An Open Letter to my Federal Representatives

To Senators Ernst and Grassley and Representative Feenstra:

I finally realize that there’s no appealing to either common sense or your basic humanity.

Your decision to collaborate in human trafficking says it all. (Because kidnapping innocent people and selling them into enslavement is not deportation. It’s trafficking.)

I honestly thought this horrific, barbaric behavior on the part of your leader would finally get your attention.

Alas, it has not.

I thought maybe you didn’t understand what an executive order is. It’s not a law.

But now, yes, I understand. You know what an EO is. And you believe that governance by dictated orders is better than republican democracy.

So much so that you betrayed your oath of office, your constituents, the Constitution, the nation—just to allow the leader his whims.

I’d wonder how you can look yourself in the face, but I realize that you’re proud of what you do and who you are.

You’re proud to put your leader over county.

The author, during a Chuck Grassley Townhall, Hampton, Iowa. March 21, 2025. Photo by Lily Smith.

This is the most heartbreaking moment of my 71-year-old life. I mourn the loss of the Constitution and all I have long held dear.

Here’s hoping it’s worth it to you.