Do your homework, research records before voting

Senate Office of Public Records and the Clerk of the House reports indicate ConocoPhillips, BP, Exxon Mobil and Chevron spent more than $16 million lobbying legislators on energy issues in just the first quarter of this year. In the same period, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent more than $30 million on energy and financial issues.

It is not surprising then that citizens' concerns are not the focus of many in Congress. To wit, the recent clean energy bill is dead in the Senate. Our minds and votes can be bought, but the manna from corporate America is the real brass ring.

A recent opinion, published here, called for Obama's resignation. Obviously, written by a Kool-Aid drinker high on the conservative think tank output. Financed by these same wealthy corporations, conservative think tanks document half-truths and disseminate them through partisan bloggers, slanted media sources and offensive viral e-mails.

Unwilling to think for themselves, some people, conditioned by a corporate drone of fear and distrust, write uninformed opinions and believe that because others do not object, that they hold a majority viewpoint.

Well, I object. I would ask that, if "big government" is their axis of evil, then why do these wealthy corporations, with obscene amounts of lobbying money, not give back their subsidies and tax breaks? I guess big government is only an axis of evil when it is doing something for the little people.

Voters, vet the candidates. Find out what they think and who funds their campaigns. Research voting records of incumbents, and review newcomers' experience, interests and past speeches. If nothing else, Google them. Only pass on vetted information and cast responsible votes. Support responsible businesses and reject those that focus on their own wealth and really do not give a darn about yours.

Gail Talbot

Huntley