Bob Onder's Recent Survey, Should Rogue District Judges have the Same Scope of Power as the Supreme Court

Dear Representative Onder,

Thank you for your recent communication asking whether "rogue district judges should have the same scope of power as the Supreme Court."

Respectfully, I must express deep concern about the framing of this question. The term “rogue” is both vague and inflammatory. One person's "rogue judge" may be another’s principled defender of constitutional rights. Our judicial system is built precisely to allow for disagreements, for challenges, and for measured, multi-tiered resolution. It’s not chaos—it’s checks and balances in action.

At the heart of our republic lies the genius of the Constitution: three co-equal branches of government, each with distinct powers, designed to hold one another accountable. District courts play a vital role in this system. They are not rogue actors; they are the lawful first stop for citizens seeking redress, including challenges to executive actions that may exceed statutory or constitutional limits.

The Supreme Court is indeed the final interpreter of constitutional questions—but how is a citizen to reach the highest court without first going through the lower courts? Undermining the scope and authority of those courts does not strengthen democracy—it weakens it.

If anything, the recent rulings from lower courts, even when inconvenient to those in power, show that our legal system still works. If we trust the Constitution, we must also trust the process it sets forth, even when the outcomes are not politically expedient.

I urge you to avoid supporting any legislation that seeks to restrict or intimidate members of the judiciary. Instead, let’s reaffirm our shared commitment to constitutional order, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

The Republican Budget Proposal is Morally Indefensible

Message I sent to my Federal Non-Representatives

I adamantly urge you to NOT vote for the Republican budget proposal that slashes federal support for child care, health research, education, housing assistance, community development, and care for the elderly. Just to deliver $4 trillion in tax cuts to the wealthy.

This proposal is not just fiscally irresponsible — it's morally indefensible. These are not abstract “programs.” These are lifelines for working families, struggling seniors, sick children, and the communities you pledged to serve.

Voting yes would actively harm the very people you claim to represent. What message does this send? That we can’t afford to feed hungry kids or care for aging parents — but we can afford to further enrich billionaires? That helping a hedge fund manager matters more than a single mom trying to afford day care or a veteran who can’t find housing? America cannot thrive while its working class is gutted for the benefit of the ultra-rich. You were elected to serve people, not protect privilege.

I’m asking you to vote with empathy. Vote with conscience. Vote no on this budget.

Stop Prioritizing the Wealthy Over the Middle Class

 Message I sent to my Federal Non-Representative Bob Onder

Dear Representative Onder,

I’m writing to express my strong disapproval of the ongoing efforts to pass massive tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations at the expense of working and middle-class Americans. This direction is deeply unjust and undermines the very people you were elected to represent.

Programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP are not government waste — they are essential supports for millions of families. Targeting them to fund giveaways to the ultra-wealthy is not only morally wrong, it’s economically reckless. These proposals don’t reflect a vision of shared prosperity — they reflect a government captured by those with the deepest pockets.

You were elected to represent all of us, not just your high-dollar donors. The middle class built this country, and we deserve more than empty promises. We were told this administration would protect working people. Frankly, I’ve seen very little evidence of that from your office.

If you continue to support legislation that favors the rich while gutting vital programs for everyone else, you are making it clear who you truly serve — and it’s not your constituents.

I urge you to rethink your priorities and start working for the people who sent you to Washington — not those who fund campaigns, but those who cast the votes.

As Israel has Rights, it also has Responsibilities

 You can believe in Israel’s right to exist in safety—and still question the legality of its actions in occupied territories.

Under the Geneva Conventions, it’s generally accepted that a country shouldn’t move its civilian population into land taken by war. That’s why most of the world considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal. People who raise this concern aren’t always “anti-Israel”—many just want international law applied fairly.

At the same time, violence and terror—on either side—can never be justified. Attacks on civilians deepen wounds and destroy any hope of peace.

If peace is ever going to happen, it’ll take empathy, respect for law, and a commitment to nonviolence—from everyone involved.

Tariffs are Taxes

 As tariffs begin to bite into the daily lives of ordinary Americans, it’s worth pointing out just how invisible this cost often is. We’re all used to seeing the sales tax line on our receipts—clear, straightforward, and honest. But when tariffs jack up the price of everyday goods, from electronics to groceries, there’s no such transparency. You just pay more, and most folks don’t realize it’s not the store or the supplier—it’s policy.

Wouldn’t it be fair to have that tariff cost spelled out? A simple line that says, “Tariff surcharge: $3.47” would go a long way in helping people understand who’s really footing the bill. Because spoiler alert: it’s not the foreign manufacturer. It’s you, the shopper. That transparency might also help people ask better questions about whether those policies are worth it or if there’s a smarter way to handle trade.

Tariffs may be a tool in the economic toolbox, but when they’re used like a hammer, everyone feels the bruise. Let’s start being honest about where those extra dollars are going and why. If we’re going to pay more, we at least deserve to know who to thank for the privilege. Wouldn’t you like to see that breakdown the next time you’re standing in line at the checkout?