Rep. Frelinghuysen's Retirement Is 'Bittersweet,' Reader Says

The following is an open letter to Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, congressman representing New Jersey's 11th congressional district.

Dear Representative Frelinghuysen:

To me, the news that you will be retiring at the end of this session of Congress is bittersweet.

I am well aware of your service to this country and your accomplishments while in Congress. Funny. I always felt that Presidents and those in government, regardless of their party or ideology, always had a deep love of country and a strong desire to serve all of its people. The job of an elected official in government is all consuming and those who dedicate their lives in order to serve their country, in whatever manner, must be admired.

For most of your long tenure in Congress, you did just that, and your love of country as exemplified by your service to it, both in the military and then as a representative in Congress, cannot be overstated. The continued loss of people like that – including yourself – is a “bitter” pill to swallow.

The “sweet” part? Well, perhaps sweet is too harsh a word, but as Bob Dylan wrote and sang, “The Times They Are A-Changin’" – and we need a change.

Most of the policies that are being set forth by this administration are both dangerous and ill-conceived, but yet your votes have almost always supported them, even when they were harmful to the most vulnerable of your constituents and to the country (e.g. health care). For years, you voted as the moderate Republican you used to be.

However, all that changed during these past few years when you “fell in line,” as did the rest of your party. Guns, environment, healthcare — your votes now all went with the far right and ignored what we, as your constituents, asked you for. Even the Tax Reform bill — bad for New Jersey — was advanced by your “aye” vote on the budget, even when every other New Jersey representative voted against it. Yes, it’s time for a change.

I’m sure you recognize the fact, as do your constituents, that there are still many more important votes ahead of you, and plenty of time for you to lead your party back to moral civility. After so many months, how can DACA still be an issue, other than the fact that the lives of Dreamers are being used as pawns in the political chess game your party continues to play? Do the right thing and urge Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to vote on a bipartisan bill to protect the 1.5 million Dreamers.

In addition, I urge you to stand up for the Constitution and our very democracy. Congressional Republicans and the White House are attacking the credibility of special counsel Robert Mueller — and the FBI — as they investigate Russian interference in the 2016 elections. You noted on your website that “it is important that Mr. Mueller and the Congressional Committees follow the facts, no matter where they lead” and that the investigations “not devolve into a partisan fight that does not serve the American people.”

Well, unfortunately, thanks to Republicans in the House, that “ship has sailed” quite a while ago. I ask you to serve the American people and fight for a bipartisan bill to protect the Mueller investigation.

There’s still plenty of time, congressman. Do the right thing.

Salvatore M. Schifano
Wayne, NJ

Photo: Gajus/Shutterstock