Do values and character matter anymore?

We watch with frustration as some politicians, once elected, bind themselves with special interest groups or lobbyists for their own personal gain or the gain of those who financially support them.

Why do we allow the same old system to flourish? The swamp never drained. Don't we as Americans have some accountability in all of this? How many of us have compromised our values, our sense of decency or our sense of character?

How hypocritical of us to be angry at the system when we continue to adhere to it. I know many folks who are one issue voters, such as pro-life. I don't understand how you can support political leaders on one single issue, yet turn a blind eye from other significant issues plaguing us, such as inhumane treatment at our border, demonizing anyone with a different point of view, removing environmental protections or holding American jobs hostage with threats of tariffs.

Does political character matter anymore? We need not let the tactic of divide-and-conquer influence our treatment of each other. We need to hold ourselves accountable for our part in the state of our world. Diversity is our greatest strength, not a political weapon for fear and hatred.

It's not America first, it's humanity first.

Jim Berger Jr.

Cedar Rapids