In both governance and elections, consequences are real. For the Democrats, their message in 2014 was so uninspiring and drab that they suffered at the polls as their supporters stayed home in droves ("O'Malley's legacy," Jan. 20). In Maryland, eight years of Martin O'Malley left most citizens with a sour taste as the taxes and fees leveled seemed like a sign of disrespect to people who actually work hard and a reward for those who feel entitled. The consequence of these governance choices was a Republican surge both locally and nationally.
In Maryland, the tone is good so far. Gov. Larry Hogan is keeping to his promises of being a fiscal conservative and is making tough decisions. More will be coming as citizens have grown tired of seeing their wages being siphoned for causes only liberal advocates can embrace.
Nationally, this right-wing swing will have dire consequences. The right-wing Republican Supreme Court, which gave sentience to corporations and upheld restrictive standards to thwart voting, now will weigh in on gay marriage. This Supreme Court defends the rights of corporate America more than those of women and minorities, so gays should be worried about how they will be judged. In Congress, the full court press against women's reproductive rights already started as the Cro-Magnon men try to reassert their belief that they have the God-given right to place women to second tier humanity.
Remember this in 2016: Staying away from the polls could result in the destruction of your rights as the Republican assault against diversity and equality reassert themselves.
Alan McAllister, Severna Park