw to do scalpel surgery to our government will leave the patient bleeding to death and the American family grieving.

In 1787, Elizabeth Welden asked, “Well, Doctor, what do we have a republic or monarchy?”

Benjamin Franklin replied, “A republic if we can keep it.”

Bruce Lear lives in Sioux City, taught for 11 years and represented educators as an Iowa State Education Association Regional Director for 27 years until he retired. BruceLear2419@gmail.com