1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

It is genuinely astonishing that, with all the pressing issues facing this country, your attention and our tax dollars are being funneled into the absurd notion of a glorified military parade. Who exactly is this for? Certainly not for the troops—you’ve already made a habit of undercutting them in ways that matter far more than putting tanks on the street. No, this seems designed to stroke egos, distract from dysfunction, and project a kind of power that our Constitution and values have never required. The United States does not need a parade to prove its strength. Real strength is shown in leadership, unity, and competence—not in pointless, theatrical displays that reek of authoritarian envy. If this administration and the Republican majority are so concerned about the budget, perhaps start by not lighting piles of money on fire for the sake of optics. We’re told to tighten our belts, accept cuts to education, healthcare, and environmental protections—but somehow, there’s room in the budget for this vanity project? It’s not just wasteful. It’s embarrassing. This parade is not patriotism. It’s propaganda. And worse, it’s a distraction from the erosion of the democratic values that once made this country a beacon. You are not making America great. You’re cheapening it, one ridiculous stunt at a time. Do better—if not for the American people, then at least for whatever legacy you think you’re building.