For years it appeared to me that GOP voters had little concern if those they elected had a sense of morality or if they were actually criminals. The voters of Louisiana have given me new hope, hope that electing the best candidate is more important than party affiliation. They would likely have rejected Mark Sanford, Newt Gingrich, and Dick Cheney.

Louisiana is considered a ‘red’ state. A new governor was elected this week, but he’s not a Republican. David Vitter was the GOP candidate, but an eight-year-old scandal involving the hiring of prostitutes may have ended his political career. Democratic state Representative John Bel Edwards will be Louisiana’s new governor.

I wish that the people of Wisconsin were as informed as those in Louisiana; Scott Walker would not be ruining their state’s economy. If Texans had not voted purely for the person with an ‘R’ next to his name we would not have Ted Cruz leading the party of ‘no.’ Arkansas elected a traitor in Tom Cotton who conspired with Iran to halt a nuclear treaty; thank you voters of Arkansas. If Floridians had investigated Marco Rubio, he would not be a candidate for the presidency today.

It is unconscionable for voters to elect an individual based on party affiliation alone. Our government is broken because the electorate chose badly. We need the most qualified candidates in office. Here, in Nevada, we have a selection which should be on every ballot in every state; ‘none of the above.’ I have frequently made that my choice.

“This election shows us that the people of Louisiana in a time of deep cynicism about our politics, and also about our future, that the people have chosen hope over scorn, over negativity,” Edwards said in a victory speech Saturday night.

Our nation must see the return of the informed and intelligent voter. When we go to the polls emotion and our alignment with a single party must be left at the door. All too often the most qualified candidate is denied a seat in Congress, and an ambitious, self-serving individual gains a position which will make him or her a millionaire, and fail to serve the people of his or her state and the nation.

I know that I am cynical far too often; but you really can’t blame me. However, when I witnessed the results in Louisiana, I was excited. There may be hope for our nation’s future if the people have courage to do the right thing.

My hope for the future of our nation would require several critical changes.

First of all, we must eliminate the concept of ‘red’ and ‘blue’ states. This divides our nation to a level not seen since the Civil War.

Secondly, we must eliminate the Electoral College. Our president should be elected by all of the people and the candidate who receives the greatest popular vote should be declared the winner.

Lastly, Congress must institute term limits. Professional politicians have destroyed our Democratic Republic as they amass power, influence and financial gain.

Personally, I must thank the voters of Louisiana; they have given me new hope.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Infrogmation of New Orleans

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