Letter to the Editor:

The American people are finding themselves in the middle of THE GREAT BATTLE between the Republicans and the Democrats; and sadly for the American people this will go on for the next two years. From my vantage point, what I am seeing are the schoolyard bullies and the kids who are bullied. Neither is attractive for the world to see.

We are not a democracy, our votes do not count, our opinions are not heard, we are trodden upon by two powerful factions. The sooner the American people understand this, the sooner they will know there isn't a single person in our government who will protect them.

For example, the Republican-run state of Tennesee will give criminals guns without a background check, there is legislation being pushed through right now. So who will protect you and your family from these gun-toting criminals? It won't be your legislators, will it?

Look at the federal and state legislations, the proposed budget cuts, the arguing, the bullying, the total disregard for humanity, by both parties. What does Democracy mean to the common man? It means lies, it means laws being passed to benefit the few, it means money being stolen from public coffers under the disguise of war, it means donations to foundations being stolen from people in distress, look around you at what your democracy has become. It is a disgusting state of affairs and the people at the top don't care about you. They want to put chaos in your life and the lives of others in other countries. It is easier to conquer when people are scared, confused, and life is chaotic. Isn't this what it is all about? Conquering the entire planet and bullying the people on it for the benefit of the very few? Your only salvation is not being divided, in banding together with your fellowmen and standing strong against chaos. There is power in numbers and that is the only thing the bullies seem to understand and fear. If they keep you divided your power is little, if you stand together you become strong and they can be defeated. Your choice is to protect yourself and your neighbors, or be sheep taken to the slaughterhouse. My prayers are with you and your families.

Valerie Gamblin
Cleveland, Tn

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