Politics shouldn't be a spectator sport

At what point did the exercise of politics change from compromise and uniting for the common good to two sides screaming at each other and accomplishing nothing?

Politics in this country have almost turned into just another spectator sport where the teams are the Republicans and the Democrats and depending on whom you ask, one team is always right while the other embodies everything that is wrong in the world.

The current energy debate is a perfect example of the problem.

The Republican team insists that more drilling is the answer and pays scarce attention to conservation or alternative energy.

The Democrat team insists, against all common sense and economic theory, that increasing the supply of oil will not drive down the price of gas.

Their solutions are more efficient vehicles and alternative energy, which are fine, but the country's energy infrastructure cannot simply turn on a dime like that.

Both parties are right.

Congressman Mark Kirk realizes this and has combined the best elements of both parties' energy plans.

He is an outspoken supporter of increased offshore oil exploration and recently introduced landmark legislation to boost alternative energy production by 300 percent and reduce oil consumption by 86 percent.

I encourage everyone who is tired of $4 gas to go to Kirk's Web site and read about his "Apollo Energy Independence Act."

It will convince you of what I already know: Kirk is a dedicated, independent public servant and a model of what a good Congressman is.

Nate Frenkel

Northbrook