by Pam Baker
Firstly, Representative Balint has made it exceedingly clear that she is not concerned with the due process rights of American Citizens. However, she has repeatedly demonstrated a zealous concern with illegal and non-citizen’s due process under the US Constitution. She has publicly called Mohsen Madhawi’s detainment by ICE as “immoral, inhumane, and illegal” but said not one single, solitary public comment about the detention of American citizens who were potentially and actually unconstitutionally detained in connection with the events on January 6th, 2021. Not a peep.
Rep. Balint’s selective application of constitutional protections does a disservice to her constituents and all citizens of the United States. While immigration reform is vital, we must also recognize that the foundational principles of due process apply to all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Ms. Balint doesn’t seem to be aware of the difference between Immigration law, which is civil and criminal law. Highly unusual considering her resources.
However, this is not a mere reluctance to engage on certain issues; it is a pattern of bias and lack of integrity. Balint’s defense of constitutional rights appears to be based on the political or ideological identity of those affected, rather than on a consistent belief in protecting the rights of all individuals.
Regardless of how you stand on the actions of January 6th participants, her failure to speak out for the due process rights of January 6 detainees is more than a political choice; it is an indication of selective justice based on partisan or ideological alignment. This inconsistency undermines her credibility as a defender of the Constitution.
Due process should never be contingent on political loyalty. It is a fundamental right that transcends party lines and political movements. Rep. Balint’s inability to defend this right for all Americans — regardless of their political affiliation or beliefs — signals a serious lack of integrity in her leadership.
Secondly, Ms. Balint has sent out an email to her constituents berating President Trump for having “a military parade on June 14th, his 79th birthday”, with emphasis on “his 79th birthday”. Maybe Ms. Balint is forgetful… but that is FLAG DAY as well. And for the record, the LAST time this country had a military parade on this scale was in 1991 (Gulf War Victory).
Don’t you think Ms. Balint, that the 250th anniversary of the US Army is worth celebrating? Don’t you think our veterans and active-duty service members and their families would like to see overwhelming support for what they had/have chosen to dedicate their lives to, honored and celebrated by the American people? She believes this is an unacceptable use of taxpayer money but was very upset that $43.4 Billion dollars scheduled to be spent outside the US by USAID on programs of dubious value, was eliminated. She blithely mentions the VA cutbacks because obviously, the VA are above reproach in regard to waste/fraud/abuse of funds. Her continued illogic and inconsistency are appallingly astounding.
Citizens of Vermont, is this someone you really want representing us? You want someone who is blatantly biased? Who repeatedly demonstrates her hypocrisy? Who uses her office as an activist platform instead of for the overall betterment of her constituents? It is time for Rep. Balint to stop selectively defending constitutional rights and to advocate for all citizens, regardless of their political leanings or past actions. And it is time for someone else who truly represents all of the diverse citizens and residents of Vermont to take her place.