Editor, Times-Union: I have been a conservative all my adult life, but that does not mean I cannot think for myself. Gary Gerard's column (11/1/2014) was spot on. In casual conservation with others, I have come to the realization the majority of folks under the age of 50 have only a modicum of understanding regarding our “representative republic.” Most folks refer to these United States as a “democracy,” but it is not a pure democracy. Gary’s hypothesis is correct. A pure majority rules democratic America would result in many alterations to our way of life. Many voter decisions, given the few who vote, could pave the way to anarchy. Likewise, holding a Constitutional Convention in the present atmosphere could yield a gutting of the Constitution by those seeking to rewrite the treasured document for their own purposes. Our Founding Fathers did not intend for our representatives in government to be politically pure, and that point is abundantly clear in the Federalist Papers I hope you have read. Our representatives in all of government are to be citizens first – farmers, blacksmiths, bankers, toolmakers, grocers, restaurateurs and more – elected office holders second. Unfortunately, politics has become a full-time profession, a vocation. It troubles me some letters and political advertising in the 2014 election resorted to name calling and uncomplimentary innuendo, rather that sticking to pertinent facts. Voters need to know what a candidate will do when in office, given a particular situation, not how he or she parts their hair. I remember when candidates bought broadcast blocks of 30 minutes or more, and full pages in newspapers to explain their views. Now we're expected to know the candidate through slick 30-second manipulations. Rightly, we expect our leaders to govern at arm’s length, not encroach on our living room. We expect representatives will maintain our individual liberties, freedom and not follow the urging of open purse lobbyists. Only a minority of qualified voters go to the polls, offering an opportunity at some point for zealous purists to gain control over this land. I hope a majority would cast their votes for folks who will cuss, discuss and compromise where necessary, on behalf of their constituents. In this day of political correctness, though, I have my doubts. Maybe Jimmy Stewart’s “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” could be required watching before any official takes office. As said at the outset, I’m a conservative, but I expect my representatives to think, listen to constituents, and compromise where necessary to achieve real “We the People” governance. I’ll bet it would cost us less, too. D.C. “Dan” Lee Warsaw, via email
