Letter: Residents: It is time to get off the sidelines

To the editor,

If I hear one more person say, “I don’t know, I don’t really follow politics,” I’m going to scream. It just isn’t OK anymore.

This country is being fundamentally transformed in a way that cannot just be rolled back by a future congress. Maybe you think it is for the better, maybe not so much. You’re probably like most people and just not too sure or just don’t really care. If so, you probably don’t want to hear me talk about how the federal government now has the authority to tax you for not buying a product or about how our national debt is reaching a point where, pretty soon, nothing else is even going to matter. Well, too bad.

We need to talk about it. I think people see the divisiveness in today’s political landscape and get turned off. Also, the issues are complicated and we just don’t have the time to learn enough about the details to pick a side, much less defend our position.

Many of us are also conflicted on some issues. It’s OK if we don’t agree but let’s talk about it. Let’s all find out where we stand. This coming election in November may very well be the most important of our lifetime.

The Democrats have had an unprecedented opportunity to enact their agenda and, if they win, they will be vindicated.

If the Republicans win, after their landslide victories in 2010, they will have majorities and mandate.

The issues at hand will affect every one of us and our children, and our children’s children. We all must do our part to preserve this amazing country. All you have to do is care enough to get informed and be willing to talk about it.

— Chad Neuharth

Hastings

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