To the editor:

In my opinion, our country and its citizens are in trouble. These are things I would suggest we all need to do to improve ourselves and our country.

1. We need to treat one another with civility. We may disagree about politics, religion, etc., but we can discuss our differences without attacking each other personally.

2. We need to elect leaders at all levels (national, state, and local) that will represent their constituents and uphold their sworn oaths of office. Too many of our elected leaders appear willing to do anything to remain in office. They need to stick to governing and stay out of peoples’ personal lives.

3. We need to be critical consumers when we listen to the news and follow social media. No news source is completely unbiased, but some are more reliable than others. Everyone should listen to several different news sources each week and compare them. We need to think! While we are more comfortable in listening only to that with which we agree, it is dangerous. When it comes to social media, we need to check for accuracy before we believe and forward information to others.

4. Our forefathers believed in separation of church and state. Those who tell you that we were formed as a Christian nation are mistaken. Christianity is not the only religion, but it is one which many believe. When you go to church, ask yourself if the sermon is about Christianity or about politics. Is it about politics and attacking those that see differently than others, or is it about loving and accepting others even if you don’t agree with everything they believe and do? Christ in the New Testament was compassionate.

While some of you may disagree with my opinions, I hope that you will at least consider them.

Jari Marietta

Great Bend