Shocking and troubling news — Stranger Things are happening right in our own backyards. AmeriCorp youth working at the Ohio River Islands Refuge received a termination notice and were told to pack their bags immediately. How incredibly sad and unbelievable!

This is yet another blow to American institutions by the billionaire elite whose goal is to tear down democracy. Our church recently hosted a dinner to meet these fine youth. These volunteers expressed love of country by helping communities such as ours.

Can you imagine how devastated they must be by this injustice? Meanwhile our elected officials sit on their hands bowing to whatever Musk institutes with the goal of destroying institutions and our democracy. What’s next?

As patriotic citizens it is our duty to hold elected officials accountable for the mess. Stay informed. Make those phone calls and ask officials to actually show up at town hall meetings. We want an explanation for their complacency while our country sinks into chaos.

We do not want to exist in the “upside down!”

Debra Miller

Marietta