Calvin Coolidge wrote: “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” And Franklin D. Roosevelt encouraged us with “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

I am voting for Democrats in this election because I believe the words by these former presidents guide us toward pragmatic solutions and not toward the unfettered idealism that feeds anger, fear and hopelessness. I believe that our elected leaders need more from us than our base opinions. If we focus on the power of politics and ignore our role as a society, we lose the opportunity for true greatness. If we treat our leaders like channels on the television, flipping until we find someone who entertains us, we feed a childish cynicism and never outgrow narcissism.

We are a large country with many unfortunate realities. We manipulate rather than engage, hate instead of observe, and build imaginary kingdoms instead of bearing fruit. We also have incredible virtues we perform every day because the practice of such reveals real values that edify instead of exhaust.

When we live through trying times with this in mind, we are not only better off in four years, but 40. Our country will learn and grow into the respectable part of the planet we need to be.

Matthew Burrier

Cedar Rapids