(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

The United States is the only country in the world that has the problem of “mass shootings” on a regular and escalating basis. The guns of choice are those that do the most damage, and kill the most people, in the least amount of time. The Republicans are on the wrong side of this issue, even though most Americans want Congress to ban these weapons and pass common-sense legislation.

Likewise, most Republicans are on the wrong side when it comes to strengthening the EPA, and holding large companies accountable for the damage they do to the environment. With Republican help, President Biden and Democrats were able to pass the much-needed infrastructure bill, but it will take years to implement. In the meantime, Republicans will blame President Biden when bad things happen, like the rail disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, and canceled/delayed flights at our antiquated airports.

And Republicans and Mitch McConnell were on the wrong side when they packed the Supreme Court, which overturned Roe. Roe was settled law for 50 years, and most Americans would like for it to be codified. Healthcare for women in this country has been substandard for years, and now it is even worse. At least Congress voted to let Medicare lower our drug costs but Americans still pay more than any other country for their prescription drugs.

Now the Republicans are talking about a sales tax to bring in the needed revenue to fund the government. What is wrong with taxing corporations at least 15%? When the rest of us suffered through the pandemic, guess who were making record profits and paying little or no taxes? The Republicans gave corporations a big tax cut in the last administration, and we are still paying it.

The last thing we need is for the Republicans to dictate what we can/cannot read. The Republicans have made a mess of healthcare for women; now they think they should “take over” the education of our children. We have a shortage of teachers now, but if the Republicans keep pushing their “religious and racist” agenda, teachers will continue to leave the profession.

I would challenge my Republican friends to broaden their knowledge by watching “mainstream media,” reading the newspaper, and staying away from social media and Fox News. They just might see the “other side” in a new light.

Carol Lazear Mitchell

Marietta