I am the son of a Purple Heart recipient, and I honor Rep. Guy Reschenthaler’s military service. But Reschenthaler, R-Peters, my former state senator, has dishonored his office.
At 12:16 p.m. on Jan. 6, Reschenthaler’s tweeted: “@realDonaldTrump is the BEST president since Lincoln.”
He posted this 16 minutes into President Trump’s incendiary speech at the “Rally to Stop the Steal,” following hours of speakers like Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., who told the crowd to “start taking down names and kicking ass,” and Rudy Giuliani, who urged “trial by combat.” Incredibly, this ill-timed tweet is still posted.
More recently the congressman tweeted we “need to unite as Americans.” I strongly agree.
To promote unity, however, he should step up and 1) remove the “BEST president” tweet, 2) admit he used the poorest of judgment in supporting election fraud claims that were dismissed 60 times by the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and 3) tell tens of thousands of fellow Pennsylvanians he’s sorry for trying to disqualify their certified mail-in votes.
It’s never too late for remorse. It shows strength and humility, qualities we need now more than ever. And a heartfelt public apology would repair Reschenthaler’s honor and legacy, and help his region and nation heal.
Jim Joyce
Emsworth