To the editor,
American history has begun a new chapter with the recent organizing of a new Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives. Is this a sign that something momentous is about to happen in ‘’the people’s house”? There is “doom and gloom” talk now from left and right points of view. It may be a good time to keep in mind that the American republic has always bent more toward exclusion than inclusion. And this despite the country’s founding ideals expressed in the Constitution and related early republic documents.
All Americans should recognize that some among us have lived a different experience. Indigenous, Black, Latino, other people of color and almost all women have a different story to tell from what most privileged, white, conservative leaning men in power would prefer to hear.
Where now among hard-core MAGA republicans is the pursuit of the common good? Is it not simply to preserve power and white supremacy? At its core the MAGA movement is exclusionary and the Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, comes out of it, supports it, and likely will be supported by it as the House pursues its agenda this session. It appears the antidemocratic, extremist MAGA makeover of the GOP is nearing completion. Yet their House makeup does not constitute a great number of people.
Let us all hope the tide is turning, as may be suggested by the outcome of the recent 2022 midterm ·elections. The grand idea of America, the hope not just of liberty but our country’s promise of justice for all is beyond and apart from mere self-interest. May these ideals not fail to withstand the antidemocratic, extremist MAGA agenda now percolating in the· new House under Mr. McCarthy. Let us not assume the worst is ahead of us but strive together toward a more perfect union, a stronger republic, and a democracy that breaks free from our past!
Marc Mattlin
Clinton, MO
