Our congressional representatives need to stop the schoolyard antics
What is going on? We have elected representatives to the United States Congress using social media to share a cartoon depicting violence against another elected representative — are these people 10 years old, or just silly and irrational?
If one of my children ever drew something so contemptible, they would not only be punished, I would seek counseling for that child. This repulsive offense should not be tolerated.
How can we have grown men and women so hostile and un-American representing us? We used to be people who respected others as well as ourselves. We used to follow a line of respect for those who held office in our government. We had great political thinkers.
Is this now the conduct you want representing us and our nation? Do you approve of this example to show America’s children?
Not only do these elected representatives not respect each other, they have no respect for the American people. No matter what religion you are/or not, we have all learned that to “do unto others as you would have them do to you,” or some variation of that thought, is a valuable life lesson to learn.
We need decent people who we can hold in high esteem as leaders of our country, not obscene, indecent people. We certainly should object, not defend, such obscene conduct. Shame on them, shame on us.
When I married in the beginning of the 1950s I dreamt of someday earning an annual income of $10,000. Today it costs almost $9,000 a year just for child care. This is an age of widespread economic insecurity, brought about by profound changes in trade, finance and technology.
At this critical time in history, we have leaders who cannot or will not provide the leadership to meet our economic dislocation. They will not come together to try to solve our problems. Worse, they do not seem to recognize the profound troubles affecting society. They prefer to participate in idiotic schoolyard skirmishes.
I want the country to be led by men and women who are dignified, prudent, judicious and respectful. I want them to have negotiating skills to come together for the common cause of our country. I do not appreciate catfights that seem to proliferate as we get closer and closer to an election. I am disgusted by the antics of our elected representatives and you should be too.
The answer? Elect someone who respects our government and is willing to step up and compromise to achieve a solution. Vote for an adult, not a schoolyard bully.
June Girard is a former columnist for the Island Navigator in the Florida Keys who lives in Gainesville.
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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: June Girard: Our representatives need to stop the schoolyard antics
