Betrayal

As a flawed human and American, I’ve recently been thinking about the Preamble to our Constitution. I’ve been drawn to these words: “in Order to form a more perfect Union.”

Today, when I ponder those words, it appears to me that America’s leaders are doing their best “to form a more imperfect Union.”

Does Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, understand empathy after he recently denied a request for the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. to lie in honor at the United States Capitol?

Is Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth’s vanity more important to him than the integrity of his work after his staff complained about “unflattering” photos taken of him by press photographers?

Some congressional leaders have made anti-Muslim statements. Don’t they understand their comments only create more tension?

In an NBC news interview with President Trump, he commented about US airstrikes on Iran’s Kharg Island. He stated: “but we may hit it a few more times just for fun.” Mr. President—no military pilot’s family thinks a bombing run is “just for fun.”

Federal Communications Commission Chair, Brendan Carr, has threatened to remove broadcast licenses over President Trump’s criticism of the media’s coverage of the war with Iran. Chairman Carr have you read the First Amendment recently?

Unfortunately, we are experiencing a betrayal of America.

It is an appalling betrayal like Judas Iscariot’s disloyalty to Jesus Christ.

This is a sickening betrayal of America as our leaders have selfishly lost their hearts, their compassion, and their souls.

Alexis De Tocqueville wrote: “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.”

America, if we don’t wake up, the faults of our “imperfect union” will be our end.

Submitted to the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 3/16/2026 for consideration as a letter to the editor. The letter was not accepted. Bill Pike