While Elon Musk and DOGE chainsaw programs and essential employees that countless Alaskans rely on, Sen. Dan Sullivan has abrogated his Article I powers as a senator. Deliberations of congress, not those of a self-interested greedy billionaire, are demanded by our constitutional system. Instead, Sullivan has joined the DOGE caucus and praised Musk.
While President Donald Trump has destroyed decades of statecraft that built relationships with our loyal allies and threatened to take Greenland, Sullivan voted to uphold destructive tariffs levied on our Canadian cousins. Is annexation fine with him as well?
While the president recklessly imposes destructive tariffs, putting at risk our national economy as well as the world’s, Sullivan avoids explaining his inaction at numerous town halls.
With around 4% of the world’s population but about 25% of its total economic output, we’ve hardly been “ripped off.” Instead, we’re more prosperous than ever. Trading relationships brings us more than just wealth. They’re essential to our national security as well. Sullivan, a former Marine, should understand how trade has promoted peace.
Public employees represent one of the greatest portions of Alaska’s economy. We receive more federal funding per capita than any other state, about $15,000 a year. Countless federal programs and earned benefits are critical to Alaskans individually, as well as essential to our economy. Yet Sullivan fails to appear, fails to protect the vital interests of his state and constituents.
With the passage of time, absence becomes desertion.
–Mark Roye, Cordova
