To the Journal editor:

For our country’s democratic form of government to work, each branch of the legislative system, House of Representatives and Senate, needs to function as designed.

Laws must be proposed, debated and voted, up or down, by duly elected members. If votes are not taken or if our elected lawmakers act like spoiled children when they don’t get their way, little gets done, citizens and the country suffer.

Here are two examples which illustrate the obstructive actions we have endured four years from the current Republican House including our U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek, R-Crystal Falls.

On June 27, the Senate, by more than a 2-1 margin (68-32), passed a comprehensive Immigration bill (S.744). The Michigan Farm Bureau has made abundantly clear the extensive benefits comprehensive Immigration reform would have for Michigan in its strong support for S.744.

Gov. Rick Snyder strongly supports immigration reform, calling himself the “most pro-immigration governor in America.”

Respected polls around the country show overwhelming (in the 70-80 percent range) support for the reform. This is not solely a “liberal” issue, but rather a (compassionate, moral and practical) citizen matter. If brought to a vote in the House of Representatives it is widely expected to pass. Republican Speaker Boehner refuses to bring it up for a vote, clearly ignoring the will of the people. How effective has Rep. Benishek and his colleagues expressed the “voice of the people” on this matter?

The Republican-dominated House has passed during its session, by far, the smallest number of laws in history. Yet it has debated and voted on 50 bills dealing with the Affordable Care Act, including attempts to defund, emasculate or repeal it.

Besides wasting thousands of hours (and billions of dollars), respected polls show that as people see the extensive benefits of Obamacare, a large majority of people want the Act improved not repealed. Do “Dr. No” Benishek and his Republican colleagues deserve more time and money to waste on frivolous political-based actions?

My vote for our district’s U.S. Representative will go to former Army Maj. Gen. Jerry Cannon, whose extensive and meritorious service to us and our country makes me believe he deserves a chance to serve Michigan and our country. Congress desperately needs some proven problem solvers.

Please remember to vote thoughtfully on Tuesday.

Gary Thesing

Sault Ste. Marie