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Reflection, growth, and change are the mark of strong people. It is not necessary to maintain past beliefs in the face of mounting evidence that staying the course will result in direct harm.

The federal budget that was passed quickly through the House at the urging of the President results in 11 million Americans losing their healthcare AND the biggest deficit increase in history. It renders judges unable to enforce their own contempt orders and states unable to regulate artificial intelligence for 10 years. Multiple Republicans have admitted that they did not read the bill before voting and would not have supported it had they known about these measures.

The President’s chaotic trade war is raising costs for Americans and reducing the nation to a global laughingstock. According to the June 1 Business Insider, Walmart has confirmed price hikes of more than 38 percent, due explicitly to tariffs. On June 4, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development projected a dramatic decrease in GDP – over a full percentage point this year – along with increasing inflation. Previously, growth was projected, but the President’s constant tariff threats and changes have reversed the course of our economy.

I would like to extend an invitation to all, but especially to those wrestling with doubt, grief, or shame for having supported or believed in the current leadership.

I have made over 100 phone calls and two visits to the offices of Representative Brad Finstad requesting a public discussion. They have fallen on deaf ears. The vague response letters I’ve received do not address my questions, and in at least one instance, are factually false. I have not been allowed to speak to or leave my contact information with policy aides who write the letters or a scheduling coordinator to get a straight answer on a public appearance.

Democracy is not working here as it should. Elected officials stand for everyone, and should be able to factually defend their positions, even to people who disagree. Instead we have been ignored and gaslit. Change must come from the people.

Join us in Austin, as we unite with communities across the nation for a No Kings peaceful protest. We will meet in front of Riverland Community College on Saturday, June 14 from 10-11 a.m. We don’t have to agree on every issue or solve every problem. We just have to step closer together.

It’s OK to walk away. It doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t make you a Democrat. It makes you human.

Karianne Bachmeier

Austin, MN