Letters to Congressmen
March 2, 2026
Dear Representative Bentz,
The Big Beautiful Bill Budget Renciliataion Act will pull the rug out from under the people who can afford it least. I know you have seen the homeless on our streets, and are aware that many people are struggling now. I ask you to reject that bill because it lacks compassion for people who deserve better, our fellow Americans who are living for the most part outdoors now.
When I grew up in the 50s and 60s I never saw that. We did not have a socialist system at that time by any means, but we made for darn sure that nearly everyone had a roof over their heads. Our dads had risked their lives in WW2 and were tired of seeing war, poverty, and suffering. They built a new society, Republicans and Democrats together, which kept people fed and housed and for the most part working. I am a registered Democrat, but we knew back then that it takes two wings to fly, and the parties argued like hell but at the same time they knew they had to work together so the airplane called USA would fly.
I would ask you to stand up for the party which brought us Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, a party that was brave enough to face the most severe tests. I ask you to remember that party, and bring your colleagues back around to this honorable role.
Thank you,
Jonathan Pope,
Ashland Oregon
Such a well-crafted and important letter, Jon. Instead of yelling at Republicans (which I often feel like doing), you invited them to reconnect with the higher purposes that past Republican leaders have stood for and that are clearly in their reach. This seems more effective than simply pushing against them.