Stop Framing Complex Issues Like They're Simple

 A letter to my Federal House Non-Representative

Really, Bob — “Don’t you agree Congress should continue to prioritize border security to keep our communities safe.” That’s not a question, though it’s framed like one. No question mark, yet you want a yes or no. Let’s be honest: complex issues don’t fit neatly into yes/no checkboxes, and this kind of framing avoids honest discussion.

Prioritize border security over what? Over helping the poor, healing the sick, protecting the environment, ending endless wars, making schools safe from mass shootings, or maybe cracking down on members of Congress profiting from insider trading?

We already have laws that allow for the deportation of immigrants with criminal convictions. If enforcement is the issue, let’s talk about that honestly — not with loaded questions.

Should we prioritize border security over more tax cuts for the wealthy or a trillion-dollar defense budget? Sure, I’d be glad to have that conversation. But let’s not pretend there’s a simple answer here.

I get exhausted by the binary choices you present, especially when so many issues demand nuance, compromise, and empathy. I do not envy the complexity of your job, and I don’t expect easy answers — but I do expect better questions.

Please represent all of your constituents — not just the ones who already agree with you. If that’s your goal, great. But based on your messaging, it seems like there’s little space for dissent or dialogue.