OPINION:
“On the outside, looking in” (Web, Jan. 23) hit the nail on the head. Members of Congress are elected first and foremost to work for the interests of their districts. Gratuitously disrespecting the new president by not attending the inauguration and grandstanding over the decision to do so does nothing to help constituents, and in fact makes it harder for these members to have their voices heard when it really matters.
U.S. Reps. Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly, whose districts more than most depend on good relations with the federal government, ought to be ashamed for putting their public political preening over the welfare of their constituents. And the residents of their districts, whether Democrat, Republican or independent, should not only be embarrassed by these representatives’ behavior, they should also hold them accountable for undermining the real interests of the people they claim to represent.
It’s fine to disagree with the new president, and there may be many reasons to do so, but our representatives ought to do it at a time that really matters and in a manner that might actually be persuasive and so some good.
CHARLES P. HEETER JR.
McLean
Please read our comment policy before commenting.