McConnell, Barr and Trump are failing in duty to American people
Linda Blackford was absolutely correct (in her criticism of Sen. Mitch McConnell on July 28). Ms. Ellerbrook, your critical response to Ms. Blackford’s article was so off base. First you thought that the Senator’s comments were adequate regarding the loss of Rep. John Lewis. Rep. Lewis was far more than “his Americanism” and his stand for “peaceful demonstrations”. Former Presidents Bush, Clinton, Obama and Carter all were able to say endless stories and accolades about Rep. Lewis. As is well known he was unbelievably courageous, forward thinking, committed, a soldier fighting daily for non-violent equality and the list goes on. He was and is a hero to all Americans who believe in equality for all.
Regarding your defense of Attorney General Barr: Based on his consistent actions one would have to presume that he actually is the President’s personal and political attorney. He shows very little indication that his primary commitment is to the Dept. Of Justice and to the United States Constitution. Those should be his primary responsibility without bias. He should willingly, directly, briefly and honestly respond to questions posed to him in any Congressional hearing.
Sen. McConnell is responsible for delaying the discussion and vote on the bill addressing the allotment of funds for the unemployed , those who are jobless as a direct result of COVID-19. Thousands of families are now penniless, many have to face the threat of eviction from their homes. This delay is the direct result of Sen. McConnell calling a two week recess of Congress, adding additional pain and uncertainty to these families. And while we are speaking of delays, how long and how many bills has the Sen. prevented from going to the floor? And then you speak of the tax cuts: Perhaps the middle and lower populations may have experienced a very brief and minimal benefit. How strange however that you failed to mention the enormous tax benefits for the upper income (rich) population.
Finally, you are critical of Blackford’s comments regarding the total lack of national response to the COVID-19. She was spot on with her criticism. Even to date the national response is almost non-existent. The remarks by the President are outrageous and untrue, i.e.” it will just disappear”, “there will be a miracle and it will all be gone”. His remark when told of the total dead Americans because of COVID-19, 155,000, was “it is what it is”. What compassion, what heartfelt sympathy and regret. His modeling of behavior by wearing a mask and keeping a minimum of 6 feet distance from others is negligible.
I fail to understand your response to the article written by Ms. Blackford. Is Senator McMconnell unfair in his position as the leader of the Senate? Without question! He has been “unfair” to his constituents by not taking the lead regarding Bill Barr’s inappropriate, biased behaviors. He has been “unfair” by delaying an open discussion and vote on hundreds of bills that he is sitting on. He has been “unfair” by voting yes for the tax cuts. And he has been “unfair” by allowing our President to be so negligent and untruthful about COVID-19 without using his power to call on him directly to end the lies and misinformation and to redirect efforts in a positive and productive way to end this pandemic!
Joyce Witzler is a Lexington resident.