Representatives’ silence is concerning

I recently contacted my representative and senators for the first time, although I actively exercise my franchise rights.

The current policy of leveraging children at our borders is unconscionable and should immediately cease. It really does not matter who points what fingers at whom. This practice transcends party lines and I expect the individuals representing me to act according to this premise. I have noticed that all of them - Rep. Rod Blum, Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Chuck Grassley - are silent on this issue; silence is consent. Their implicit consent to the current policy of separation of families at the border does not represent me or my values. If they do support the current policy regarding separation of families, then they should state their positions for their constituents to factor into our judgments. Hiding behind silence in the face of the intentional infliction of harm on innocent children looks like cowardice.

I am a native Iowan and cannot recall Iowans being considered cowards or supporting leveraging children as a means to a political end. Either way, each of our politicians sees this issue. Speak up and be heard.

Arlene English

Cedar Rapids