An American outrage

I am ashamed to be called an American. Here are but a few reasons. The policy of separating women and children at the border and putting them in cages. Asking 3-year-old children to appear in court and state why they are seeking asylum. Neo-Nazis marching in the streets. The vicious language, tweets and vitriol we hear daily. The campaign-style speeches that belittle the efforts of past presidents and war heroes. The zero tolerance for religions, immigrants and the LGBTQ community. Taking away women’s rights and funding for their health. Doing away with health care. Taking money away from Medicare and Social Security. Requiring work to obtain food stamps while people toil for $8.50 an hour. The poor struggle while the rich benefit from tax cuts. Americans are murdered daily, yet the NRA has Congress in its vise. Globally, pulling out of the climate change initiative and our partnerships with our allies while forging new bonds with dictators. Giving up our standing in the world by attacking our allies. Imposing tariffs on our trading partners and starting trade wars. Stacking the Supreme Court. Allowing gerrymandering to eliminate voting rights. Nepotism.

Thanks to Citizens United, we the people no longer control our country. Instead it is run by lobbyists, big money corporations and big money donors. Corruption is rampant. Ethics are ignored. Silence on the part of Congress speaks volumes.

Clearly, the fate of our democracy is at stake. Russia interfered in our elections. More than two dozen people have been indicted, yet many people refuse to listen to anything but the lies that come from this administration.

What Christian values do you cherish? Tolerance and acceptance, or fear and hatred? What would Jesus be saying if he read the above list? If you care about America, now is the time to speak up and let your voice be heard. Every day and again in November. DORRIE MECKES

Cabot