CULLMAN —
The long shadow between truth and distortion in the presidential campaign doesn’t come as a great surprise.
America’s political scene has largely grown into a contest between cliché pot-shots from the left and right. The arguments about who will raise taxes, give the rich a big break, or who will save or crush the middle class leave many American voters exhausted.
In fact, voters, who are flexible in their thinking and understand that compromise and statesmanship should come before partisan politics, may be suffering from a sinking feeling as November approaches. Yes, political seasons come gift-wrapped with a lot of hot air sensational slogans. But where’s the since of urgency for a nation that has suffered from a devastating recession and faces uncertainty in almost every facet of life?
Scanning the presidential hopefuls, voters must be concerned that polarization will continue no matter who reaches the White House. Will President Obama be willing to find common ground with Republicans? Will Mitt Romney reach across the aisle to Democrats?
The future of the country has never been in such doubt because of budget woes, political ineptitude, and the increasing unrest around the world. The challenges of leadership in this age are daunting. Trim the debt, create jobs, expand markets, maintain security. One issue is clearly connected to the other, but Washington has become ineffective in providing the leadership and confidence that the publics needs.
Politicians are arguing that this presidential race is about what type of philosophy will guide the nation into the future. But that’s wrong and proves how out of touch with reality the officheholders are with the American public.
Do we really care about philosophical hair-splitting? Or do we care that our country survives with a healthy dose of both sides working together?
Arguing liberal and conservative points makes for interesting conversation at the dinner table, but most people really care about the strength of the marketplace, the opportunities at hand, and the core values of the country. If the political officeholders can’t understand that, we don’t really need to remain loyal to the existing political parties.
Editorials
Between truth and distortion
- Editorials
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NARCOG’S chance to shine
The North-central Alabama Regional Council of Governments is expected to name a new director in the coming week, a move that should return a sense of direction and stability to the organization.
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Growing pains in Cullman
A proposal to establish an entertainment district in north Cullman, which would have created a venue for live music, was rescinded last week after complaints from residents in the area.
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Bringing back the economy
The economic picture across the United States is beginning to smooth out for many Americans.
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A good job in Vinemont
The town of South Vinemont overnight has become a destination in the world of recreation.
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A time to remember
Those who served, and those who continue to serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard took an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, and we can never forget the importance of their commitment to our Nation
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Taking the lead in education
The once-heralded ‘No Child Left Behind” education initiative from the federal level has just about run out of gas.
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Moving into the future
Hundreds of local high school seniors are accepting their diplomas and preparing to turn the page in the next chapter of their lives.
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Editorial: Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press
This amounts to spying on an American news organization -- common practice in dictatorships but scary conduct in a democratic system that prizes the public value of an independent watchdog press.
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EDITORIAL: The IRS' Turn to Answer Questions
Washington is now sinking its teeth into a real scandal: the Internal Revenue Service using ideological criteria to choose the targets of its attention.
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Editorial: The house of death
The grisly details emerging from the murder trial of a Philadelphia abortion doctor place a glaring spotlight on a national disgrace.
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NARCOG’S chance to shine
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