Where the fault lies

There are innumerable problems facing this country today, including a total lack of decorum in public and private discourse; lack of ability, or desire to compromise; tax reform; immigration reform; border security; failing infrastructure; lack of a solid manufacturing base; and most importantly, a complete lack of leadership.

Most of these problems can only be resolved by Congress and the president, which will require the representatives of these two branches of our federal government working together in a civil manner, and compromising when necessary. So far, they appear to be incapable of behaving in a manner which will allow for accomplishment of what is in the best interest of all of the people of the United States.

They have, so far, displayed only contempt for the other, and for the American people. Democrats and Republicans refuse to contemplate any resolution to any issue unless that resolution complies with the ideology of one political party, while completely ignoring the desires of the other and what is best for the nation. Today, Democrats, Republicans, and independents are nothing more than different colors of the same cheap, ill-fitting suit of clothes.

I believe most of the fault lies with Congress, which must enact corrective measures. The president also must accept some blame. However, all of the fault lies with us. We are the ones that keep casting the same ballots, election after election. Our excuse is, “My congressman has really helped me and been able to get a lot of money for our state to build a nature trail. The problem is all of those other crooked politicians in Congress.” The problem is that most people feel that way.

We must demand that our elected officials act like adults, rather than 2-year-old spoiled brats, who will work together to resolve the many problems facing this nation. If they do not resolve them, we must elect new people to office until we find a group of elected officials who will solve the problems.

MIKE O’CAIN Benton