To the editor:

On January 6, domestic violent extremists assaulted and killed Capitol Police as they stormed the U.S. Congress attempting to prevent the certification of of the 2020 Presidential Vote. Mere hours later, Rep. Jack Bergman (R) attempted to prevent the certification of the 2020 Presidential Vote. Since the election of Joe Biden as president in November 2020, Bergman was a principal supporter of the “Big Lie,” engaging in frivolous lawsuits that were dismissed without merit.

He continues to avoid answering full page ads in his district newspapers asking him to provide evidence for voter fraud and to explain how the votes that got him elected weren’t somehow fraudulent but others were. He even voted against having a bi-partisan commission to fact find on the January 6 Insurrection.

Then he got caught lying to the press about the reason why he voted against it. Is he afraid of accountability for himself or his fellow seditionists in Congress? Will we ever know if Bergman or other Congressional representatives or aides gave tours to the terrorists in the days leading up to the attack?

Bergman and his followers belief in the fantasy of “voter fraud” is based on a white supremest voter suppression mentality. This false narrative of “fraud” historically occurs after record presidential voter turnout from people of color.

This is the pattern of racist reactionaries throughout the history of the United States.

Bergman has aligned himself with racists, conspiracy theorists and extremists in the Republican Party. Numerous Republican leaders have warned about the dangers of fellow party members who are attempting to discredit our electoral system without any evidence to support their claims. Jack is now a rogue member of Congress, ignoring his oath and the ability to tell the truth, even if faced with irrefutable evidence.

The question is: Why are our media, civic leaders and business promoters staying mute on such an important issue? Where are the voices from local leaders of corporations and institutions who boast about their diversity, inclusion and equity programs? Why are so many Republican, Democrat, and Independent community leaders avoiding these uncomfortable but essential conversations? Your silence is complicity.

The reputation and image of northern Michigan becomes one of county officials supporting the Proud Boys by brandishing weapons; northern Michigan state representatives advancing bills aimed at massive voter suppression; and our Congressman attempting to decertify the valid election results.

This is sadly what our reputation has become to the rest of the state and country.

Voter suppression and lies by our elected officials will not just go away and be forgotten as the grassroots citizens in northern Michigan have made very clear. The hard work and honest reputation of our county clerks and election officials will not be sullied by these disrespectful and thankless extremists. Join your voice to demand accountability from Bergman and prevent our State legislators from suppressing our rights to vote.