Our state and federal representatives in Augusta and Washington have access to all their constituents, but they choose to use that access only when running for office.

We the people are restricted to two each state and federal legislators. They do not have to share our message with any other legislators — much less all of them.

Efforts to present views, opinions, suggestions, criticisms or comments directly to groups of both parties is forbidden.

We’ve endured representatives who have stolen our Social Security funds, frozen them, voted party lines and voted favorably to large campaign donors. I believe they vote according to their personal agendas — not the people’s voice.

I believe they have governed for decades for their own benefits. I honestly believe they don’t have a clue what it means to govern democratically.

They tell us our voice, our power is at the election box. That’s a joke. It’s at those same election boxes that our voices and our power are stifled by big money, campaign rhetoric, tricks and backroom politics.

We are neither important enough, nor rich enough — nor do we have the right connections — to enable us to be granted the privilege to speak directly to either party in any venue.

It’s no wonder we feel our state, our nation has gone to the dogs.

It’s virtually impossible to make any of them understand: We are their employers; they are our employees.

A perfect example is John Martin’s proposal that legislators vote themselves a $17,000-$20,000 raise over a two-year period and $50,000 raise to the governor.

Democracy? I think not.

Essie Golden

Bingham

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