In response to Sen. Murphy’s May 9 commentary in The Day, “Trump failed nation in time of crisis.”

Instead of positive action addressing the pandemic crisis we face, Senator Murphy resorts to trite, negative, politically motivated invective. He looks to blame, not to remedy, and his dark rhetoric is tired, empty, and meaningless.

Elected officials are expected to lead; in this case ensuring our country’s well-being and guiding us safely back to work. Instead, Murphy subjects us to the self-aggrandizing, political posturing of a legislator who insults our intelligence and wastes our time by offering no positive solutions, only condemnation.

This pandemic crisis is not business as usual, there is a new paradigm; one demanding selfless leadership and a resolve to work together, allowing the American public to see progress as a result of visible sweat on our legislators’ collective brows.

We all hope to return to “normal,” but without competent, dedicated, united leadership, both our nation’s health and economy will continue to wallow in the mire of COVID-19. 

Elected officials need heed an old military adage: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

And if you do not, we the people will do it for you at the ballot box.

Lose the rhetoric, senator. Get to work!

Lou Camerota

Waterford