For many years, my refrain has been family, faith and education are the building blocks of a civil society. Do you think any of these three have not been seriously compromised? Anger, division, uncertainty, mistrust — too many negatives are piling up and destabilizing our culture.
Why not ask some simple questions of those who are elected to ensure freedom and liberty? Ask these very simple questions and watch the fancy footwork. When it comes to family issues, are you in support of a family's right to be the primary party responsible for the well-being of their children with minimal intervention by government? When it comes to faith, are you in support of those who exert religious freedom exemption — not participating in abortion processes, same-sex weddings, euthanasia? When it comes to education, are you supportive and willing to pass legislation to create vouchers for every child?
All very simple questions that address the basic relationship between the government and people. The best government is that which is at the local level and least intrusive. I don't think this basic principle is anywhere on the radar today. In any event, ask the questions.
Stephen B. Tabeling, Abingdon