(UNEDITED)I have watched government grow in power and reach. Tragically what has been good for government is not good for America. Like Benjamin Franklin, I fear, that our democracy will failfrom within. A few will steal the freedoms from the masses. I have stood idly by and watched as our elected officials made a career out of politics. The problems of this great land I laid at there feet when in reality the failure was mine. When I phone a senator to register my concerns I am greeted by a voice that was not at all interested in my input but wanted me to understand my senators point of view. I am ashamed when I watch talks from our capitol and see people bickering back and forth or watch half of them stand on queue and the other half remain seated because they didn't agree with the subject mater. I watched taxes and debt go up while American salaries and jobs went down. As failing large concerns, even Wall Street, crumbled I was forced to commit more tax money only to watch corporate bonuses rise as government run operations collapse. I was angry with our elected officials on both sides of isle. I knew all of this was Washington's fault. Alas I must admit it is not their fault. It is clearly MINE .In all my anger I had never taken the time to vote in mostof the senatorial and congressional elections let alone local ones. On occasion I would even missed the presidential elections. I allowed less than 50% of the voting population to determine the direction of our country. When I voted, I didn't take the time to find out who was running, their backgrounds, or their ideas. I had simply taken five minutes to put a check in the box. Many of these candidates were embarrassing to me and my country. Experience in Washington has produced the worst economy and largest debt in history. Perhaps experience is not what we need but rather new faces and fresh ideas. Political hopefuls should realize that they are not their for a career but rather to serve their fellow Americans and leave the office and our country better than they found it.
In November I will take charge. Educate myself on the candidates and I will do the only thing I can to bind up the bruises on the tearful face of my beautiful America, - I WILL GO AND VOTE.
Thomas Armstrong
Perry
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