The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

State News

Discussion

November 13, 2008

Voices: Divisiveness is not an option

What a statesman! Our nation’s minority whip is resigning from his post in part because his position was “a lot easier to do when you’re in the majority.” (Globe, Nov. 8). Roy Blunt seems to have run out of gas when he became a minority.

Our representative’s focus is now to “spend the next two years holding the Democrats accountable and defining the differences between our parties.” (Globe, Nov. 8). Now this statement of partisanship may ingratiate Blunt to his supporters whose tunnel vision is to sheepishly follow party lines, but party bias is what is largely wrong with both Republicans and Democrats. I do not believe that dogmatic adherence to unsuccessful practices, such as divisiveness and continuing support of the problems of our current governing entities, are acts of patriotism.

Mr. Blunt, I beg you to please start working for national interests; not for your self-interests as a professional politician. Become a true statesman, not a Southwest Missouri politician who places re-election and party enhancement above the need to solve our national problems. Sir, please change your stance. It is fine to hold Democrats accountable, but what about holding your party accountable — as well as yourself. Become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Spend your energy in solving national problems, rather than focusing on “holding Democrats accountable,” and “defining differences” for our many national problems are possibly as incinerating as the sparks that ignited Rome. Let’s extinguish the fires that are threatening our nation. Let’s unite as problem solvers; not ignite factionalism.

So, “wake up” politicians, wake up Southwest Missouri, wake up citizens across America — we need unbiased problem solvers to find solutions to our nation’s problems. Divisiveness for the sake of party gains is not an option, if you truly love your country.

Bob Steere

Joplin



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