A Clear Alternative

A belief in American politics holds that dissatisfaction with the status quo drives votes against the party in power. That is only part of the headwinds facing the GOP this cycle. After charming voters with the illusion of economic reassurance and relief, the president has instead subjected us to successive rounds of tariffs and trade policies with no clear purpose. Now a widening war of choice upsets the world’s (and our) economies by reducing the flow of oil to world markets. Despite control of all three branches of the federal government, the relief Trump promised is forgotten, if it was ever truly intended.

This leader intends to rule like a king, and his party’s sense of entitlement excuses actions and words that other administrations would never have accepted. This president actively seeks division and retribution because he was held accountable for his previous mistakes.

Trump’s self-serving, blatant corruption and the damage to the nation are ignored by his party. In the Republican tradition, they shift blame to others and avoid any questioning about the cause and effect of their own actions. They warn us about radical Democrats after they assaulted the nation with Project 2025, which hollowed out agencies that provide essential services to our citizens. They cut support for science, education, and healthcare research that maintains America’s leading role in the world. Public health is in crisis as we experience a resurgence of preventable diseases because our highest health officials question the benefits of vaccinations. Instead of acknowledging facts, they create boogeymen like ‘radicals’ or ‘communist’ or ‘election fraud’ intending to confuse and frighten voters and deflect responsibility.

Farming accounts for 7.4% of Virginia’s economy, and the 6^th district is in the heart of that industry. Beset by climate change and whipsawed by a confused trade strategy that, on one hand, erases their markets and raises the cost of inputs like fuel and fertilizer, and, on the other, promises to shower them with money, farmers are at the mercy of failed policies.

In our deep red district, habitual support for Republicans outweighs any questioning of policies that could harm our neighbors. To enable a tax cut for the wealthy, Republicans cynically timed cuts to healthcare to take effect after the midterm elections. Meanwhile, thousands are losing access to doctors, and rural hospitals are closing. Free clinics that provide healthcare to those in need in the Valley are already packed with people seeking help. Artificial intelligence threatens to upend society, but the president prefers to side with his donors against regulation. He focuses on building a legacy to honor himself and enrich his cronies.

Our longtime representative follows along with any notion the president proclaims, with no questions asked. He avoids contact with anyone who might ask uncomfortable questions about his votes. Regardless of those policies’ effects on his constituents, he faithfully serves as the president’s puppet.

But in a vote for Beth Macy, we have a clearly superior alternative. Instead of rewarding the Congressman with a fifth term, we have the opportunity to support a person who has already improved lives in the Valley by exposing those who caused the opioid epidemic. She brought attention to a predatory situation that devastated thousands of people and dozens of communities. Beth Macy has shown she is willing and able to withstand and overcome corporate pressure and government inertia to help people.

Beth will work to make our lives affordable again. She will ensure working families have the opportunities to prosper and stay in the Valley. She understands that healthcare is a basic human right. She will work to regulate the scope of AI and data centers. She listens and appreciates what voters share with her.

Virginia’s Sixth Congressional district has been in one party’s hands for decades, with little to show for it. Beth has shown that she will stand up for the Valley.  Beth Macy will help us to refocus and forge a path into a future that works for everyone. We face a clear choice.

Steve Foreman
Warren County, VA

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