The silence from the Republican Party on critical issues facing the country is astounding. Regarding what they claim as their No. 1 issue — the economy: There is no acknowledgment that President Obama led us from the brink of financial meltdown resulting from eight years of the Bush-Cheney policies promoting deregulation, tax cuts and wars initiated carelessly and fought on our national credit card. I cannot discern how Romney’s policies are any different. The fact that neither of the past two living Republican presidents were at the Republican convention speaks volumes about their failed policies.

Their silence regarding monetary and human treasure expended in Iraq and Afghanistan was deafening.

President Obama is leading us forward from the Republican quagmire, more slowly than any of us would like; however, we are making progress. We are gaining jobs, our standing in the world has improved, the automobile industry is thriving, housing prices and construction are headed in a positive direction, and the president has been unwavering and passionate in his support of veterans and their families.

A vote for Obama is a vote to move our country forward.

Selma Dannenfelser Brigham

Cedar Rapids