Independents: Quit hiding, take a stand

In these times of political polarization on fundamental constitutional rights, I just cannot understand the “Independent Voter.” All I can figure is they want to be poster children for the old political euphemism “It's the economy, stupid!”

Truth is, economies will do what economies will do - before, during and after recessions. No president or Congress has ever destroyed our economy. No grandchildren have been left with a horrible unsolvable debt. I heard that line from the right wing in 1970, 1975, 1982, 1991, and, well, you get the idea!.

So, Independent Voter, I ignore the economy in congressional elections. I refuse to let politicians assume me a fool by the same old the-sky-is-falling nonsense every two years.

I vote Democratic no matter what because of what I value as the real constitutional issues.

I urge you to get off the fence, quit expecting economies to recover totally in six months from years of runaway corporate greed, and have the courage to vote one way or the other on:

Embryonic stem cell research

Total separation of church and state

Supreme Court nominees the “liberal” kind!

Abortion rights

Gay rights, including gay marriage

True public education

Environmental protections

Health care for all citizens

Fact: Democrats for, Republicans against - lockstep, with rare exceptions.

So, Independent Voter, step up! These are the real issues in this and every election. Quit hiding behind the economy and make a decision.

Ted Wernimont

Coralville