On Nov. 5, 2008 the Tribune was kind enough to print a letter that I wrote the day before (“We Can All Be Winners”) in which I voiced my hopes on how our elected representatives would go forward on our behalf. Since then it would appear that those hopes have fallen on deaf ears in all levels of government. Instead of working together and trying to mend our great nation, the two major parties and those in media sharing those views have only made the partisan rift even greater. Some elected representatives got the message; yet many continue to ignore the voices of constituents and instead follow their own agendas. Illinois even saw a primary candidate chosen by voters pushed out and replaced outside of another election. Do voters truly feel satisfied by this?
Beyond politics, our nation’s economy still cannot be declared out of recession. “Jobless recovery” is one phrase thrown around when people see little or no job creation. The housing market situation is still unclear with high amounts of foreclosure ? ? both by those genuinely in trouble and those now considering or moving forward with strategic defaults. Personal, corporate and government debts are still growing problems. Are we are satisfied with what has been done so far?
Hope and change is good in ideology; but we cannot be satisfied with choosing with bad over worse and letting the winners do whatever they want afterwards. Conservative, progressive and even independent views can contribute positively to mending the state of our nation through the course of civilized debate, not the extreme partisan opinions that like to be focused upon. America is at its best when we stop the childish partisan behaviors and work together ? ? putting all the options on the table and coming to a compromise for the benefit of current and future generations. We have big problems and hard choices to make from local to national levels; it’s time to work on them now.
Voters should continue to share their voice through civilized discussion to those who represent them offering support or criticism. Get informed about candidates on upcoming ballots and start the discussions now while they are campaigning for votes. Let those that we elected remember where we stand – and what that might mean for them in upcoming elections if they continue their behavior. Change starts with the individual first and then grows through civilized discussion and debate.
— Daniel Moran, Schiller Park, Ill.
