The arts help us understand ourselves and each other. Through novels, films, songs or a stage play, we gain perspective beyond our own, watching characters navigate choices and consequences. Often, we see them stumble — blinded by ambition, fear or good intentions gone wrong — and we learn lessons they never get to.

Art offers reflection. It allows us to ask, “What would I do in that situation?” That question has been on my mind lately, and maybe it’s too late to make an impact, but only now have I found the words. Maybe I’ve watched “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” one too many times and, though I’m older now, I still believe that words — honest words, spoken from the heart — can make a difference.

So, I ask you, our senators and now, most importantly, our representatives, to hear me out. I write this as a citizen and a chamber leader who believes deeply in community, decency and long-term thinking. If it helps, imagine I’m from your political party. I’m not. I’m an independent pragmatist and someone who’s tired of seeing people get hurt while we rush decisions that deserve care, but if my party affiliation makes my opinion matter more, pretend I’m under your tent.

I’m writing about the “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” In this moment, if you’re unsure what to do, I encourage you to look to the arts. Here are three cautionary tales that frame this moment that we can learn from.

“The Monkey’s Paw,” a story from the early 1900s, tells of a family that receives a magical talisman said to grant three wishes — with a catch. The family wishes for money, and the next day, their son dies in a work accident. The compensation for his death? Exactly the amount they wished for. A second wish brings him back from the dead — horribly changed. The final wish sends him away again. The story ends with silence at the door and emptiness in their hearts.

“The Lottery,” published in The New Yorker in 1948, depicts a small town’s annual ritual: a lottery meant to bring a good harvest. The “winner,” chosen at random, is stoned to death by the community — including by her own children. It’s tradition, they say. It’s necessary. And it’s senselessly cruel.

“Button, Button,” originally printed in 1970 and later adapted for television and film, offers a modern parable. A stranger delivers a box with a single button. If pressed, the household receives a transformative sum of money — but someone they don’t know will die. After internal struggle, the couple presses the button. When the man returns with their money, they ask where he is going with the box. His response: “To give it to someone you don’t know.”

Each of these stories carries a similar warning: Be careful what you’re willing to trade away for personal or political gain. Shortcuts, scapegoats and silence often come with a cost that others — not always you — are forced to bear, and that undoubtedly harm us all.

Let’s talk about the Big Beautiful Bill. As of this writing, it is racing through Congress under a self-imposed deadline of July 4. The House passed a version, the Senate debated changes and just sent it back to the House — many analysts expect it to become law within days.

But what’s the cost?

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill could result in:

• 12 million Americans losing Medicaid coverage.
• significant reductions or disqualifications for SNAP (food assistance) recipients.
• stricter work requirements for aid, despite most recipients already working, in school or unable to work due to health or caregiving responsibilities.

The rhetoric suggests these are targeted changes meant to root out fraud or laziness. But in reality, they hurt people who are already working hard — or trying to. This is not a theoretical debate. These are real programs that keep children fed, seniors covered and families afloat.

Worse, we’ve seen how policies justified in moderation can escalate. Recently, immigration enforcement was framed as focusing solely on criminals. Yet, it expanded to detain law-abiding immigrants and even some citizens. Once the machinery is built, it doesn’t stop where it starts.

Now we’re being asked to believe the same won’t happen here.

News reports say certain amendments were added to help “sweeten the bill” for specific states, swaying individual lawmakers toward a “yes” vote. But let’s be clear: Voting for policies that benefit your district or political future — while knowing they harm millions of others — is not leadership. That’s “The Lottery.” It’s pushing the button, hoping the consequences land elsewhere unseen.

In my role as a chamber director, I’m a board member of other organizations, and I carry fiduciary responsibilities. I represent our members, yes — but I’m also expected to act in the best interest of the broader community. Conflict of interest is not just discouraged, it’s disqualifying. We recuse ourselves when personal benefit even might cloud judgment. Why does Congress operate by lower standards?

Enriching a select few — your state, your donors or your portfolio — at the expense of national well-being is not a win. It’s a warning sign.

If the bill were flawed but fixable, that would be one thing. But we’re watching lawmakers admit they haven’t read it all. We’re watching amendments get rushed through. We’re being told to accept sweeping, transformational legislation after just three weeks of discussion — legislation that rivals the scale of the Affordable Care Act, which took 14 months of rigorous review.

That’s not policymaking. That’s a monkey’s paw wish — fast, convenient and destined to backfire.

Here’s my suggestions:

• Blow up the timeline. The July 4 deadline is arbitrary (it exists mainly to get ICE through a budget shortfall, which could be handled separately). Don’t rush something this big. Take the time to read it, revise it and do it right.
• Protect the vulnerable. The poorest and most in need should never be the first to pay the price of fiscal reform. That’s not just bad policy — it’s morally bankrupt.
• Reject cruelty. We can make change without making enemies. The best public servants lead with empathy, integrity and patience. You are still allowed to be one of them.

In closing, no story has ever celebrated a leader who took from the poor to give to the rich. There is no parable where the hero guts health care to secure campaign donations. If this bill includes language that gives your constituents a benefit at the direct expense of others, it’s still wrong. Even if it’s $10,000 per person. Even if it’s $100,000.

The country deserves better than a rushed vote. It deserves better than a hollow celebration on July 4 that masks deep harm. And it deserves better than leaders who press the button and walk away.

We’re watching. And we’re asking you to do better.

Cory King is executive director of the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce.