Ashamed of politicians

Dear Editor:I am ashamed of the behavior of Washington politicians in recent days. I understand that both parties have strong differences and deeply rooted values to which they cling, and to which their constituents expect them to hold. However, in this current debt crisis, it is clear that bickering only deteriorates the political process in this country. It makes Americans wary of their elected representatives. It looks as though politicians are only willing to fight for themselves, their principles and their image. But now it is the time to stop fighting, and to compromise, for us. Americans on both sides of the aisle are disenchanted and scared. Washington needs to solve this debt crisis. Politicians need to compromise. This is not a game of chicken, and at this point, no one is earning votes for their childish fighting. We vote politicians into office to work for us, but fighting only works against us. It's also time to ask American citizens to work for each other. During this period of economic struggle, so many people have already made sacrifices, and we will continue to do so. Yes, we need to spend less. Yes, we need to give more. Most children learn the "caring is sharing" lesson by the age of five. Many Washington politicians seem to have missed that day in pre-school. People who have more money than they even know what to do with should be willing to help their fellow Americans. The poor, or anyone experiencing financial difficulty in general, do not want to live on another man's dime. But at some point in life, almost everyone needs a hand to help them up, so that they can stand on their own and move forward independently. Right now, most of America needs a hand up, and I would hope that I am not alone in being willing to help where I can. I have worked to save enough money to pay my own way through graduate school starting this fall, and I hope that some day I can make enough money to be able to give back to my country. I would never balk when asked to give a little bit more to help my whole country become healthier, stronger, happier, and more stable. I am perhaps years from being a top-earning American, if I ever am, but no matter how big or small my salary may be, I am always willing to help my fellow Americans. In voting for a government filled with representatives from both parties, Americans have asked for balance. If Americans agreed wholly with only one party, the government would not be so split. If any one party spoke for the vast majority of Americans, we would not have such a mixed government. We entrusted this task to all of you, Democrat, Republican, and Independent alike. We trusted you to behave responsibly and with dignity. We trusted you to work together on our behalf, and pull our country into a recovery. Average Americans understand the need for balance and compromise, so why shouldn't politicians? I hope that the elected officials in Washington can wake up and move forward. Please stop playing chicken with the lives of Americans. It isn't doing anyone any favors. -- Dana Trejo, Downey

********** Published: August 04, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 16