Jean Carter

I use to watch FOX News all the time, every day, and I loved Sheppard Smith and Martha MacCallum. I believe in democracy. I believe in working hard not only for myself, but for others, too. Now it seems to me that our leadership is out for what they can get and don't really care how hard most people in the U.S. have it today. So much conspires against them, a medical system that many fall between the cracks with poor medical insurance, or no insurance because they can't afford it, and catastrophic illness that causes bankruptcy. Then there is the astronomic cost of a college education. Add to that the groups of people who are discriminated against; the poor, the blacks, the Jews, the gays, the lesbians, the handicapped and the list goes on. Contrary to what we are led to believe growing up, we are not all created equal. Some are born with wonderful parents, but not all. Some are born smart, but not all. Some are born beautiful, or born gifted with many talents, but not all. We need a government that uplifts all people and has compassion for those who struggle in an attempt to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. I don't believe in give-aways. I want our leadership to show respect and earn our respect. They can't do it by name calling, and they can't do it by lying or telling half-truths, they can't do it by encouraging a rally to chant, "lock her up -- or lock him up". It makes me sick to my stomach to watch this on TV. We are better than that, but we need a change at the top, and we also need our news organizations to work for the good of the country rather than for the good of the party, Republican or Democrat. Right now the environment needs our help and we are ignoring it. If we don't pay attention soon, mother nature will win the war. When we vote in the next election I hope we will all take a hard look at who we are supporting and listen to what the candidates have to say. If we vote for them, will life be better for each of us? Will we be able to survive on planet earth in the years to come? In a democracy each and every one of us has a big responsibility. Just be careful who you vote for.