We need leaders we can believe in

There have been more than a few times that I have been absolutely frantic about a test in school, ruining a pair of shoes, family health issues, finding a place to live, not enough time or not enough money. But mostly I've had a positive attitude. My faith has sustained me. My cup was almost always half full.

But now I am wondering about a lot things:

• about the fathers and mothers who are so frustrated they kill or seriously injure their children;

• about frustrated police officers that beat someone;

• about the clergy that abuse children;

• about coaches who abuse their charges;

• about politicians who misuse campaign funds;

• about defense lawyers who allow an innocent man to death row for 10 years;

• about politicians who refuse to work together to meet the needs of citizens;

• about the bank that charged me on my savings account because it was inactive;

• about insurance companies that cancel coverage when someone becomes ill;

• about governments that spend $1,000. And only have $100;

• about politicians that take breaks when there is so much work to do;

And I really worry about greed.

Thank goodness for the investigative reporters that have kept us informed.

I'm tired of the name calling, the blame game, the excuses, and the refusal to face realty on the part of so many people in power,

Right now my cup is half empty and I don't know what to do about it. I do know that we need people with fortitude, intelligence, willing to take risks, ethical, and are thoughtful. The problems of the budget, economy, joblessness, immigration and safety need to be addressed now,

Hope these people are found soon.

My cup is half empty. How's yours?

Shirley Odegaard

Schaumburg