As a U.S. Marine veteran and retired elementary school teacher, I’ve dealt with my share of bullies. I’ve seen them on the playground, in the classroom and, unfortunately, now in our state Legislature.
State Rep. Joel McEntire has made a name for himself — not for his leadership, not for his service, but for his childish insults and schoolyard antics.
I’m a lifelong Republican, and I take no joy in saying this: Joel McEntire is an embarrassment to our party and to the people he represents. When he calls his constituents “lunatics” and a plethora of other names, he’s not defending conservative values, he’s throwing a tantrum. It’s the kind of behavior I used to correct in a third grader, not expect from a grown man with a public salary.
I spent decades teaching kids that calling names doesn’t make you right — it just shows you’ve run out of ideas.
Apparently, McEntire skipped that lesson. His idea of political debate is to mock, belittle and bully anyone who dares to question him. For a man who supposedly believes in the First Amendment, he sure seems allergic to hearing other people use it.
I don’t know who peed in his Cheerios, but he’s been taking it out on the citizens of this state ever since. The man acts like disagreement is a personal insult and that his job is to “own” his constituents instead of represent them. It’s tacky, it’s unprofessional, and it’s exactly what’s rotting the heart out of our politics.
Leadership isn’t about tearing people down.
It’s about standing tall, listening and doing the hard work for everyone you represent, not just the ones who flatter you.
McEntire’s behavior doesn’t reflect the military’s values I was taught — honor, courage, commitment — or the moral compass that used to guide the Republican Party.
It reflects insecurity, arrogance and a complete lack of maturity.
I’m tired of watching good people leave the party because they can’t stomach this nonsense. I’m tired of watching grown adults act like middle school bullies while the state’s real issues go ignored. It’s time for a real Republican, one with character, decency and respect, to take McEntire’s seat.
This district deserves better. Washington deserves better.
The Republican Party deserves better.
And for God’s sake, the kids watching this circus deserve better examples than the ones we’re getting from Joel McEntire.
Joseph Silva
Menlo
