America Needs Leaders, Not Saviors

To The Editor:
Toward the end of the second term of President George W. Bush, many Americans were feeling desperate. They wanted an end to wars; to an economy heading down instead of up; and to the animosity of Americans toward other Americans. Fear became a dominant presence in America. Fear enabled a presidential candidate who claimed to know, understand and have the only right answers to all issues of concern for Americans. Fear helped elect that candidate, Barack Obama, president. He anointed himself as savior.
Now, all who love our country fear for America. They fear the loss of the liberty, independence and opportunity for our individual growth and success that she provides. They do not want Barack Obama’s vision of America, a vision that limits every American’s independence, freedoms, creativity and success.
America does not need any more “saviors;” America needs leaders on every level of government. The leaders she needs are those who will: use the Constitution and our laws as the basis for governing; seek the input of citizens; and direct lawmakers to meet Americans’ needs and desires within that framework. America needs leaders who will help unite, not divide us.
There is a danger in today’s environment that other saviors, not the leaders we need, will look for control. These saviors can be among those who run for office. They can also be from the ranks of the media, those who strive to educate Americans about the dangers they see. Glen Beck poses such a danger.
As a conservative voter, I appreciate the work his researchers do. They uncover facts in the backgrounds of current and proposed members of this Administration. They are thorough and relentless in their pursuit of information to educate Americans about: what is taking place; when this president and Congress are ignoring or rewriting our guiding document, the Constitution; and how they want to force Americans to live their vision of our country, not ours.
The danger is not the information, it is the host. His emotive, dramatic style and the frequent injection of his life, his former addictions, his feelings about God, etc., present him as another person who knows all the issues of real concern for Americans and has the only right answers to them. His scheduled appearance in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 28 appears to be self-promotion, as well as the promotion of The Plan. Beck, the author, says “…this is a book that will provide specific policies, principles and, most importantly, action steps that each of us can take to play a role in this Refounding.” Barack Obama wrote two books before he accomplished anything in his career, books that promoted him as a savior. Is The Plan the writings of another, self-anointed savior?
Americans, listen to facts presented during “The Glen Beck Show” and other shows. But, do not become faithful followers of any host because dramatic antics provide an emotional outlet and make you feel understood. Take the facts and form your own ideas. Do your own research to learn about candidates at all levels of government. Act on the conclusions you reach; always strive to vote based on knowledge. We do not need any more saviors; we need leaders who want to strengthen and improve America. As citizens, we are responsible to gather facts, to form our own ideas and to make intelligent voting decisions.
KATHLEEN DYNAN
Cape May