Dear editor:
A few months ago I submitted a letter stating my concerns as to the destiny of the human race if we continue on our short-sighted path of self-destruction. My first draft of that article was almost 800 words, however, since letters to the editor have to be 400 words or less I had to downsize; so to speak.
In my previous article I suggested the following: 1) get involved in regional politics and voice your thoughts and concerns to your local representatives, 2) shop at thrift stores and buy refurbished electronics 3) conserve water, and 4) support local agriculture.
In this letter I would like to expand on my first suggestion of speaking out to our elected officials about decisions they make and decisions, as their employers, we would like them to make. Americans have become too complacent in the everyday goings on of Washington and our state capitals. We sit by and let government do what they do, then gripe and grumble at the consequences and how terrible our politicians are. Elected officials are hired and fired by the people. Politicians are public servants sent to Washington and public office by the people to speak for us as our representatives. If you go to www.commoncause.org/FindElectedOfficials you will be able to locate the contact information for your local representatives.
America is a nation built on ideas and ideals. Our ancestors came to "the new world" to change their fortunes and build a better life for themselves and their families. Our Founding Fathers were considered radical thinkers and in order to obtain freedom we had to fight a revolution. But how is it that the government that was orchestrated to be "of the people, for the people, by the people" has become a state of multi-million dollar campaigns and empty promises? What happened to that American fighting spirit? It seemed like we got some of it back with the TEA Party and Occupy Wall Street movements that happened earlier this year, but does anyone else feel like our fire has fizzled? America is still the land of opportunity, but Americans need to reconnect with our sense of accountability.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Gomory,
Warren