Congressman Lawler’s moderation is just an act

Dear Editor,

In the wake of the recent brutality and cold blooded executions by ICE of two U.S. citizens, Congressman Mike Lawler saw his popularity beginning to wane. No one can accuse this most transactional politician of not reading the tea leaves.

After his enthusiastic approval and vote for the Big Ugly Bill transferring billions of dollars from those most in need to ICE, he chose to pivot to his practiced role as a bipartisan moderate. While Mike is hardly bipartisan or any kind of moderate, he plays one when addressing the electorate, hoping they do not follow his voting record too closely.

Hence his recent op-ed in the NY Times suddenly advocating for an embrace of a “new comprehensive national immigration policy.” Really, Congressman?  Perhaps you might have thought about that before once again demonstrating your fealty to President Trump and voting to ensure this current campaign of domestic terror.  Now you reflect on that fact that “local police depts. are better suited to interact with the public.” Who would have guessed?  Certainly, not you.

But I must point out that his cloak of moderation is slipping and the real Lawler emerges when his immigration plan provides “a path to legal status, but not citizenship, for long-term illegal immigrants without criminal records.” 

I think he is saying we need your low cost labor, your tax dollars, the entrepreneurial spirit that has made you a dominant force within the Fortune 500…and in return grant you squatters rights for the privilege of being here. How noble! 

Which brings me to “Lawler’s Latest”- his return to form as the willing handmaiden of Trump…the Save America Act. 

Congressman Lawler voted for legislation that would require us all to provide proof of citizenship as the midterm elections approach. It is now up to the Senate to pass the most restrictive voting bill ever before them, courtesy of Lawler and his Republican House sycophants. 

It would require everyone to present a valid passport, military service papers or birth certificate when registering to vote. It would also require a valid photo ID at the polls. 

According to Brennan Center research, this law, as written, would disenfranchise as many as 21 million Americans from voting …including 2.6 million lacking any form of government issued photo ID and half of all Americans not having  a passport, those with no easy access to a birth certificate, and married women who have changed their names and might need to jump through hoops to vote.

So on June 23, I encourage  you to begin bringing the curtain down on Congressman Lawler’s act and casting your vote for Cait Conley, a different kind of Democrat – one who shares your values and will legislate accordingly.

-Jay Forbes , Peekskill