Letter to the Editor: Disingenuous, gaslighting and self-serving

After reading the latest “State View” column from Rep. Jon Dunwell, I must say that what I read had to be the most disingenuous, gaslighting, and self-serving drivel I’ve seen from him to date.

Setting aside the “rights or wrongs” of abortion for now, Dunwell seems to be upset that people are, in his mind, unfairly picking on him for his views.

Dunwell is correct when he states that as a community, we are not very good at discussing hard issues. I would hope he includes himself and his political party in that statement, as he and his party share equally in the blame.

First of all, Dunwell, in his description of the debate over abortion makes the case that one side addresses choice, while the “other side” (his side), addresses “valuing and protecting life.” When Dunwell phrases the debate over abortion in that manner, he is showing his contempt for those who disagree with him by painting the other side of the issue as being unconcerned with and not valuing life, all while lamenting that “we just can’t seem to get along.” If Dunwell had indeed been listening, as he claims he wants others to do, he would realize that nothing could be further from the truth. Disingenuous.

Then, Dunwell seems confused as to why people bring up his faith when challenging his views on abortion. Oh, I don’t know, maybe that is because Dunwell made his faith a major part of the strategy during his several campaigns for office. His bio on websites lists one of his occupations as “Pastor” for goodness sake. Sorry, Jon, but you don’t get to brag about your faith when you are pandering for votes, then try to hide your faith and act hurt and upset when people use that against you in their criticisms of your political views. Gaslighting

So, the take from Dunwell’s latest column is “I’m right and you’re wrong,” as well as trying to convince us that while we should be able to discuss hard issues rationally, he seems to think the only rational views on this issue are those he believes in. Self-serving.

We would be better served by Dunwell if he were to realize he was elected to represent all those in his district, not just those who agree with his views and who voted for him.

Sorry, Mr. Dunwell, but you’ll have to do better than this if you want us to trust you to be open-minded and willing to actually listen to all sides of this issue, or any issue for that matter.

So far, your time in office has proven you to be the exact opposite of all that.

John Moore

Newton