LETTERS: GET INVOLVED IN POLITICAL PROCESS

To the editor:

The participation in the August primary shows that fewer and fewer people wish to vote. This trend is an indication that Americans are either fed up with politics or think it doesn't matter whom they choose to represent them in government. Some people just don't want to think about politics at all.

The problem with this trend is that bureaucrats are catering to people who are involved and who do vote. Government and government policy are dictated by those who benefit directly from them. Government contractors, welfare recipients, subsidy recipients and those who receive corporate welfare are choosing our representatives and our policies. Politicians know who their electors are and react to their wants, spending large amounts of tax money in the process.

The are alternatives to politics as usual. However, they won't work until the people who are paying taxes and not receiving government benefits get involved. There are other political parties besides the Democrats and the Republicans. I belong to the Libertarian Party, but there is the U.S. Taxpayers Party, the Reform Party, the Green Party and others. Only you can be involved for yourself. The United States is made up of individuals, and every individual has as much influence and responsibility as every other individual. If you don't want to join a political party, you can still register, vote, write letters, share your viewpoint and express your opinions.

You have plenty of time to register during September to vote in November's election. Get involved. The extent of that involvement depends on you. In the last two years, I have been involved, and I have enjoyed it. I am the chair of the Bollinger County Libertarian Party, treasurer for the 156th Missouri House District, member of the Missouri Libertarian Party executive committee and Libertarian Webmaster for Bollinger County and the 8th Congressional District.

JAMES NALL

Marble Hill