Friday, May 18, 2018 | 2 a.m.
View more of the Sun's opinion section
View more of the Sun's opinion section
In the April 29 letter “Constituents come first,” the writer confidently and incorrectly espoused a civic lesson that the priorities of elected representatives in this country should first and foremost be to their constituents, secondly to their party and lastly to this country.
To know the proper priorities of elected representatives, one need only read the oath taken by the U.S. president that reads, in part, that “I do solemnly swear to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” which is similar to members’ of Congress’ oath to support and defend the Constitution. Further, the priorities in the Constitution are identified in its preamble that reads, in part, “in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice ... promote the general welfare ... do ordain and establish the Constitution.”
Constituent special interests and party affiliation should have little priority in a country which was created to promote the general welfare of all people.
If the first allegiance and priority of an elected representative should be to this country and its laws, what does that say about President Donald Trump, who put U.S. interests second to the interests of Russia?
