American political decorum has reached a deplorable new level as elements disappointed by the 2024 election outcome resort to illegal, intemperate and incendiary measures to express their outrage about overdue efforts to disclose questionable government financial management. Revelations of long-ignored federal waste, fraud and abuse by special forensic consultants have triggered personal threats and widespread property damage directed at an individual with an exemplary record of business accomplishment and contribution to the national interest. The real shame is that this highly visible insurrection against a popularly elected administration appears to be condoned if not encouraged by the unexpected minority of a supposedly bipartisan Congress. It’s failure to condemn and resist such uncivil conduct is a national embarrassment at a time when much of the world looks to America for constructive leadership and exemplary conduct. Self-destruction not only is demeaning to party loyalists but also disruptive and damaging to hopes for eventual reconciliation. Deliberate political alienation is not consistent with 248 years of experience as a consistent beacon of hope for our own population and example for other, totalitarian regimes. We are better than the image now projected, and it’s time for a leaderless party to find ways to join a popular parade in motion. Phil Osifer