Rahm Emmanuel, an ex-mayor of Chicago, once said, “Never let a crisis go to waste.”

Judging by the actions of our elected officials, Rahm would be proud.

We are sailing in uncharted waters. Yet, everyday I read and hear about people and businesses adapting and sacrificing to help the rest of us. It makes me feel proud, inspired and optimistic.

Then, there’s Congress.

It seems there are some who are using these desperate times to advance their political agendas. Monies should have been appropriated immediately to individuals, families and businesses who have been affected by this virus, which is about everyone, to help weather the storm. The money was released but not before people like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her partners in crime felt it necessary to stack the bill with more money for things like the National Endowment for the Arts, the Lincoln Center and sun tan lotion research. These arrogant, classless, shameless “leaders” were holding America hostage until their demands were met.

This is nothing short of blackmail. They felt they had the president, the Senate and the American people over a barrel and they ran with it. This behavior is beyond disgusting.

America will get through this, but I hope people will remember those who tried to take advantage of the situation come November and vote their pathetic butts out of office.

I don’t know if I will contract this virus, but I do know these people are making me sick.

— Allan W. Gillmour
Salisbury