As a nation, it would be useful to evolve beyond political bias. Dispassionate review of the central government’s actions will benefit us more than baseless loyalty to a particular party. Regardless of philosophy, the final “litmus test” of good governance is consistent benefit to its citizens.
In the last months of the previous administration, the willful incompetence of central government became apparent. As a retired veteran, retirement pay stopped Oct. 1, 2024. Endless inquiries via telephone, text, and emails for the following five months produced nothing.
Finally, in April 2025, I resorted to Senator [Tom] Tillis’s office with a plea for assistance. The good senator instituted a congressional investigation. On May 5, 2025 (many months late), my retired pay was received.
Obviously, Senator Tillis was the impetus. His office supported this North Carolina citizen against an unconcerned federal bureaucracy. Western North Carolina is very far from the federal flagpole. Without effective representation in Washington, we are forgotten!
Len Constantine, US Army retired, Franklin