To the Editor:

I used to think that Northern New Yorkers were generally well-intentioned conservative Republicans like my parents. But not so anymore. Now, we hear loud and clear the angry personal outrage from the disgruntled anti-government and conspiracy-believing crowd who voted for Stefanik. But moderate Republicans with strong middle-class values have gone silent, thus allowing the 21st congressional district to flip to Republican radicalization.

Level-headed Republicans admit there’s nothing “normal” about a compulsively-lying US President denying repercussions of a worldwide pandemic or refusing to admit he lost the election. But nonetheless, they still voted for the incendiary Republican Party that took no responsibility for the 30% rise in US domestic terrorism, mass killings and hate crimes, while downplaying the seriousness of the Jan. 6th insurrection.

There’s nothing “normal” or “conservative” about a political party that’s willing to create chaos to win reelection by destroying stability, integrity and faith in government.

So welcome to the toxicity of “attack-everything-and-everyone” politicians who can’t even get along with one another. Welcome to a party of rabble rousers presenting extremist bills, like replacing the IRS with a 30% federal sales tax or imprisoning librarians who won’t pull LGTBQ books from the shelf. Welcome to House Representatives like Stefanik who will defend proven-corrupt, outright liars like Santos and Trump.

Still, moderate Republicans remain silent about the stark contrast between their party’s radical behavior and the admirable conservative party of the Eisenhower era. It’s astounding that rational Republicans, smart enough not to be conned by conspiracy propaganda, aren’t criticizing their politicians for the confrontational antics and dysfunctional leadership which is anything but “normal” or “conservative”. My ethical, conscientious parents would be horrified at what the party has become and why aren’t you?

Martha Hodges
Massena