Letter: Time for Kinzinger to represent us, not himself

Representative should speak for his constituents

Typewritter, letter to the editor

I was extremely disappointed after reading Michael Urbanec’s Jan. 13 article in the Morris Herald-News. The sophomoric statements and feigned defense of Christianity by U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger was an embarrassment, not only to himself but to the residents in the 16th District. His conflated statement “That’s emboldened me because we’re fighting against misinformation from Christians that have been misled” reflects the duplicity of this average politician in an attempt to navigate his political aspirations.

Let us set the facts straight for an intellectual conversation that will benefit the residents of the 16th District, the state of Illinois, and the U.S. First, to the media and elected officials, the capitol buildings are not sacred or hallowed ground. The ark of the covenant does not reside in the House of Representatives or Senate chambers. Need we forget the names of the “saints” who have and currently roam those chambers? Hastert, Kennedy, Packwood, Clinton, Weiner, Porter, Swalwell, and the list continues.

Secondly, we should not be disillusioned by Mr. Kinzinger’s newly found righteousness. Where has our representative’s belt of truth and sword of the spirit (Book of Ephesians) been in the past years? Using Christianity to seize power and quickly dismissing the actual words of Jesus Christ has existed since Constantine, although one could never compare Mr. Kinzinger to a leader such as Constantine. Leadership and serving the constituents of Illinois’ 16th District takes courage and a moral compass.

Political parties will continually change, and, yes, Mr. Kinzinger is correct that the Republican Party will change. Where does the Republican Party go from here you ask, Mr. Kinzinger? I do not know. But I am now more engaged and committed to shaping that party. I do know the “new” Republican Party will not have a place for self-serving, opportunistic individuals who spend more time pontificating than actually working for one’s constituents. Perhaps now is the time for you to reflect on how to better represent the 16th District instead of how to politically survive.

John Johnson

Morris