Address issues with serious dialogue

To the editor:

The April 26 Gazette editorial 'We deserve better” suggested presidential candidates should focus on solutions not scare tactics. Five issues were listed: economic insecurity, money in politics, infrastructure, Iran, Islamic State and Middle East upheaval and immigration reform.

What a great analysis of citizens' concerns. We need to ask ourselves if there are enough people of all political persuasions ready or willing to demand substance over rhetoric. Are we prepared for serious dialogue? At political meetings is it going to be necessary to carry placards to address the issues?

Pseudo patriotism doesn't address the problems our nation faces when what is needed is dialogue to address the real problems and the solutions.

Dorothy Fifield

Cedar Rapids