Saturday, April 3, 2021 7:04 am

"The phrase "all politics is local" is commonly used in the politics of the United States." (Wikipedia) Elections for leaders start at the local level. We must never forget the importance that we, as individuals, play in the policies and decisions at the federal, state, and local levels of our government. I am not so jaded as to believe that everyone who voted Democrat is of a "single mind". Nor were all those who voted for Donald Trump in agreement with all his policy positions.

The "all politics is local" standard of civic responsibility is inclusive of all people and allows for expression of varying opinions and ideals. One opportunity for you to participate in that civic responsibility is preparation of and mailing honest, factual, and thoughtful letters to the editor of The Rochester Voice. "Let it begin with me" are song lyrics by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson and apply to all facets of our lives.

To my way of thinking, The Rochester Voice reports facts in news columns free of political narrative and bias. Facts presented in a fair and balanced manner were once the gold standard of the media. Unfortunately, the gold standard has been replaced with media propaganda and outright support of political goals and ideals for specific politicians.

Sadly, many people refuse to venture out of their comfort zone of a habitually chosen single media source and listen to "the other side".

Joe Biden stated he was a moderate and would heal and unite this country. Instead, he has taken a far-left turn and refuses to reach out to Republicans. His definition of unity in practice is agree with me, Nancy, and Chuck or you have no place in the political process. Considering such behavior, it is exceedingly urgent that we engage in honest and open discussion at the local level.

Whether you are Liberal, Independent or Conservative a healthy discussion of facts is exactly what is needed in this country. We must initiate such conversation at the local level. Our government works best with open honest discussion and compromise--meeting somewhere in the middle. Please take your "pen to paper" and participate in the democratic process provided by our Constitutional Republic.

Will you join me? Will you share The Rochester Voice - or whatever newspaper, magazine, or digital daily which you truly believe is objective - and your well-founded and honest opinions with your friends, family, and people you may not even know? Who knows what might result from truth, openness, and conversation "of the people" and "by the people"?

Cheryl Russell is a former high school teacher and 30-year employee with the U.S. Department of the Treasury who writes op-ed pieces for The Rochester Voice. She lives in Dover.