Renew our character

It is irrelevant who wins the election, because whoever it is, the American people lose. I believe that we have already lost. Race and religion divides us all and have become tinder in the bon fires of interpersonal struggles. The pursuit of money consistently drives a wedge between family and friends. Politics reinforces opposing views yet sets the stage for jealousy and corruption because those in power will do anything to retain that power.

We seem to have ceded our freedoms for perceived benefits and benefited nothing from the cessation of those freedoms. Educational institutions are failing our children. Social institutions are failing those in need. Religious institutions are failing the faithful, and governmental institutions are failing the country.

It is time for renewed strength of character, for candor of speech and a heartfelt renaissance to that which is universally true, that all men are created equal and should have equal opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that obedience to a religion is not evidence of a belief in God or his teachings and that for real societal change to occur, one must first change one’s self.

Daniel Clark

Spokane