1. February 3, 2011
Dear Senator Reid and Senator McConnell:
As one who works daily in the political arena, I have the opportunity to
speak with Georgians across the state, Democrats, Republicans and
Independents. I am hearing one consistent message - loud and clear – they
want our government to work.
The real danger is that both Republicans and Democrats are dissatisfied
with divisive partisan politics. Their message to you is this, you can stick
to your ideals and still have civil discourse and thoughtful debate – not
about people and political parties – but about ideas and solutions to the
myriad of complex problems facing our country. Watching our current
government at work has been akin to watching Nero fiddle while Rome
burned.
Recent reports have shown that negative and bitter partisan fights are a
turn off to voters. I am sure you understand, better than me, that the 2012
elections are a heartbeat away. The swing vote that we saw in the
midterms, was not so much about political affiliation, but anger and
frustration. It is critical that Congress hear and respond to voters deep
dissatisfaction with wholly partisan and bitter politics, which is why I and
many others across the country have joined nolabels.org.
The budget is too critically important, to the future of this country, to be
mired in partisan grandstanding. Everything must be on the table, without
preconditions. We the people are looking to you for leadership,
statesmanship and most importantly – concern for the public good.
I ask you to be mindful that the budget is not a Republican or
Democrat issue, but the document that will secure the stability and
sustainability of our country, now and in the future.
I pray that God grant you the wisdom, grace and patience to be good
stewards of the responsibility and power, bestowed upon you by the
voters.
Respectfully,
Jan Selman