To the Editor:

Politics is often described as the art of the possible. The recent resignation of Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, and the events surrounding electing a replacement for him demonstrate the fact that the group of Republican Party insurgents who misleadingly bill themselves as the Freedom Caucus do not understand some of the basic tenets of American politics. While the members of this group often describe themselves as strict constitutionalists, their behavior demonstrates an almost complete lack of understanding of one of the fundamental principles embedded in the Constitution — the essential need for compromise.

Our Congressman, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Cashiers, is one of the leaders of this reactionary insurgent group. Meadows authored a letter that undermined Boehner’s already minimal ability to make the House function as a useful instrument of government. Rep. Meadows has continually and repeatedly demonstrated that he is an ideologue and egotist who would sacrifice functioning government for so-called principle. Like a petulant child, he has insisted that shutting down the government is an acceptable, even a preferred tactic; even if his ends are the futile pursuit of a radical agenda that has no chance of enactment and only limited public support.

Rep. Meadows and his misguided colleagues have abandoned their primary responsibility to govern. They eschew representation of their constituents in favor of hostage taking. They pursue partisan motivated investigations that spend endless amounts of money while wasting time instead of engaging in the basic business of legislating. This country is faced with innumerable serious challenges from mass incarceration that costs billions while creating a permanent under-culture to an economy that works for the few to climate change. Meanwhile, Meadows and his cohorts throw temper tantrums.

Now Poltico and other outlets report that Meadows is under an ethics investigation for what appears to be improper severance payments to Meadows’ former Chief of Staff Ken West. This is on top of inquiries related to other questionable payments to West, a man burdened by a series of sexual harassment complaints. Some of these complaints were known even before Meadows appointed West, which raises questions about Meadows’ judgment.

As we watch the House Republican caucus dissolve into disarray, as we watch the nation’s business grind to a halt because of the actions of a few intemperate members like Meadows, we should ask ourselves if this is the kind of representation the voters of Western North Carolina’s11th District deserves. The answer is clearly no.

Mark Jamison

Webster