As a journalist who has covered local, state and national politics for many years I have grown increasingly concerned about the partisanship, overwhelming influence of special interests and money on the legislative process and the inability of the two parties to work together to address the significant challenges facing this nation. I have also become aware that millions of Americans don’t feel truly represented by their politicians and the system, especially those like me who are Independent/Swing voters.

 

This disconnect between citizens and the politicians elected to represent them has eroded trust in our political system and threatens this nation’s future.

 

That is what led me to write my book “The Swing Vote: The Untapped Power of Independents” which was published in 2012.

 

While researching “The Swing Vote” I traveled the country talking with voters - the people to whom American politics should belong but hasn’t for so long – and hearing their concerns.

 

They told me about their frustrations with career politicians who put personal ambition and party loyalty ahead of national interest and their fears that the American dream is slipping away.

 

 

 

In January 1776 Thomas Paine published a 60-page pamphlet titled “Common Sense” which eloquently made the case for American independence and the establishment of a democratic republic to be governed by the people. It was a radical idea then and it continues to be now.

 

Sadly, many Americans believe the fundamental democratic principles which created this nation are in jeopardy.

 

Republicans and Democrats have a stranglehold on politics. But our democracy belongs to the people not the two parties.

 

We are at a crossroads. We can continue to do things the way we have been doing them and expect a different result - not likely - or make a fundamental change in our political life that will benefit all citizens, improve our democratic institutions and insure the future strength and prosperity of this nation.

 

Abraham Lincoln’s call for a “government of the people, by the people, for the people” should not just be a hallowed phrase in U.S. history but also a fundamental truth about this nation today.

 

All citizens must make their voices heard, insist the two political parties listen to them and take back the system.

 

In the crush of everyday responsibilities it is easy to lose sight of how important it is to be vigilant and active to safeguard our democracy. But we cannot cede this nation’s leadership position and fail to address our political problems because it seems too hard to try.

 

We cannot afford to continue down the path of division and dysfunction. Finding solutions to this nation’s serious problems will require working together – Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

 

In “Common Sense” Thomas Paine wrote “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

 

We do have it in our power to begin again.

 

The United States is a beacon of freedom and an example of democracy for the rest of the world. Americans have always been able to rise to the challenges we face together and we can do so again.

 

This nation can and must do better. We need your help in sending a message. I hope everyone who cares about this country and who feels ignored, fed up and shut out of the system will join with us, get involved and speak out. Together we can change the system.

 

Raise your hand for democracy!

 

Linda Killian

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