Disappointed in state’s representation in Washington
Our Nation is disabled. Without a sober conscience, our elected Republican Congressional office holders are beholden to the man they fear the most, Donald Trump. I am referring specifically to our State’s delegation: Cindy Hyde-Smith, Roger Wicker, Trent Kelly, Michael Guest and Steven Palazzo. No longer free and independent thinkers, they are able … though unwilling … to stand tall, face the truth, and impeach an angry and self-serving president.
In doing so, they tum their backs on our Great Nation. Instead, they make calculated decisions, marching like Army recruits in lockstep with their party.
We deserve better.
Unlike today’s political climate, Mississippi is fortunate to have been served by true Statesmen. The 1800s gave us a respected Mississippi congressman. That man was Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a Republican. He had strong moral convictions and he rose to honor. Lamar’s story is documented in “Profiles In Courage,” penned by John F. Kennedy. The brave men and women highlighted in this book did not allow themselves to be bought and paid for.
Lamar, a legendary speaker in his time, declared: “My countrymen! if you know one another you will love one another.” These words were spoken to Congress, and after an ominous silence, a spontaneous burst of applause rolled out from the chamber. Few speeches in American history have had such immediate impact. Lamar was raised to the first rank in Congress. He went on to become a U.S. Senator, the Secretary of Interior and an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
This remarkable man did not seek the limelight. He was not subservient to the whelms of his constituents and party. He refused to be a stepping stone. Upon taking the oath of office, he swore to do the right thing, to serve our Nation as a whole. And that is exactly what he did. In a letter to his wife, Lamar said, “I shall serve no other interest than hers (the Nation and Mississippi), and will calmly and silently retire to private life if her people do not approve me.”
Our Republican members of Congress may think of themselves as Statesmen, like Lamar. Mr. Webster’s dictionary confirms they are not. Allowing their egos to get in the way, they have lost the judgment to acknowledge the criminal and impeachable offenses of a president who, behind the doors of secrecy, they really loathe.
They lie to themselves and their constituents, telling them that Trump is not running wild. They join the likes of Nixon. Republicans refuse to demand better. Instead, they are riveted to the hip of Mitch McConnell, one who prides himself as the “Grim Reaper.”
Blind support of President Trump is repugnant to our Nation’s governmental structure and Constitutional values. Obviously, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Trent Kelly, Michael Guest, Steven Palazzo and Roger Wicker have happily joined Trump’s dog and pony show.
I urge our Republican leaders to focus on the work they were elected to do. It is critical they not allow their decisions to be clouded by demands of an unjust president.
Mississippi’s delegation, I am certain, will not search their souls and realize they are destroying the foundation of our Constitution. And they do the dirty work for one man: Donald Trump.
A true Mississippian at heart,
Billy Cox
Washington D.C.
P.S. As a proud Mississippian, working in Washington, DC, much of my time is spent managing our family farm in Columbus. With deep roots, the farm has been continuously operated by the Cox family since the 1840s.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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