4 - North Countryman
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Opinion
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Think beyond partisan politics Nov. 6
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filled. Then that would mean if Romney wins and fails and the state of affairs in the country deteriorates, Republicans would be thrilled still, because their Republican won. And Democrats, in the same situation, would be overjoyed too. Would both sides find ways to blame the other? History definitely indicates this. But shouldn’t it be more about who is going to get the job done and bring about results that empower the largest amount of Americans possible? Yes, each party, respectively, has ideals that voters belonging to those parties subscribe to and believe in, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, ideals are quite admirable. But blindly accepting or dismissing an individual according to party affiliation seems like it carries, at least a slight possibility of sabotaging what one in fact desires. Wouldn’t it behoove every voter to remain loyal to ideals but at the same time do some investigation, some real investigation that doesn’t include listening to propaganda, before making a final decision? Who knows which party can truly cure America’s ailments? But what seems evident is that while people might assume their party is faithfully representing them, knowledge is power and an uninformed choice at the polls could potentially create obstacles along the path to what we desire.
This editorial is the collaborative opinion of a board comprised of Thom Randall, Fred Herbst, Shaun Kittle, Keith Lobdell, Stephen Bartlett, Andy Flynn, Katherine Clark and John Gereau. Comments should be directed to denpubs@denpubs.com
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Denton Publications Founded By Wm. D. Denton PUBLISHER............................................................................................................................................................... .Daniel E. Alexander ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER................................................................................................................................................................Ed Coats OPERATIONS MANAGER..............................................................................................................................................William Coats BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER...........................................................................................................................Cheryl Mitchell GENERAL MANAGER CENTRAL.............................................................................................Daniel E. Alexander, Jr. MANAGING EDITOR.............................................................................................................................................................John Gereau ASST. MANAGING EDITOR...............................................................................................................................................Andy Flynn GENERAL MANAGER NORTH.....................................................................................................................Ashley Alexander GENERAL MANAGER SOUTH.....................................................................................................................Scarlette Merfeld FINANCIAL CONTROLLER......................................................................................................................................................Nicole Lee
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Viewpoint
North Countryman Editorial
artisan politics are not only confusing and frustrating and apparently infinite, but they seem to defeat the purpose of meaningful change. And it appears, talking to many people around the North Country, policies and plans and specifics and ideas linked to outcomes matter little when it comes to that never-ending battle of Republican versus Democrat. Can President Obama turn the economy around, heal the nation and repair the many things the people point out are broken? Or would Romney be better suited for the job? It doesn’t appear it really matters and, if that is the case, do outcomes or change really mean anything? Individual campaign volunteers – Republican and Democrat – reported that while making calls for their respectable candidates, they were met with either, “Thanks for calling and I will definitely vote for -----,” or “I would rather die than vote ----.” But wait, isn’t it the individuals and his or her ideas that matter? If Romney were a Democrat would Republicans suddenly despise him and all he stands for? Would Obama be tossed to the curb with the trash by Democrats if he suddenly transformed into a Republican? Some might say no, and for some that is most definitely the truth. But for many, or so it seems from conversations, interviews and testimonials of operatives on both sides, the party decides the vote. If that is the case, then it would seem if Romney were elected and indeed turned the country around for everyone, Democrats would remain miserable. Likewise, if Obama is granted a second term and succeeds where many say he has failed, Republicans would be angry and unful-
November 3, 2012
It’s time to get out and vote
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uring the last week I had the privilege of sitting in with our Editorial Board as they interviewed candidates for contested seats for the New York State Assembly and U.S. Congress. During their campaigns candidates each travel thousands of miles, attend countless functions, shake far too many hands, kiss who knows how many babies and graciously perform many tasks to prove their sincerity to the folks who will decide their fate. Some have been rebuffed by constituents before but continue their quest to win the seat they seek. Every one of the candidates we sat down with was articulate, passionate and optimistic about the opportunity ahead of them to serve the people of their district. Each made a compelling argument for their candidacy. Each question presented was quickly answered, leaving me with just one lingering thought. What happens to these good people who want so badly to achieve the office and then all too often come up short in the eyes of the electorate once they reach their goal? No doubt most folks vote along party lines so each candidate will always have opposition who find fault with their every action. But frequently once in office the opportunity to distinguish themselves from their fellow representatives seems to fall short of the promises made. It’s a question I may never fully understand and perhaps it is just a part of the function of our democracy that each representative at the end of the day gets carved up by the two party system and all too often finds the deck stacked against them as they meld into government bureaucracy. At any rate this will be my last column before you go to the polls if you haven’t already voted for the candidates of your choice. As we explained to each of the candidates with whom we recently met, our role is not to endorse nor try to sway voters. Instead our focus is to provide information that allows them to make the choice they believe to be in the best interest of their country, state, county and town. Respecting the power of their individual vote, we believe it’s an abuse of the medium we control to attempt to tip the scales solely based on our beliefs, something I do believe has affected many major news out-
lets. Here are several things to consider before you stand before the ballot and make your choices. Dan Alexander 1. Can you trust the Thoughts from candidate to use their Behind the Pressline skills, talents and experiences to make wise choices, follow their convictions and be true to the promises they made on the campaign trail? 2. The campaign process is a competition marathon. Has your choice demonstrated the type of character and personal values that you feel will allow her/him to deal with the stress of the office, stand up against the pressure to cave in to the demands of a strong willed senior representative, political party members or overly influential lobbyists or contributors? 3. Is your decision based on your own research and knowledge of the candidate’s positions, actions and experience or have you been unduly swayed by slick, politically bias advertising that solely painted the other candidate in an unfavorable light, perhaps even misrepresenting their position altogether? 4. Will your candidate be capable of working across the political aisle to seek solutions to the problems that face our government or will she/he be an obstructionists who digs in their heels to anything proposed by the other side? 5. Will your candidate place country, state, county or town first before their own political ambition or their personal gain? Given the many issues facing our society it is extremely important that the choices we make during this election cycle be ones that cause positive improvement for the benefit of the population as a whole. We must put aside our own personal interest and look at the good of all as we cast the ballot that will set the course of government and the many lives affected by their actions for the next several years. May God bless and assist the men and women we place into these important offices. Please remember to vote Nov. 6. Dan Alexander is publisher and CEO of Denton Publications. Email him at dan@denpubs.com.