The Big Lie and serving water as an election felony

Opinion echo published in Staten Island, New York, SILive.com

By Dr. F. Michael Westhafer

The Big Lie continues, the fallout from it expands, and revisions to the facts are broadcast from the #formerguy Big Liar himself.

For those still wrapping themselves in their fears of a multiracial society and their Trump flags: Have your eyes joined the Big Lie?

"Have your ears joined the Big Lie and can’t hear the howls of 'Hang Mike Pence' or see the gallows they brought with them waiting outside? "- Dr. Michael Westhafer

Trump claims the rioters represented “zero threat” to the Capitol police and lawmakers. 

Did Brian Sicknick die from old age? 

Did the 140 or more officers sent to the hospital due to the riot all slip and fall on a giant banana peel? 

Were those Trump and American flags that so many of you still display just playfully brushing the downed officers, not beating them? 

Have your ears joined the Big Lie and can’t hear the howls of “Hang Mike Pence” or see the gallows they brought with them waiting outside? 

Is that the latest version of reality that you’re ascribing to?

Perhaps you can explain how making it a felony to provide food or water to people waiting in line to vote improves election security?

Would you accept voting hours that end at 5 p.m. before you get off work? How does that improve security? 

If a Democratic majority in Albany forced through laws that included the ability of that same legislature to choose the outcome it wants and not the one the people vote for, is that OK for you? That’s the direction that Georgia is taking. Is that how you define democracy?

Republicans have made it clear both in court and in public statements that disenfranchisement is the only way they can win. 

Republican Arizona State Representative John Kavanaugh: “We don’t mind putting security measures in that let everybody vote — but everybody shouldn’t be voting.” Where in the Constitution does it say that not everyone should be able to vote? What is conditional about your citizenship? Is your skin color a hurdle to overcome to vote, regardless of having been born in the US like a white voter?

A lawyer appearing for Arizona before the U.S. Supreme Court outright said that voting restrictions are necessary because “It gives the Democrats a competitive advantage” to have more U.S. citizens vote. So disenfranchisement is the answer to a lack of policy initiatives? Violating the rights of U.S. citizens — remember, as much as you might not like it, people of color are full citizens, too (just read the Constitution) - is the only way you can win? Is that what your Trump flags stand for, making Americans beholden to an idea-free, bigoted minority?

(Dr. F. Michael Westhafer is a New Dorp, Staten Island resident.)