Things are going wrong in this country fast. It's time to demand better
Plans like Project 2025 are designed to take away our freedoms. They aim to control how we live, what we believe and even what medical care we can access. That's not freedom. That's control.
As they strongarm one rigid version of conservative Christianity into our laws, our schools and our private lives, remember that America was built on religious freedom—and that includes the freedom to believe differently, or not at all. No one should have someone else's religion or ideology forced on them by the government. It's happening in real time.
This isn't just talk. We've seen "federal agents" assault and detain citizens and innocent people who have been honest critics of the current administration, some (like Sen. Alex Padilla) just seeking to ask a question. If it can happen to them, it can happen to any of us.
Fox News and the president spread outright lies to stir fear and justify this crackdown. For now, they seem to call all the shots; we can't let them rewrite the rules.
Now, billionaires with no military experience are being handed top defense roles. That's not normal. It's a dangerous mix of private power and public control happening in plain sight.
Let's be honest: For many—especially people of color, women, immigrants, and LGBTQ Americans—this country has never felt fully safe. Now those rights are under even greater attack. And this time, they want to make it permanent.
This is our moment to demand what America should have always held for all of us, all along: freedom, safety, and equal rights—for everyone. Not just the rich. Not just the powerful. Not just the religious.
If the system feels 'normal,' ask yourself: Normal for who?
Think for yourself. Speak up. Make a sign and hold it. Vote like it all depends on it—because it does.
Meredith (Merry) Schueneman McBride, Akron
I would like to thank Jeff Reeder and Pam Gifford for their excellent letters to the editor!
Marilyn Costanzo, Uniontown
Nicole Russell's opinion article, 'Conservatives are happier than liberals. I know: I'm one of them,' left something out that should be obvious. Most American conservatives do not concern themselves with anything that goes on in the world or other people (with the exception of gun control, abortion, and illegal immigration) unless it directly affects their own personal lives. Might that be why they are allegedly happier than liberals? I guess ignorance is bliss. I would imagine it is easy to be happier when you do not have much empathy, understanding or concern for others. I was not surprised to read she lives in Texas.
Lisa Perri, Akron
I am writing a rebuttal to the expert on human behavior in the Sunday, June 29 column who claimed conservatives are more happy than liberals.
I am a liberal, democratic woman who is very happy, as are my liberal friends. I am also a Christian with strong family values. It is not that liberals are unhappy, but disturbed at the autocratic, exclusive way our government is being run.
Are we not meant to help those less fortunate? I want to live my faith, not look down on people who are not able to better themselves. So, I am glad you conservatives are happy--so are we liberals. As you may see, you cannot categorize people into groups. We are all different in our own ways. Thank you.
Pat Burke, Akron
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Things are wrong in America. It's time to demand better | Letters
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