Open debates needed

I write this letter as a request that your newspaper publish, in the spirit of democracy, a call for open debates in 2016 that includes all presidential and vice presidential candidates who are on enough ballots to stand in this election. This includes The Green Party and Libertarian candidates.

Statistics show the majority of U.S. electorate does not identify with either Republicans or Democrats and recent events have shown disturbing signs of pervasive and deeply entrenched corruption in this status quo system. It does not serve the majority of people in this country, most of whom struggle with massive debt, perpetual war, climate change, pollution, obscene health care costs and racially-biased policies.

Laissez-faire politics is not the answer. Voters must be allowed to know who they can vote for. These debates are controlled by the Commission on Presidential Debates, an official sounding body that serves only two primary parties. This is corruption; we deserve an open and honest debate focused upon the urgent crises facing all of the American people. This monopoly of elitist corporations and privileged wealthy, which has a chokehold on our economy and democracy, must end.

William Frenger

Spokane