Help change our democracy — vote

By Denise Kugler, Las Vegas

Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 | 2 a.m.

I am confused about an electorate that would vote based on fear and hate. Politics have become so polarized and idealistic, people vote against ideas rather than for policies.

Hate and fearmongering have become effective tools for the right. We hate the Affordable Care Act. We fear Ebola. We hate Obama. We fear women. We hate the poor. And we fear LGBT rights.

However, we love war and want to win elections, whatever it takes. We can suppress the vote all over the country. The Supreme Court is with us, e.g. Texas. We have so much money, we will place fear and hate across the air waves.

Apparently this extreme strategy is working across the country because the polls favor the right to take over the majority in the Senate.

I miss the days when democracy actually worked. We couldn’t buy elections. Compromise was a good thing, not a dirty word. Hate radio was rare. Legislators worked across the aisle and Congress worked a five-day workweek like the rest of us.

What happened to our democracy? Today, it is bought and paid for by special interests. If we allow this to continue, shame on us. The only way to stop this trend is for everyone to vote. All of us need to make our voices heard.