We The People

To the Editor:

Something deeply unsettling is happening in America. Some of us feel it in our hearts and see it on our screen: the nation we grew up loving -the one built on respect, resilience, and neighborly care—is becoming increasingly unrecognizable. We are facing truly trying times, and the solutions offered by Washington often feel like salt pouring on a wound that needs healing.

The symptoms of this national malaise are clear. We see troubling reports from the news and social media all wanting you to believe a narrative that you as an American must decide for yourself if it is true or false. We see troubling reports of the government shutdowns without pay from the government workers while those causing the shutdown are still getting paid.

Simultaneously, the U.S economy is hurting businesses. Walk into a grocery store and the price shock is immediately. To level that squeezes working families dry. Now the idea of stopping the SNAP program with only makes things worse. Our nation’s approach to immigration is out of hand, leading to chaos at the borders and complexity in our communities.

But the most insidious threat of all is hate speech and hate crimes that have spiraled out of control on both sides of the aisle. Our national discourse has been venomous, replacing reasoned debate with angry accusation and insults.

This is division is a spiritual sickness, and this is not the American Spirit I grew up believing. We cannot fix a spiritual battle with political bandage alone. It is time for us as a community, no as a country to talk to God, to pray.

The time has come to stop waiting for Washington to save us. We must save ourselves, and we must do it together.

This requires all of us to come together as a country, a community, and as neighbors to work and pray together. It means reaching across the fence, not to argue, but to help a neighbor in need.

And yes, this also means holding our leaders accountable: I call upon Democrats in office grow a backbone and fight for us. Stop playing political blame games. Start delivering genuine, structural support for the American families.

I call upon the Republicans who are in office to work for the people that voted for you. You work for us, not the president. Learn to say no to wild ideas. Like the ridiculous ballroom that we will pay for eventually. The White House is the peoples house not Donald Trump’s. Say no to importing beef from Argentina when we have farmers suffering and ranchers who would benefit from it.

This calls for Unity and Spiritual healing to transcend politics and religious denomination. We all need to come together as a country and pray.

For my part, I find strength and clear mission in my faith. Every morning, I pray it is not just for me; it is a plea for the soul of our nation. Also, if you do not like what is happening in Washington then vote those people out of office. Again, whatever your religious affiliation is, pray. Pray for your family, friends, neighbors, and our country. I invite you to join this fight for unity, both in action and in spirit.

Elizabeth Woytek Hallettsville