GOP: No mandate

Across the country Republicans claim that the massive changes happening in Obamacare, immigration policy and other areas merely reflect the will of the voters; they claim a mandate from the people. But there is no mandate. Most of the people’s votes were cast against Trump. (There is a long-ignored mandate that our representatives work together.)

The Electoral College did as it must, and made Trump president. But political power is not a mandate, it’s a responsibility. Routinely lacking in Trump’s zero tolerance orders are human exceptions and some discretion to prevent injustice. Trump thinks in simple black and white terms; us versus them. Life is not like that.

Many Republicans do not oppose him making money off the presidency and resist investigating his extensive multi-national contracts. His attacks against the press and rational thinking endanger America’s long-term stability. His “I alone can save you” fantasy runs counter to the self-reliance attitude promoted by the Republicans, yet they embrace him. They must think there’s a mandate.

Rather than take moderate actions to help most Americans, the Republicans’ extreme actions scatter our ability to focus as a nation. Disruption is not leadership and destruction is not the wanted change. Trump debases deeply-held American values. Remain vigilant and hold the Republicans accountable for their choices.

DENNIS REUTER

Coeur d’Alene