Aren't we a loving, sharing country?
It seems that this election is the dirtiest one yet and with the tea party included it has been one of the most ignorant ones. But it seems that just about everyone doesn't know much about American history or the Constitution.
The Republicans are doing a fine job of obstructing everything while the Democrats can't find enough backbone to fight back. Both parties are bordering on behavior that is near treasonous in that the nation's business is being sorely neglected.
But what is really at stake here is the very basic nature of our country. The Republicans want to do away with Social Security, minimum wage, Medicare or anything that is available for the underpaid, disadvantaged population. The screaming and kicking over the president's health care policies are deemed to be the dreaded Socialism.
Socialism has always been a part of this country's nature with alms houses and assistance for widows and orphans. Even when the pioneers moved west into the wilderness their neighbors helped them get established by cabin building. My own ancestor lost his cabin to fire and the neighbors were there to help build a new one in 18th Century Kentucky.
A free public education has been a mainstay even though it is badly done these days. Helping your neighbor and a good education is a smart way to invest in your community.
When Jesus was preaching to the people he emphasized helping the poor and the Bible is filled with such instructions as is the Torah and Quran.
The family values crowd so often forgets what family values really are. Everyone is one paycheck away from being out on the street from downsizing, catastrophic illness or just bad luck.
It's time to start thinking about who we want to be, a sharing, helping, loving nation or Ebenezer Scrooge.
Raleigh Sutton
Elgin