The Senate, after months of delicate, earnest and tricky negotiations among Democrats, Independents and Republicans, in this time of blind, party line blockades, managed to craft a BIPARTISAN bill to address the migrant crisis at the southern border as well as provide aid to both Ukraine and Israel. This legislation is a glimmer of hope that our elected officials on both sides of the aisle can reach some kind of compromise agreement for the good of the country. This legislation could be a turning point, a rare moment of consensus to try to resolve the border crisis along with much needed aid internationally. Alas, that glimmer is dimming. Why? Because Trump doesn’t like it. Why? Not because it is the RIGHT THING TO DO, but because it would take the wind out of his presidential sails. Heaven forbid that the Senate and Congress do the right thing, finally! And pass this landmark legislation. No sirree. The boss doesn’t want it. Can’t have it. Won’t do it. This stonewalling of landmark legislation is reminiscent of the Republican stonewalling of Democrat Supreme Court nominees. What does it say about the integrity of our elected officials when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell pulls a complete about-face and now is recommending that Republicans vote against this legislation? What does it say when House Leader Mike Johnson closes his mind and the minds of his Republican cohorts, saying the bill is dead on arrival? Johnson, and even McConnell are clearly in Trump’s thrall. This bill is clearly a good step for the country, but once Trump declared that this bill is “a gift to the Democrats,” Republicans scattered like roaches in the light of this legislation, scurrying to take cover under Trump’s shadow. We are in a sorry place when elected officials are so quick to follow their Republican idol’s pronouncements and forget their oaths of office (I will support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic) choosing to swear fealty to a defeated presidential candidate, choosing instead to defend against Trump’s enemies both foreign and domestic. We as voters should not stand for this. Trump isn’t the only one vying to be on the ballot in November. Take a hard look at all the candidates. Who and what are they fighting for? Truly? Behind the curtain, beyond the demonizing and fear-mongering, who and what do they stand for? How have they voted in these past months? What do their actions (since their words are worthless) say about their allegiances? Step away from the echo chambers, check your facts, dig deep. Then, while you still have it, take the power in your own hands and VOTE.