Voters must take some blame for status quo

So many people want to “Throw the incumbents out”. Well, I agree that government at the federal and state level has been woeful. But didn't we get what we deserved? Isn't this what we have accepted? I don't think an anti incumbent sentiment is anything but a cop-out. You don't have to think; you don't have to be for anything.

I agree that the deluge of ads, mailers, calls, e-mails, etc. is overwhelming, and it is very difficult to sort out what a candidate stands for. But that is what electing our officials is all about. Vote for the person of your choice and hold him or her to their program.

We talk about responsibility. We complain that society has devolved into rationalization rather than acceptance of the responsibility for our actions. This applies to voting. We the People are as responsible for poor government as the people we elect.

We need to analyze, not react. Thoughtfully consider what the candidates are saying; is it reasonable, is it practical? What are the long term effects on the country? What is best for the common good? And that is the nexus of the problem with electors and the electorate. We have lost sight of the common good and are too taken up with how it will affect us.

We are some of the “special interests” that we complain run government.

Dennis Gasick

Libertyville