Letter to the Editor: Democracy Dies in Darkness

If infrequent truthfulness by our elected leaders bothers you. If you believe that there are no such things as “alternative facts.” If you long for the days when we could believe the words coming out of the White House, then I invite you to join others who feel the same way, on June 3 at 10 am at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay for a March for Truth. After a brief rally, we will march through the streets of Sturgeon Bay drawing attention to the craving we feel for a return to the regular, and normal, practice of integrity and truthfulness.

It has been said that President Washington, as a young boy, said something like “I cannot tell a lie, I cut down that cherry tree.” President Lincoln was known as “Honest Abe.” These reputations and assertions of truthfulness can hardly be applied to our current leaders. Some call it “spin” others say it is “hyperbole.” One person even suggested that there are “Alternate Facts.” There was a time when those who told lies had their mouths washed out with soap.

Our Congressman Mike Gallagher stated that he was against the repeal of the ACA and on the first attempt, he would have voted against it. That is what he told his constituents. Then he did the opposite and voted to repeal the ACA. There is dishonesty in there somewhere. Rep. Paul Ryan proudly proclaims that Trumpcare will not have an adverse effect on persons with pre-existing health care conditions when all the experts say the opposite is the case. Which is true? On one day Mr. Trump said he fired James Comey because of the way he handled the investigation into Mrs. Clinton’s emails. On the next day, he said Comey was fired because of the Russia investigation. Senator Jeff Sessions, under oath, said he had no contact with the Russian Government during the campaign. Later that statement was proven to be a lie and as Attorney General he had to recuse himself from all things Russian. After recusing he inserted himself back into the story by recommending the termination of James Comey. Where is the truth and integrity in any of that? Now we learn that Mike Pence, when he was the head of the Trump Transition Team, knew nothing of the intrigue surrounding Mike Flynn. Whoa! And speaking of Mike Flynn, when has he ever told the truth and if he did, why does he need immunity from prosecution?

It is time that honesty, truthfulness and integrity regain their rightful place of respect and normality.

As citizens living in what is proclaimed to be a democracy, we deserve “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” We deserve it as the rule, not as the exception.

Hope to see you at the March for Truth on Sat. June 3 at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay. For more information: [email protected].

Mike Brodd

Sister Bay, Wis.