Anybody got any ideas?

To the editor:

I’m getting more and more concerned that current and future U.S. government will not be able to successfully resolve the issues that will bring our country back on an even keel (as much as possible, as soon as possible).

I admit being naive about political strategy and tactics, but I see politicians posturing for placement in a political office that seems based only on the politician’s personal desire to get elected, and not about any positive ideas or intentions they possess that will help the nation. Well, that has probably been the norm since the start of time and, in fact, is one of the definitions of the word politician (unfortunately). To me, however, a politician should be a person who devotes their life to the betterment of their community and country. Any way that’s the way I’ve always tried to determine how to cast my vote (there, I’ve exposed my naivete).

Now, unfortunately, I see that voters appear to be taking the same single-minded focus as the politician (which is not an accurate definition of the word voter). Party affiliation seems to rule the day with little thought to the character of an individual or the validity their opinions on how to improve the country. Many voters seem to have developed a “don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind’s made up” mentality and seek representation via blind party loyalty.

Constant one-line rhetoric has replaced honest discussion of well thought out platforms that voters could analyze and make their own decision as to the merits. Instead they seem to accept the barbs and heckling as being the truth and fail to demand real dialog and/or proofs. While politicians have always been cheerleaders on the stump the general public had demanded more substantive information before entering the voting booth — not any more I’m afraid.

The papers, letters to the editor, TV/radio news programs and cable networks are full of noise that provides no insight to our country’s real ailments or cures. The cry to demonize the currently elected officials; the Administration, the House and/or the Senate, give way to the blood-boiling displays of one party’s bashing of the other. No one is sincerely demanding that answers to the country’s problems be spelled out and discussed regardless of which party speaks it. To me it appears that voters find it easier to buy into a “zinger” mentality and blindly support “the party.” In fact, they seem to enjoy it.

I’m beginning to think there’s really nothing left but “zingers.” The better “zinger party” gets elected and the country is left with 2 to 4 more years of the SOS. “Let the best zinger win” has replaced “let the best man win.”

Are there any “break-through” ideas from any party that will evolve into the answers to cure our current woes? If so, let’s hear about them. It is too bad that a politician with the intelligence to design beneficial legislation, and the backbone to present it, is probably too dull or not cutesy enough to get elected.

This is not the Republican States of America, or the Democratic States of America, not even the Tea Party States of America, it is the United States of America. Let’s get it together.

Ron Lueth

Bokeelia