To the editor:

It’s a good thing to look at waste and fraud when cutting the deficit, but it must be done with proof and precision. So, were the subsidies to oil companies eliminated? Were the bloated military contracts examined? Elon Musk alone has received $38 billion. No, the programs, departments, agencies, grants, etc. which safeguarded and benefited the vast majority of Americans were targeted — education, environment, food for our most vulnerable, weather forecasting, consumer protections, vital research, national parks, veterans, Job Corps, Americorp, health care and the list goes on.

How much was saved? Does it matter? The new GOP bill would add trillions to the deficit by providing another tax break to the obscenely wealthy, more money to the military, and border enforcement. True, violent undocumented need to be deported after the rule of law is followed, but many have become woven into the fabric of the American economy and proven their worth. They should be treated differently. Why not follow the example of Ronald Reagan? He understood and acknowledged their value and contributions and provided a path to legality. We could do the same and save money besides.

This administration has ignored the Constitution and rule of law. Checks and balances were put in place to stop this behavior, but Congress seems content to let it happen. Unfortunately, our representative seems to agree.

Be highly skeptical of this administration’s words. There is misdirection and spin. Pay close attention to their actions to discern their true agenda. But they all have underestimated the power of the American people. Let’s unite and show them we aren’t happy with these actions. Push back. Protest. Follow the Constitution. Respect the rule of law, or there will be consequences next election time.

Marcella Bode

New Ulm