Base votes on facts and issues

"Throw out all the bums," "Fire Congress" and "Clean out the congressional house." In this election year, these are common phrases heard on the political landscape and in coffee shops across America. The anti-incumbent spirit that has spread like a fever has matched the tea party fervor and has resonated even in places not usually characterized by political chatter.

And while there is good cause for Americans to be upset with the quality of representation that is going on in Washington, there should still be some introspective thought applied to this subject before throwing the proverbial baby out with the bath water.

In every race each voter has a responsibility to be versed in the issues of each candidate, as well as their eventual effectiveness if elected. In the case of the incumbent, knowledge of the possible replacement is vital to getting the whole picture. Universal statements like "Throw them all out" are fine if the alternative is actually a better option. But to make these statements without considering the alternative, without making sure there is a viable alternative, or without getting to know the alternative in an accurate way is naive at best and irresponsible at worst.

In these unusual political times, it is vital for each person to not only take part in the election process, but to take the initiative to educate themselves by learning the facts and voting the issues rather than voting based on insinuation, emotion and rhetoric.

EDDY JUSTICE, Poplar Bluff, Mo.