This election will come down to one three-point shot from above the circle. Who can sink it? Obama or Romney? Your vote determines the game, right?

I recently had a conversation with an older friend of mine. What I found enlightening was his focus on the Congress. To paraphrase him, “until our senators and congressmen vote their conscience, like they used to, nothing will happen for the American people.”

I explained what I know about the gridlock in Washington and the penalty they would pay if they voted against the party line. To which he replied, “I know that, at least they will have a clear conscience, will have voted the will of their constituents and can return to civilian life with honor if not re-elected. Blocking progress, active debate and compromise for the ‘good’ of the American people is not why we sent them to Washington. A government of, for and by the people (our representatives) is being obstructed. It’s wrong.”

To which I replied, “Thanks, Ed, I just learned something.”

On reflection, this three-pointer could be a missed shot with no overtime, no winners and no results for the people. It is time we demanded reasonable debate, compromise and real progress from our representatives, regardless of who wins the presidency, or we risk another zero sum game.

Dennis Turner

Cedar Rapids