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I don't even recognize my "Wild and Wonderful" State of West Virginia anymore. Spent much of my childhood moving around to different places, facing down people who spoke disparagingly about my home state.
I was always so proud to be from a state that was not only beautiful, but valued the working class and took care of our elders. We proudly claimed our status as a Union state that fought for freedom and the United States.
Hunting was more about spending time with friends and family and putting food on the table than about the gun culture. We even had middle school classes on hunting and fishing, grounded in respect for our state.
If West Virginians are Always Free, why is our state Legislature working so hard to oppress the people? Do we only value liberty for some people? Why are our legislators so intent on interfering with the healthcare of women and the trans community? They are trying to police healthcare issues they don't even seem to understand, and they certainly are not basing their votes on information obtained from experts, but rather some cultural ideology.
Banning care for transgender minors in a state with one of the highest rates of transgender teens is counterproductive and cruel. Banning safe and legal abortions for women is only an exercise of power and control over poor women. If we truly cared about children, we would care about all the children -- including LGBTQ+ kids.
Laws that ban the teaching of our true history only promotes ignorance. How can you teach about how West Virginia became a state if you don't talk openly about race and the history of slavery? How can we ever expect young people to come to or stay in West Virginia when the current legislative body is doing everything in its power to drive them away?
In terms of the Governor's proposed income tax cut, would I like my $4,000 in state taxes back in my pocket? Sure! But what I would like more is that my tax dollars be used appropriately to fund services for seniors like "Meals on Wheels" or in-home services, or for childcare so parents can work. Or, how about using the extra money to fully fund PEIA so our teachers and other public employees can receive the healthcare they deserve. Schools, roads, broadband and a range of other services West Virginians depend on could also use this money.
Our legislators are creating laws based on cruelty and ignorance, with little regard for the health and safety of the people they serve. Is this really how we want West Virginia represented to the world?
And Randolph County, do you seriously want to be represented by a man that says child rape victims romanticize the relationship with their abuser so therefore, there shouldn't be a rape and incest exception to the abortion ban?
Do you want to be represented by a man who voted against funding a summer food program for children? Do you want to be represented by a man who would limit our children's knowledge of authentic history, leaving them undereducated and ill prepared for the future?
That man is representing you now. That individual is speaking for you!
Instead of just looking at the "R" or "D" next to a candidate's name on the ballot, take a closer look at that person and decide if you really want him/her speaking for you. Research how they voted. You may be surprised. But above all, vote because if you don't, you may have to live with consequences you don't like. We can and we must do better!
Mandy Weirich
Randolph County
Democratic Women