On this awful day, post-election 2024, I would like to offer condolences to some of our past leaders:
Dear President Madison,
I am sorry that we elected a man who disregarded the precious document that you worked so hard to give us, our Constitution. This document forbids insurrectionists from holding any office.
Dear Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamiltion,
I am sorry that we elected a man who will add exponentially to our national debt (something that you dealt with quickly) by giving more tax breaks to folks who do not need them.
Dear President Eisenhower,
I am sorry that we elected a man who cares nothing for NATO and our role in keeping Europe safe. You were proud to serve as NATO’s 1st Supreme Allied Commander.
Dear Rachel Carson,
I am sorry to have to write to the woman who authored A Silent Spring, a book that started the environmental movement. We elected a man who thinks climate change is a hoax and wants to “drill, baby, drill.” It is beyond irony that this man is more popular in the states most affected by horrible hurricanes and tornadoes.
Dear Sarah Weddington,
I am sorry to have to write to the woman who successfully argued “Roe v. Wade.” We elected a man who gave us 20-plus states that offer inferior health care to women.
Dear President Obama,
I am so sorry that we elected a man who bragged that his party voted against your health care plan over 50 times! This plan currently helps over 25 million people.
Dear Statue of Liberty,
I am sorry that we elected a man who will make a mockery of the Emma Lazarus poem that you display.
Dear President Biden,
I am sorry that we elected a man who will undo the good work you have done to bring our country back from the deadliest pandemic in 100 years, to save our economy by lowering unemployment and increasing wages, to bring back the respect of our allies worldwide, and to bring back decency to the White House. Thank you!
Today I am ashamed to call myself an American.
Jan Goldberg, Riverside