Republicans threaten our freedoms

Talk is cheap when speaking of freedom.

All my life, I was told to protect and defend freedom. I was taught to respect patriots who gave their lives for freedom, our freedom.

Republicans now threaten this freedom. United under a creed of white nationalism and evangelical delusion, led by a convicted felon.

For women facing unexpected pregnancy or complications, losing the freedom to choose is life-shattering. Women are dying because of the Dobbs decision. Republicans should never interfere between a doctor and patient, nor dictate that women have babies. This is a fundamental loss of freedom.

Recent reports also highlight efforts by Republicans to restrict access to contraception, in-vitro fertilization, and no-fault divorce.

In Texas, the attorney general has sought medical records of women traveling out of state. The Texas Maternal Death Task Force is forbidden from discussing abortion.

Republicans are banning books. They look like Salem witch hunters. In Florida, they even banned a book about banning books. When I go into a library and see books that don’t interest me, I put them back on the shelf. No need to ban anything.

In Montana, state scientists are prohibited from discussing climate change while our attorney general tries to ban Tik Tok, further restricting freedom of speech. Republicans want to prohibit Palestinians from visiting Montana out of fear we might hear their side of the story. Republicans are hell-bent on restricting what we see, read and think.

In Florida, bridges can only be illuminated in red, white and blue. A rainbow bridge might prove weak and collapse. Pride flags are banned. Teachers are afraid to teach and medical doctors are afraid to practice medicine. Election workers, librarians and public health workers are routinely harassed and threatened.

The Colorado GOP encourages pulling children from public schools while in Arizona, the Superintendent of Public Instruction tried to ban “woke” student clubs when those clubs didn’t even exist.

In South Dakota, preferred pronouns and tribal affiliations are forbidden in state correspondence. Why do Republicans fear people expressing who they are?

Republicans are afraid of African-American Studies, Latino Heritage clubs, drag shows, braided hair, and fair elections. They blocked Zoey Zephyr from participating in the Montana legislature because she stood up against their fanaticism. We should all follow Zoey’s lead and take a stand. We owe it to those patriots who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Voters should decide elections. But already, Trump’s people are planning to challenge the results. The “Big Lie” was exactly that, a lie.

Fake electors, manipulating votes, stealing documents, and summoning rioters to the Capitol are threats to our country. Emboldened, Republicans are conspiring to further dismantle our freedoms, incite violence, and tear our nation apart.

– David Daniels

Missoula