Ignored voices

The worst thing about the direction of this country is not our increasing drift toward a top-heavy federal government. The worst thing is not our avalanche of debt or even the "distribute the wealth" philosophy of our president. The worse thing is not the corruption of Charles Rangel nor the hypocrisy of Nancy Pelosi.

No, the worst thing is the frustration with having commonsense conservative voices ignored.

I can reluctantly accept decisions that run counter to my wishes. I recognize that you win some, you lose some. But I cannot accept that too few are listening to the millions upon millions of voices calling for fiscal restraint, personal liberties and individual responsibility.

I have almost abandoned listening to the conservative pundits bemoan the state of this nation. Even though they are on target with their comments and criticisms, it's too painful to watch because I know the powers in Washington are laughing and ignoring their position.

When I reluctantly watch the ranting of Olbermann and Maddow on MSNBC, I wonder if they are guilty of treason with their all-out assaults on the Constitution.

Unlike many, I am not frightened by the direction of this country. I am mad -- passionately mad -- that we have been hoodwinked by a promise that will never be fulfilled.

Town hall meetings and tea parties have provided a limited voice. All too often, these have become no more than preaching to the choir.

I don't doubt the patriotism of our elected officials, but their vision for this country seems to be at odds with mine and millions of others. We've never been this polarized, and I don't view this as a positive development.

The voices of moderation are effectively muffled by the national media. To deny that is to ignore reality. Why this is the case, however, is beyond me.

I have lost great respect for my chosen profession. So-called impartial journalism has clearly been abandoned.

These opinions of mine and others are just that: opinions. And if those opinions filter their way into the news coverage, then I am wrong. Yet we witness this disservice countless times daily, and it comes from both ends of the political spectrum.

I have taken the time to contact our elected federal officials and voice my concerns. They have patiently listened and, for the most part, shared these concerns. But when the smoke clears, the spending continues unabated and the erosion of personal liberties slowly evaporates.

Once upon a time not so long ago in a country far away, no voices of dissent were heard either. One day, the nation awoke to a horror but it was too late. No one spoke up loud enough and long enough, and too few listened in time.

I resent that the views of half this nation are effectively ignored. Resentment left to fester long enough will turn to anger and resolve and eventually action.