Project 2025 concerns him

Celebrations centered around July 4th have always been tricky for me, for two reasons. First, the 4th is the birthday of my father and a very good friend. So, it’s a wonderful time to acknowledge God’s delight in bringing them into the world. A very positive experience. Second, the 4th also symbolizes the signing of our Declaration of Independence which unfortunately legally established non-white citizens (many as my neighbors) as less than full humans (2/3rds at best). A very negative experience.

Time and the courageous efforts of many others, including my family, have allowed the words “all people are created equal endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” to make the Declaration and Constitution a more true and complete statement of God’s desires for our (and all) nation. The fact that’s its taken nearly 250 years to achieve this outcome is both embarrassing and hopeful. And, now it could all be lost in a matter of months.

Donald Trump and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 presidential transition blueprint demand sweeping changes to our basic citizenship, founding democratic principles and rights as American citizens. 2024 could literally be the very last Fourth of July - Independence Day - celebration as free citizens with the promise for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Reading its 922 pages and absorbing its core values stocks me. Horror fiction novels present more hope and goodness. I’m fully aware that the authors and supporting organizations represent the most radical right-wing of American society - which did not surprise me - but what did was that my very own Senator Steve Daines would so boldly and openly endorse such heresy by lending his staff to help produce it. My tax dollars directly funding and advocating an end to my personal freedoms, liberty and independence. Now that’s downright UnAmerican! Shame on him.

Pat Malone

Columbia Falls