TIFFANY AND VAN ORDEN FAILURES

Tom Tiffany and Derrick Van Orden have failed spectacularly as representatives of residents in western Wisconsin. Many people criticized their support for Medicaid and ACA cuts, which are likely to lead to the closure of hospitals and clinics. Others are appalled that each has remained silent as the current President seizes power over spending decisions once made by Congress. Some people would like to know why ICE, whose mission was to go after the worst criminals, seems to spend most of its time arresting agricultural and service workers who pose no threat to America while contributing much to our economy.

What may be worse is that Tiffany and Van Orden have abandoned one of their basic duties, talking with constituents by holding public town hall meetings. They have taken advice from Republican leaders to avoid in-person contact with voters who were certain to be upset with the Big, Ugly Bill. Which is worse, passing a bill that you know most Americans don’t support, or going into hiding rather than defending what you did?

“The people’s House is back in business,” proclaimed Republican Mike Johnson when he was elected Speaker of the House. On July 22 he essentially hung an “out of order” sign on the door of the people’s House by sending everyone home early to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files. Tiffany and Van Orden were happy to slink out of town to avoid doing their jobs.

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that governments derive “their powers from the consent of the governed.” The Constitution begins with the words “We the people.” Voters in the 3rd and 7th congressional districts need to show Derrick Van Orden and Tom Tiffany that those bedrock principles are as true today as they were when they were written. We deserve representatives who listen while they lead, not dive for cover when voters want to talk to them.

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