Either choose to help or get out of the way

Now that the election is over it is time for us to look forward to working together. Yes, Barack Obama won the election, the Republicans kept the house and the Democrats kept the Senate. And guess what? Guns aren’t taken away, the United States is not somehow more socialist than it was before, and our country is not doomed.

It is clear that a balanced approach to reducing the deficit is needed.

The Republicans need to give up some tax increases on the wealthy, and several studies by the CBO and other economists confirm this.

States need to work on implementing the Affordable Care Act and stop fighting against healthcare for their citizens.

Climate change is a real thing, not something one gets to flip their position on depending on the latest disaster and deserves serious consideration.

Equal protection under the law is a constitutional right guaranteed to every citizen and this means marriage equality regardless of orientation or gender.

Immigrants are not just a talking point and Latino’s are not just a voting block. We need to make it easier for immigrants that wish to work in the United States easier to do so, not harder.

Lastly, a woman’s right to her own body far outweighs any opinion or religiosity of Republican male senators.

Every single one of these points are serious and require our leaders’ direct attention. The Republicans need to help or get out of the way, and we, as citizens, need to continue to send that message.

JASON BENELL

Sandpoint