Dear Sir:

Every day I see reports of another “no bid” contract for the purchase with millions of dollars of our taxpayer money. Recently the New York Times reported that $464 million was spent on jets to deport immigrants, but the jets have yet to be used.

Also, the same newspaper reported that $20 million will be spent on “stun gloves,” also on a no bid contract.

I believe the D.C. reflecting pool was also no bid. How has that worked out?

The “Ballroom”?

These are just a couple of examples. There are many more.

According to the Constitution, Article 1, Section 8, Congress has the power of the purse, Congress has the checkbook. You have taken an oath to defend the Constitution. Remember?

Stun Gloves. I remember in the 1960s when Southern Sheriffs were using cattle prods to control people who were demonstrating for their right to vote. The image of shocking demonstrators began to change minds of people who saw that on TV.

Darin LaHood, if you want to stun people objecting to ICE, cattle prods are much cheaper and available at TSC or Home Depot. Go ahead, see how that goes over with your constituents.

What puzzles me is that millions of dollars are being spent without any oversight by Congress. ICE appears to be fairly fit youngish men who could be doing something productive (electrician, machinist, welder, construction) that would contribute to the economy. Government could invest in training programs that would give these men skills they could use when Trump leaves. I am afraid they will be used to intimidate citizens in the future or at polling places.

If you look at the history of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, you will see American citizens attempting to gain their Constitutional Rights that had been denied to them. “Eyes on the Prize” is a good source. The documentary provides a lesson in the courage to defend the Constitution against all odds — and cattle prods.

You are in a position of power those people never had. I am afraid that you and most other members of Congress are more concerned about the next election than your oath and the deteriorating power of the Legislative Branch.

It is almost gone.

— Burt Raabe,
Peoria Heights, District 17