To the editor:

We are all aware of the contentious political atmosphere in which we Americans find ourselves, amplified as the presidential election approaches. Many people are stuck in their corners, steeped in messaging from their favorite biased news source, both left and right.

Our government is large, as one would expect for a large country. Large bureaucracies will always have some waste. But the Americans, our relatives and neighbors, that work for the government agencies include the experts on whom we rely: engineers, scientists, physicians, sociologists, lawyers and judges. They are dedicated and experienced public servants and, for the good of our country, their positions should not be subject to the whims of the swinging pendulum of election results.

We elect political leaders — senators, representatives and presidents — to direct the country as the Constitution dictates, “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” Their work is to create frameworks, broad strokes and establish agencies of experts to carry on that work, through variations in the political landscape.

Personal character, experience and moral values are critical attributes for our leaders.

Sadly, some politicians have placed their personal power and ambitions above the dedication to service. Instead of leading, they bow and bend to perceived emotions and cobble together platforms they do not personally espouse, merely to attract voters.

And we, the people, will vote. Do we really understand the facts, or even want to know them? Are we voting simply out of emotion because we are being told our wallets are drained and our future looks dim? Do we just object to the status quo? Do we vote because we have a strong sense of loyalty?

I ask a simple question: Is it better to be loyal to an individual or a party, or can one be loyal to something much greater? Loyalty to the Constitution, to the rule of law, to separation of powers, to the American ideals for freedom, equality and justice. To democracy itself.

The candidates have shown us who they are. Your vote is private. You will be your only judge.

Peggy Wiltberger

Saranac Lake