Leonard Pitts hit the nail on the head (Sept. 9). This country is paralyzed by polarization. Congress cannot get anything done, hampered as it is by extremists at both ends, and endlessly lobbied by special interests, i.e., insurance companies, pharmaceutical industry and energy groups.

Imagine the silliness of getting one’s knickers in a twist over a presidential pep talk to the nation’s schoolchildren. Where were all these suspicious folks when Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush spoke to schoolchildren? We’re talking about the president of the United States here, emphasis on “United.” One doesn’t have to agree with the man to respect the office. I am appalled at the boycott of President Obama’s speech by extremist elements.

Pitts was right to point out the many more important issues we have to deal with. Let’s try to return to sanity and work together for a change, so that we can make our country a functioning democracy again.

Lorrie Hoeh, Albany Township