This letter is a response to a letter to the editor published October 23, 2026 - “America’s Future Calls for Republican Leadership”
These are not good reasons to vote for Republicans. Just the opposite.
Neither Senator Mark Warner nor Congressional candidate Beth Macy is a Communist, a Marxist or a Socialist.
But if Communists bother you, aren’t you bothered by a President and his friends (like Ben Cline) who betray our allies (all democracies) and support a genuine Communist—Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine?
Not only that; Putin also aids our arch enemy, Iran.
So please ask why you want people like Mr. Trump and Mr. Cline to use billions of our taxpayer dollars to buy oil from the real Communist, Putin, and lift sanctions against him and his regime, while Russia kills Ukraine citizens and children and supports Iran.
All that transfers your money and power into Communist pockets.
Inflation did peak when President Biden and a bipartisan Congress helped Americans and small businesses get back on their feet after the COVID pandemic. But by Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, inflation had fallen to 3%. Now it’s HIGHER than when he took office.
Remember his boasting that on “day one” he’d cut inflation.
Yet now because of his tariffs, his war on Iran, and our soaring deficit caused by his tax breaks to billionaires, inflation is raging again.
Instead of working to get prices down “on day one,” Mr. Trump says he literally doesn’t care about affordability.
He’s just preoccupied with vanity projects at your expense and mine.
Like destroying the East Wing of the White House - the people’s house - for a gold-encased ballroom.
Like converting an affordable public golf course and picnic area into an exclusive club for millionaires.
Like trying to put his name on the John F. Kennedy Center and on our currency.
Like turning the Reflecting Pool into a pond of scum.
Like building a colossal arch that would dishonor Arlington National Cemetery and our war veterans – again at taxpayer expense.
We can agree that sensible efforts to fight fraud is a good thing.
But if you want to fight fraud, start with Mr. Trump’s corruption, lining his own pockets, plus enriching his family and cronies.
His son-in-law and friends doing business deals with Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
The billions he got for granting pardons and no-bid contracts and cryptocurrency sales that left small investors with empty pockets.
That is not America First, it’s Trump first.
And we’re all paying for it with higher prices for gas, groceries and housing; unaffordable health care; and endless war.
These are BAD reasons to tolerate politicians like Ben Cline who’ve supported all of this with their votes and their silence.
Vote instead for Beth Macy and Mark Warner, who will fight for US, not for themselves.
Chip Taggart
Luray, Va.
Election Day Voting Hours: 6:00 am 7:00 pm
Voting Precincts
District 1 - West Luray
Springfield Elementary School
158 Big Spring Lane
Rileyville, VA 22650
District 2 - East Luray
VFW Post 621
218 Veterans Lane
Luray, VA 22835
District 3 - Marksville
Stanley Fire House
190 East Main Street
Stanley, VA 22851
District 4 - Newport
Stanley Elementary School
306 Aylor Grubbs Avenue
Stanley, VA 22851
District 5 - Shenandoah
VFW Post 8613
1103 Varina Avenue
Shenandoah, VA 22849
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