Has failed Americans

I have become apolitical, that is, I do not claim affiliation to any political party. I do not like the words independent or progressive, along with the regular party labels, because they still brand a person. What I look for in politics are ideas that I can fully accept and support. This is not easy given the political climate in the country. I prefer to listen to candidates’ approaches to problems, make sure the facts are being told, and either support or discard the ideas presented.

My feeling is that our political party system has failed the average American. Since Congress has become so divisive that they agree on very little, the country as a whole is not being provided the representation we are promised by the Constitution. Not only have the executive and legislative branches taken a turn for the worse, but it appears that the Supreme Court may be headed in the same direction, which means a strictly partisan government, not a government of the people, by the people and for the people, as Lincoln spoke of.

What has become really difficult for me is when I go to vote. I find that I can only vote for the candidate, not necessarily the party, that has the best ideas and solutions to offer. So when the poll worker asks me in a primary whether I would like a ballot of one party or the other, that becomes a difficult choice.

I have been alive to see many wondrous things initiated by government at all levels. I only hope and pray that I will be around long enough to see our country return to civility and service to its citizens, the truly representative government that many of us remember with fondness. GEORGE WILKEN

Little Rock