Politicians no longer represent us

The American voter ails. The malady is cognitive dissonance. This condition can be likened to the individual who owns, for example, a Ford. The Ford then becomes the greatest vehicle on the road. Carry that thought over to politics.

We know our politicians no longer represent us. Yet, voters will vote party line because their core belief will not permit any intrusion of their valued opinions. And how do they arrive at those opinions? Enter the media.

Our Founding Fathers believed the chief function of media was to keep tabs on government. Sadly, those who opt to only follow their chosen media source become ingrained in a set of beliefs where people cast aspersions at each other with help from politicians and their media. The result being a polarized electorate who vote with emotion rather than wisdom acquired via analysis.

The prudent voters will use all media sources in order to make an insightful assessment. In any disagreement, the participant who endeavors to understand the other's viewpoint must cast aside their cognitive dissonance posture. Such an approach is very difficult, but necessary if one is to effectively understand their counterpart's position. Such an approach is vital in order to preserve our Founders' belief in the individual's responsibility to maintain a government by the people.

'Educate and inform the whole mass of the people ... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” Thomas Jefferson

The fulfillment of Jefferson's vision will aid in the healing of an ailing electorate.

Bill Strilich

Marion