1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

Why did Republicans vote to protect people who might have raped minors? By demanding the release of the Epstein files, Congress has the power to expose monsters…and yet, Republicans choose silence. Why? What’s the moral high ground here? What’s worth fighting for? What’s that final line in the sand? When it is OK to say, “I don’t care about politics or donors or power or keeping my job. I care about bringing rapists to justice. I care about the girls - MINORS - who were sexually abused by rich, powerful men. I care about my daughter or my wife or my grandmother or my sister watching me stay silent in the face of such terrible abuse.” Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) in January touted the GOP’s commitment to women. “This is the conservative Republican agenda in action: we’re protecting women, supporting families, and making communities safer.” Hiding the Epstein files - shielding men who allegedly sexually abused girls - is the anthesis of protecting women and supporting families. This evasion perpetuates the acceptance of violence against women. It says rape is acceptable. It says human trafficking is acceptable. It’s morally reprehensible. It sends a clear message that these girls don’t deserve justice. They don’t deserve to confront their abusers. And that certain men are above the law, regardless of what crimes they potentially committed. Stop making this about politics and money and power. Don’t let the FBI and the DOJ protect these people. These unnamed men don’t deserve anonymity. They hurt minors. They assaulted teenage girls. They must face the consequences of their actions. Demand the files be released, as Trump and Bondi promised. Hiding the truth is wrong. No matter who’s on that list, they must be held accountable.