GUILFORD-Sen. Peter Welch has prided himself on being a bridge-builder with Republicans, a quality we appreciate in him. But when someone is trying to blow up the bridge - or engage in an administrative coup - a different tack is required.
This is not a normal political moment, with Donald Trump empowering oligarchs like Elon Musk to dismantle federal agencies. And the Republican Senate is rubber-stamping Trump's ill-qualified cabinet picks.
Sen. Welch voted to approve six of 12 of Trump's cabinet picks to date. He recently voted to confirm Doug Burgum for Department of the Interior. Burgum is a fracked-gas advocate who intends to reverse advances the U.S. has made in addressing climate change - and attack clean energy alternatives.
Sen. Welch, you need to explain why you would vote for a nominee so out of step with Vermont and the voters who elected you. We need you to fortify your role as part of the opposition to the reckless Trump agenda. You may have to upset Senate decorum by looking into the eyes of your Republican colleagues and saying "No!" and "This ain't OK."
We don't need a rubber stamp representing the people of Vermont.
Chuck and Mary Collins
Guilford
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