[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]
How You Doin’?
Even if you don’t pay much attention to politics, you must be aware of the government shutdown. But if it doesn’t affect you, does it matter why it’s happening? If you aren’t a federal worker who won’t get a paycheck until it’s over and you’re not on Medicaid or under Obamacare, this isn’t your problem, right? If grocery prices, which were supposed to go down, are still high but you can afford to pay for them, there’s no reason to worry. And tariffs? Maybe you aren’t buying electronics, Christmas gifts or a new car, so it’s all good. If everyone at work looks like you and speaks English as their first language, what’s happening in other cities and states doesn’t impact you. If you live in Des Moines, you’re probably sleeping just fine: ICE or the National Guard is unlikely to show up in our peaceful small city to pull kids out of their beds, whether they are citizens or not.
Both the Senate and the House are controlled by Republicans, who have thus far gone along with everything the President is doing, regardless of the current and potential impact on their constituents, who are Americans, just like you. While both sides are hunkering down, we taxpayers are paying their salaries. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, we should demand that they find a way to stop the gridlock.
If you’re fine what is going on, you do you. But if your mental health is taking a beating because you’re worried that things are getting worse in our beautiful country, there’s an opportunity to voice how you feel and be around others who feel just as frustrated.
“No Kings” #2 will be Saturday, Oct. 18
On Saturday, Oct. 18, “No Kings-2” will be a national day of demonstrations, including right here in Des Moines. Its sponsors, Seniors for the Constitution and Indivisible Des Moines, emphasize that its gatherings are peaceful opportunities for all of us to exercise our right of free speech. Last time the event drew over 1,600, and this one could be even bigger, depending on you.
We also hope you will write or call your representatives to let them know how you feel. The more of us who speak up, the more impact we can have, right up to the moment we will VOTE. And that’s something they take seriously.
No Kings-2: 12-2 p.m. at Big Catch Plaza, corner of 216th and Marine View Drive.
Bring your kids – they need to see that you care because democracy is worth protecting.
– Victoria Andrews
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