GOP’s self-interest harming country

Remember when “GOP” meant “Grand Old Party and not “Gut Obama’s Programs”? Republican politicians used to care about this country and not their own political careers and wealthy supporters. After President Obama was elected to a first term, Mitch McConnell stated that Republicans’ No. 1 priority was the defeat of Obama.

Although 90 percent of Americans want background checks to prevent people with mental problems, criminals and terrorists from getting weapons at gun shows or on the Internet, 90 percent of Republican senators voted no while bragging that Obama couldn’t get it passed. The “GOP” voted for the sequester saying that it was such a bad plan that they would be forced to come up with something constructive and now blame Obama for its consequences. They didn’t like the furlough of air controllers because it would interfere with their travel arrangements, so they voted to not let it happen. They have done nothing to reverse the effects the sequester will have on Head Start preschool programs, food stamp and “Meals on Wheels” recipients, the unemployed, federal employees, first responders and people with cancer.

Instead of working on jobs, infrastructure projects and education programs, the Republican-controlled House voted 37 times to repeal Obamacare even though the Supreme Court said it is constitutional.

Remember, it is “We the People” and our government is “of the people, by the people, for the people.” Not for the rich, not for corporations that outsource jobs, that don’t pay taxes and keep their money in offshore accounts. It is time to take charge, take action, and let your elected officials hear your voices. At election time, vote and don’t let them try again to suppress the vote.

Joan Brody

Schaumburg