Fremont County is large, diverse, and filled with opinions, or “talk in the 10.” “Talk in the 10” is an opportunity for you, our readers, to articulate and share your thoughts about what is happening in the community with the community. Letters may have been edited for clarity and length, but generally have been published exactly as received. The views expressed in the following are solely those of the author. Send your letters to our editors by emailing opinion@county10.com
Is there anyone else out there who’s sick and tired of the dysfunction in American politics today? Does anyone else think that if politicians spent less time playing the blame game and more time working together to solve real problems, we all might be better off? Does anyone else think that Congress needs to be reminded that they work for the American people, all of the people, not for the president, not for their parties, and not even for their own cherished beliefs or positions? Do you think that shutting down the government and using the American people like chips in a high-stakes poker game should be illegal? Does anyone else think that Congress should be locked in their chambers, lose their pay, and be provided with minimal food and drink, just like they’re doing to so many in our country, until they solve the problems in our country? Are you tired of politicians talking about their values, Judeo-Christian, Socialist, etc., but not behaving in ways consistent with those values?
In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t mentioned Republicans, Democrats, or Independents. Bad behavior has no party.
Why do we see so much hate, fear and divisiveness in our world today? I think it’s in part because the most vocal of our politicians govern by seeding these things. Perhaps we should try to remember some of these maxims; old sayings only get to be old because they make sense:
- The Golden Rule (do unto others…)
- Live and let live
- Judge not, lest ye be judged
Perhaps we need to better understand that the easiest way to make yourself look good is to make someone else look bad. Maybe it’s time for us to try to see the good in other people first. Maybe it’s time for us to keep holding dear to the principles most important to us and allow others the right and privilege to do the same. The United States of America has always been a great country, a great vision, a shining light to the world. Let’s not let politicians destroy that.
Marianne Gapinski
Lander