Listening to news reports and comments over the last few weeks has caused me to have a very important question. I am asking for someone to help me understand today's politics. Why do politicians during their candidacies before being elected have to speak to only one side of the general voting public?
I am pretty sure as an old man I have been taught to listen to everyone and whatever I think benefits everyone then that's who I have vote for. In my later years I have decided to be considered as an independent voter and listen to both sides before making a decision. I do not live in Hamilton County but once did, but I do read and see something I don't understand which applies locally and nationwide.
Ms. Smedley is challenging Mr. Wamp, as I understand it, in the county mayor election because Democrats voted for him in an open primary. This is baffling to me because when they gave their speeches to the general voting public were they only asking for votes from a particular party only? Were they not showing Hamilton County residents what they wanted to do for all? Did not I want to make this county stronger and more efficient and that applies to everyone?
So, the complaint is, I am challenging this election because the wrong people voted for Mr. Wamp. You know registered voters? This is even more prevalent in state and national elections. I am a Republican or a Democrat, so I need your votes only.
The Constitution starts off saying" we the people" so saying I only represent a particular party and the rest of you can go to H--- mean anything? Isn't a politician's responsibility to represent their district, state or country without bias?
The division of politics is a horrible thing that separates friends, families and neighbors for no reason. If I disagree with you, are you going to hate me forever even though we have many beliefs and similarities with each other? This has got way out of hand with attacks, lies and violence and is not helpful for any U.S. citizen.
Vote for whoever represents everyone, which either party says they are doing this for their constituents and don't be one sided all the time.
Clifton Duggan
Dayton, Tn.