Roll over for Grover

Am I alone in believing that those elected congressional representatives who signed Grover Norquist’s pledge have violated their primary allegiance to the electorate, and have pledged it, instead, to this unelected power broker?

Norquist makes no bones about his power: “Sign the pledge or face defeat in the next election, or don’t sign the Pledge and face the same consequence.” Then, like all enforcers, he proudly points to those former members of Congress who have already learned the validity of his threats.

Have we really come this far from any idea of representative government? Are you as disturbed as I am by the mysterious backers Norquist refuses to name who give this incredibly influential outsider the enormous wealth he uses to control the actions of our representatives?

Norquist offers the skillful rationalization that the pledge is “not to me, but to the people!” Did I miss that referendum? Can the people’s views be considered as fixed and unchanging as the signers of Norquist’s pledge are required to be? Are you comfortable with the thought that certain legislative decisions are determined by one unelected man and his wealthy, unknown backers?

I find that thought appalling. What about you?

Janet R. Norby

Spokane