On political warfare

Sadly, it seems our democracy is steadily being destroyed by elected mental misfits. By people who as toddlers failed to learn how to share their toys, and who reached adulthood without shedding their childish center-of-the-universe concept of self-importance.

As grown-ups, these people generally have low self-esteem, and an insatiable desire to call attention to themselves. And they will often behave dramatically or inappropriately just to be noticed.

Many of them quickly realize that they are well-suited to a career in politics, because their penchant for outlandish behavior attracts media attention and donor dollars like hounds to the hare.

Conversely, while normal people in civil societies readily agree on rules of conduct which serve the common good of their country and communities, these mental misfits cannot even agree that serving the common good is a worthwhile endeavor. In fact, they are only interested in imposing their beliefs on others, gaining notoriety, and securing their financial future.

How have we descended to the point where the United States, honest politicians, and unbiased judges have all now become oxymorons?

Much of the fault lies with the misuse of television to transform politics into just another form of wrestle-mania. But ultimately, the blame has to be ascribed to the millions of simple-minded voters who prefer showmanship to substance, and political warfare to public welfare.

How have we descended into a new Dark Age of intellectual suffocation, where party loyalty and inexperience are considered adequate qualifications for high elected office?

Next November, Arkansas voters will be asked if they have enough common sense to prevent Sarah or Leslie from applying the standard Republican fiscal wrecking ball to our state’s sound financial structure. Surely we do.

DAVID L. HENDERSON

Hot Springs Village