Gov. Jeff Landry and Republican legislators changed the state’s election process to satisfy Donald Trump and ensure Sen. Bill Cassidy’s defeat. By replacing Louisiana’s open primary system with a closed partisan primary, they guaranteed that loyalty to Trump would outweigh independent judgment or principled leadership.
Ironically, Cassidy brought this upon himself. Had he voted against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services, I, and others, would have changed party affiliation to support him. As a physician, Cassidy understood the risks of placing someone with Kennedy’s record and views in charge of America’s public health system. Yet he chose political survival over professional judgment, ignoring Trump’s thirst for vengeance.
During my 18 years as legislative director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, I learned what genuine leadership looks like. Public officials once voted their consciences, understood compromise, stayed true to their principles and served their constituents rather than one man or political party.
Had I still held that position today, I would have opposed Amendment 3, the defeated teacher pay raise proposal. When legislators raid constitutionally protected funds to finance raises, it becomes a dangerous political habit. If lawmakers truly value education, they should fund it through the regular budget process instead of political gimmicks.
Since 2016, too many elected Republican officials have replaced courage and accountability with loyalty tests and fear of political retaliation. Landry may view Cassidy’s defeat as a victory, but Louisianans will continue paying the price for leadership driven more by ideology and ambition than competence and integrity.
America has suffered a great fall. I’m afraid what we once had will never be recovered. We have been witnesses to the annihilation of “the once shining city on a hill” — a tragedy with painful consequences for America.
JOYOUS VAN BUSKIRK
New Orleans
