Letter to the Editor: The current state of our country

To the Editor:

Have we been taking Democracy in our country for granted? Have we become too complacent, not participating in positive, non-violent actions to improve what we view as wrong? Are we relying on unsubstantiated media information to inform us? Are we assuming good intentions, honesty, truthfulness and capability in our elected officials? Do we vote on a well-informed basis after educating ourselves about the people and issues involved? Do we try to share information and viewpoints in a non-judgemental way with others, in spite of differing views?

It hurts to see our country so torn apart by lies, propaganda and violence. The republic that has been our United States of America is no longer the stable institution we have assumed it was. Is this what we want for our children and grandchildren and generations to come? If not, we need to pay attention to what’s happening and search for reliable information, not get caught up in conspiracy theories and outlandish lies.

We need to encourage calm interchanges of information and ideas with those of different political ideologies. We must attempt to set good examples of informed, peaceful involvement. We all need to re-examine our values and take individual responsibility necessary for maintaining a country where all people are truly afforded equal rights and responsibilities. We are the solution and the problem.
 
Jill K. Stephenson
Waukon