1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to you today as your constituent to express my profound dissatisfaction with the current state of governance and the economy, and to inform you that I will be participating in the forthcoming economic blackout as a form of non-violent, economic protest. You should have a clear understanding, directly from a constituent and participant, about why others and I are participating in this form of protest, so I am putting it in writing for you. My refusal to engage in non-essential economic activity is a direct response to a failure of leadership to address the fundamental issues facing everyday Americans, as well as a growing list of concerns about accountability and democratic integrity. The reasons for my protest are numerous and critical, including: Affordability Crisis: The skyrocketing cost of essentials, particularly the extreme affordability crisis in food and medical insurance, is creating untenable financial burdens for families in our district and across the country. Congressional Malfeasance and Disregard for Voters: The unprecedented and unacceptable delay in swearing in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva is a blatant disregard for the democratic will of her constituents. The repeated and continuous government shutdown due to political brinkmanship, which harms countless federal workers and destabilizes the nation. The clear pattern of Republican legislators representing the President's personal interests over their constituents' needs and the long-term well-being of the American people. My profound concern regarding Speaker Mike Johnson's demonstrated ineptitude and his role in the congressional dysfunction. Accountability and Rule of Law: The ongoing allegations regarding the Epstein cover-up and the lack of transparency and accountability from powerful figures. Concerns regarding corruption among large corporations and the Trump family, which suggest an unacceptable entanglement between private enrichment and public office. The pervasive reports of unethical behaviors among Trump's cabinet, demonstrating a systemic lack of integrity at the highest levels of government. Human Rights and Foreign Policy: The documented human rights abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which betray our nation's foundational values. Recent instances of military aggression in the Caribbean and Pacific, which risk escalating international conflict without a clear mandate or justification. Fitness for Office: The increasingly public concerns about President Trump's mental and physical fitness for the job demand serious and immediate attention from Congress. My participation in this economic blackout is yet another atempt to convey the severity of my disillusionment. I ask you to immediately and publicly take the following actions: Demand that Speaker Johnson immediately swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva. Commit to bipartisan efforts to pass legislation that makes food and medical insurance truly affordable for all citizens. Support and champion investigations into the allegations of corruption, the Epstein cover-up, and human rights abuses by ICE. Publicly affirm that your first loyalty is to your constituents and the U.S. Constitution, not to the executive branch or partisan politics. I urge you to consider the message this economic action sends. My hope is that it will serve as a wake-up call, prompting you and your colleagues to prioritize ethical governance, democratic integrity, and the economic security of the people you were elected to serve. I await your response and look forward to hearing about the specific steps you will take to address these critical issues.