Letter: His Loss Was Our Loss

A year ago, I was recruited to volunteer for Marc Friedenberg’s congressional campaign. What a lucky thing for me that I said yes. What a tragic loss for our community, the 12th District, our state and our nation, that Marc did not win a seat in Congress. He would have represented us with integrity, intelligence and respect.

I am writing to THANK Marc for offering himself, for investing more time and energy than most people could imagine, traveling to all parts of our enormous 12th District. Our world is better because people heard Marc’s message. He challenged the status quo, reminding us what true leadership looks like. He refused corporate PAC money so he would be beholden only to voters, not special interests. He advocated for health care for all, for urgent action to address climate change, and for comprehensive federal assistance to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic.

We live in perilous times. We know from recent events that dangerous rhetoric can lead to dangerous consequences. Propaganda and brainwashing are rampant. The president’s penchant for lying is unprecedented and well documented. His rallies sow division and hatred, especially toward the press. He denies the reality of climate change and has undone much of our progress to address it. Most of the Republicans in Congress refuse to stand up to the president on any of these issues and are therefore guilty by association. 

Marc Friedenberg would have helped get our government back on a better course. When he lost, we lost. 

Mary Bruce Serene