Our nation’s Republican leaders no longer serve our country’s citizens. They have proven that their fiscal responsibility is in service of the rich and corporations. Our national body has tested positive for an epidemic case of parasites.

Citizens care for the welfare of the whole community. Parasites feed themselves. The Republican tax rewrite will siphon off health care, Medicare, Social Security, in order to pay off debt caused by their allegiance to their benefactors. Parasites on our children’s future and our grandparents’ retirement.

If a business states shareholder profits as their priority, recognize the parasite. If a politician gerrymanders, gathers corporation donations and incites fear to keep power – parasite, not citizen. If we refuse cleaning up our environment - parasite. If the gun industry leaves our leaders impotent – double parasites.

The ugly, gnawing parasites of greedy individuals and corporations infect the entire moral body of our country. The cure: transform from consumers (parasites) to citizens. Next time any of us argue about climate change, health care, a living wage for all and sensible gun control, we must look within and ask – “Am I a parasite or a citizen?” Next time our leaders promise wealth, look carefully – parasite or citizen?

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor, Veradale United Church of Christ

Spokane