Every four years, we Americans elect a new president who, after the election, receives many employment benefits. His/her every possible need is taken care of, including living accommodations, personal services, security, food, healthcare, etc. — in all, nearly every possible convenience and courtesy. But there is a “catch”: The president is expected to behave according to the highest standards of personal conduct, to honor our nation’s long-held ideals and to act as an example of decency to us all. The president is expected to embody who and what we Americans are as a free people, and to act as the shining light of hope to all those who live in poverty and despair. Finally, we expect our president to adroitly lead the United States into the future, and, to make us all feel that the president truly represents each one of us.
In all these matters, President Donald Trump has failed miserably. Daily, he ignores our Constitution. He befriends and praises our nation’s enemies. He insults and belittles our nation’s friends. He ignores our nation’s international alliances. He disparages our most sacred freedoms and legal traditions. He turns his back on the majority of all Americans — namely, those who are not members of his political party.
In all of this, Donald Trump has enjoyed the disgraceful, fawning support of Alaska’s three congressional representatives: Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, as well as Rep. Don Young.
Considering the above, it seems that November 2020 would be a good time for us Alaskans to elect congressional representatives who are more willing to fulfill their duty of acting as checks and balances on the executive branch of our federal government. While Alaska’s three electoral college votes can do little to un-elect President Trump, we Alaskans can certainly install replacements for Murkowski, Sullivan and Young all by ourselves.
— Stephan Paliwoda
Anchorage
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