Once again, the political season waxes nasty. Mendacity runs amok on the tube, purchased by politicians and parties seeking special favors. Our country is most definitely in trouble. If the public does nothing else this November, it is their duty as citizens of this country to get out and vote.

People may think that their votes do not count, but they definitely do. If people want real change, they must go to the polls and make it happen. People have no right to complain about anything the government does if they have not voted.

The past 18 years have seen citizens’ rights and freedoms severely restricted in the false name of security, all without improving security one stinking ounce. The terrorists are winning without effort as our own government usurps our inalienable rights.

Government is spending without really helping us, but digging the hole deeper.

We need to recover our constitutional, democratic republic before it is too late.

It is clear that the majority of politicians in Washington and Augusta are all in the same bed together, regardless of party.

There are a rare few “statesmen” among the candidates. We need to seek them out and vote them in.

The only way to fix the mess is to vote against incumbents. We need to take out the trash on Nov. 2. Voters should make their dissatisfaction known. It is our duty.

We must get out and vote.

Elbert Derick, Wales