Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Ms. Sonies’ Nov. 6 opinion essay is exceptional for its take on the Obama election. Over the past few months, she has presented thoughtful ideas consistently and supported them with clarity and intelligence. Any reader – Democrat, Republican or independent – involved in and connected to the present situation in this country (the economy, energy, health care, education, etc.) cannot help but be affected by her positive approach to our political diversity.

I have only one further thought to add to her otherwise excellent essay: to stress even more strongly that it is not just up to Obama and Biden to “to bring us the change that was promised.” There is a pride of ownership that I sense in many Americans right now, ownership of our democratic process. Our voices were heard on Nov. 4 and they need to continue to be heard if the critical issues are to be solved. I think Obama is going to continue to need our support, especially if politicians begin to slip back into their non-productive and obfuscating ways.

A message was sent Tuesday and many politicians still haven’t quite heard it-especially some on the far right and the far left. “Obama has no mandate!” “Socialism is coming!” This is nonsense! All of us need to keep the dialogue focused on the issues. The issues are far too serious for cheap political rhetoric to distract us from those tasks. Democracy is a participatory activity and we all need to do just that: participate. I encourage Ms. Sonies to keep up her excellent opinion pieces and address this idea as the need arises. Voices are ineffective only when they do not speak up.

Sincerely,
Stan Kustesky