Still waiting for ‘hope and change’

To the editor:

Eight years ago we were promised 'hope and change.” Personally, I thought it would happen. I was disappointed. Our leaders seem to be increasingly out of touch with the average citizen of this country. In Iowa, of course, they spend plenty of time here, but then what? Back to Washington, safely away from all of us. We need leaders with fresh views and bold plans that will be for the betterment our country as a whole, not just the 1 percent.

In August, Bernie Sanders came to Cedar Rapids and stood with workers at Penford. He spoke to a public audience at Coe College. He was not at an 'invitation only” dinner. Monsanto isn't running his campaign.

Attorney Tom Fiegen has been representing struggling farmers in Iowa for many years, as well as advocating for sustainable agriculture. He promotes clean water and buying locally grown food. That is what we need for Iowa.

Sen. Chuck Grassley seems to be a career politician who votes the party line on nearly every issue. Iowans deserve better than that.

If we want real, honest to goodness change, we have to stop electing people with no new ideas. I want genuine hope and to support those who can think outside the box. We need leaders who can represent factory workers, farmers, teachers, nurses and small business owners. We need leaders who pay more than lip service to our veterans. We need Bernie Sanders and Tom Fiegen.

Gail Coleman

Cedar Rapids