Letter to the editor: Republicans a sorry bunch

The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were well aware they were putting their very lives on the line by adding their signatures to that document. However, they believed so strongly in the path they were taking to be free from the oppression of King George III that they were unafraid to stand up for their convictions, no matter the cost.

Fast-forward 249 years to July 2025. Both House and Senate Republicans scramble to pass Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” by his arbitrarily imposed July 4 deadline. Numerous polls reveal nearly 4 out of 5 Americans from both parties oppose the bill. Although some Republican legislators voice reservations over certain aspects of it, all but two in the House and three in the Senate ultimately allow Trump’s threat to ruin their chances of reelection override what they know is the right thing to do.

As a result, millions of Americans probably will lose health care and food stamps. Hospitals unable to absorb the cost of caring for patients who cannot pay will close their doors. Meanwhile, the richest of the rich and giant corporations will continue to enjoy their tax breaks and tax cuts while our national debt soars to levels previously unimaginable.

Had this sorry bunch been part of the Second Continental Congress in 1776, how many of them would have had the guts to agree to, let alone sign, the document declaring freedom from Great Britain? Let’s just say that had that been the case, July 4 most likely never would have become our Independence Day.

Susan L. Gero

Leechburg