To the Editor:

As a semi-retired resident of Western North Carolina, I never expected to spend this stage of life focused on whether I can trust my decision makers to act in the best interests of our community, our region and our country. 

Years ago, while working with the United Nations, I was struck by how closely people around the world follow U.S. governance. They often understood our institutions better than we understood theirs. Someone told me, “It’s easy for Americans to be apathetic because things work.” That stayed with me — because today, things are not working, and for that I hold our representatives in Washington from North Carolina’s 11th District, and in our state, accountable.

First, health and basic security. Why must I worry whether Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security will still be there for this and future generations? Why should I fear that public health protections against dangerous diseases are being chipped away? Why do your constituents have to crowd fund to pay constantly increasing health care costs? Why do we see vast detention centers instead of affordable housing and mental health care?

Second, justice, rights and democracy. Why do I have to question whether people in our communities could be detained without due process, or whether our constitutional rights will be treated as optional? Why are racist, homophobic and misogynistic policies tolerated while voting rights are weakened and elections made harder — not easier — for ordinary citizens?

Third, priorities and the future. Why are we pouring staggering sums into a war without full, honest debate, while allowing our national debt to outpace our GDP? Why do so many here struggle with increasing basic living costs such as groceries and fuel? Why are our natural resources not being protected with urgency?

So I ask again: why can’t I trust you? I call, I write, I visit, and there is no adequate response or accountability.

For the sake of our mountains, our communities and our children’s future, I will be supporting alternative candidates who are committed to protecting the people they serve, defending democracy, encouraging the strength that comes from our diversity of people and skills, and carrying forward what America stands for while helping us grow into the best version of who we can be as a nation.

Constance Neely
Scaly Mountain