Voters should be informed before they go to the polls

To the editor:

During the 2007 Warren County Fair, my interest in understanding people was carried to another level.

I learned that some hated President George W. Bush and he was extremely dumb. I do not recall anyone saying our president is dedicated to his beliefs, just like the folks that disagree with our president are dedicated to their beliefs.

Our president lied to the American people about Iraq. Not a single person first remembered any history that preceded our president’s time in office. Evidently some folk’s memory is not complete on George W. Bush’s schooling from a prestigious university and the fact he was a fighter pilot that requires smarts with the ability to think fast or die.

I also learned we have had presidents who were responsible for world problems that occurred years before they become president, or were even in Washington D.C.

Where do we get our information we use to settle world problems? Is one source a quick sound bite? We can collect sound-bite information to take to our favorite meeting while we get our hair trimmed or curled, have a sandwich, or just conversing with like-mined friends. In doing so do we develop a mind set to shut down our thinking process and become unable to function mentally.

One way to overcome handicap thinking would be to imitate an old-time scale in our mind where a five-pound weight is on one side and five pounds of measure are on the other side. Ask questions and listen to both sides.

Should a person be required to pass a test before voting? I sure hope not but it is scary to think why some folks vote.

Thomas Vaughn’s write up on students’ lack of civic knowledge in Sunday’s, Sept. 23 Southern Standard pointed out needs that need to be addressed here in Warren County for everyone. By doing so it is possible more folks could become informed on the issues and overlook television’s slanted political sound bites.

Hershell Madewell
Anngela Street
McMinnville