Wishing for leader who surrounds self with diversity a dream

Wishing for leader who surrounds self with diversity a dream

I just voted in a democracy, a brilliant democracy, but I don’t feel good about my vote.

I voted for a Republican (because I can) because I desperately want a Democrat to win. The logic is this: vote for the Republican I think least electable, thereby giving either Democratic candidate a better chance to be our next president.

I once thought that voting meant one person, one vote. That was my naïve assumption about democracy. Can anyone help me understand why this isn’t the case? I understand the electoral system was, early on, manipulated by people who didn’t want specific groups to have a vote (voice) and/or wanted other groups to have the more powerful and decisive vote (or voice). Those days are gone. I also know that I am very naïve to still long for Superman’s mantra: “the never ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way.”

I want our country to take care of the sick, the poor, the elderly, our infrastructure. I want us to pay our bills — if we are in debt, we should find our way out of that debt (yes, taxes, the word that strikes fear in so many). I want the world at large to see us as a powerful, yet humane, nation ready to be a helpful neighbor, but not a warlord. I want politicians to do the right thing — even though it’s very difficult to decide what that is and it’s sometimes not “popular” at that exact moment. I want politicians and the public at large to be honest and fair with each other.

I want a leader elected (in a fair, uncomplicated system) who will surround him/herself with smart people from different vantage points so wisdom can prevail. Is this just some deranged dream?

Bernice Fischman
Auburn

Americans missing opportunity by not voting Paul for president
A reality check is far overdue in this country.

We have become a greedy, self-righteous, insecure society of babbling idiots that thoughtlessly elect government officials who spend their time (and our money): first ... getting in office; second ... staying in office; third ... building a power and influence base; and lastly (if there is any time remaining) ... representing the citizenry of our country.

From the White House to the halls of Congress they all gladly respond with wild and senseless rhetoric to the mindless citizenry demands for safety and security from the worldwide evils that hate us and about the downward spiraling economy.

Will not anyone ever ask the question “why” and “how” did we get in this mess? Oh no.

We just might have to accept the truth, and make the sacrifices necessary to correct the problem. That’s not the American way anymore, is it?

This situation didn’t just come about recently.

Empire-building, fear-mongering, foreign interventionism and government deception of the truth got in full swing well over 100 years ago and has progressed steadily ever since. Now it appears the Bush

Administration has mastered the art and science of it all.

Only one candidate for the White House in 2008 (Republican or Democrat) even comes close to asking or offering a logical solution the name is Ron Paul.

But with that said, in January 2009 we will hopelessly continue “more of the same.” What a sad lot, we are!

Joseph P. Griffey
Auburn