LETTER: Tester and Democrats have to explain vote for 'lawlessness'

Sen. Tester has voted against a Senate bill that would financially punish and/or jail law breakers. This bill would have restricted federal monies being given to those cities that are not willing to follow federal law as it relates to people who are in this country illegally. It would also have required a minimum prison sentence for people who are in this country illegally and commit serious crimes.  

My high school civics class taught me that one of the prime responsibilities of the federal government was to keep the citizens of our country safe. What rational explanation can be given for Sen. Tester to vote against this proposed bill? Senator Tester did vote the Democratic Party line — am I to conclude from this action that the Democratic Party has become a party that supports lawlessness over the good of the American people?

President Obama has also stated that if the bill had passed, he would veto it. Another supporter of lawlessness over good order in this country. What has happened to our country when a major political party determines that supporting law breakers is one of their major policy functions?

There is often a rationalization that can be given for faulty or poor decisions, and I await Sen. Tester’s attempt to justify this action. I fear for the future of this fine country. —Dale B. Heldstab, Columbia Falls