Debt appalling; why vote for incumbents?

If we are to hold our government accountable for their failure to do the “real” business of the country, how can we re-elect many of the current incumbents?

These men and women have had ample opportunity to form bipartisan coalitions and work together to address the pressing problems of our nation that come to the forefront every election cycle: the national debt, loss of jobs and rising unemployment, national security/border security, immigration reform, the health care crisis.

Some members of Congress have held their offices for 30-plus years. What progress has been made in regard to the above?

The media is full of how this election will be a vote on the current president's job performance and the country's disgust with lack of progress. Yet every election we continue to return many of these some incumbents to Washington in apparent “approval” of their job performance.

We are discouraged and appalled at the debt-encumbered future we are leaving our children and grandchildren. However, which programs do we cut? Not seniors, not education, not the military, not social services ... and the list goes on.

If there is talk of a tax increase, do we pay as we go or pay down the debt, the dissent increases in volume.

There are hard choices to be made. Choices that will require sacrifice from all of us. I would encourage everyone to vote. This is your best chance to send your message regarding job approval to our state and national legislatures.

Colleen Gragg

Waukon