- By Tom Vawter
- Opinions
Although I can't disagree with your policy of not voting for candidates about whom we have too little information, I strongly disagree with your claim that, at most levels of government, leadership is in general decline.
Locally, in our town, county and nearby Ithaca, we have many wise and dedicated political leaders. Furthermore, New York State has some outstanding representatives in state government, although continuing scandals illustrate an imperfect record there from some 'bad apples'.
We are lucky to be represented by two excellent US Senators and many good House of Representatives members. (Although Lansing has drawn a loser in Tom Reed, we can correct that by electing John Plumb to replace him.)
Finally, we have had nearly 12 years of inspired, liberal and scandal-free leadership from the greatest US President in recent history--ignoramus, racist detractors notwithstanding.
It's too common to tar 'politicians' with a broad brush, seemingly forgetting that we are the ones responsible for their being there. By definition, democracy is imperfect -- note, for a current example, the bizarre popularity of Mr. Trump -- but the fault, dear folks, lies not principally with our elected leaders, but with ourselves.
Tom Vawter
Lansing
v12i43