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Your Views: Politicians only seem to call us when they need our votes
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Since attaining voting age, I have not intentionally failed to vote in a local, state or federal election. I did miss voting during several years when living out of the country in the U.S. Army and later as a missionary. Overseas absentee balloting wasn't all that simple during the dark ages.

At our house, in the weeks leading up to the recent election, we received anywhere from two to six telephone calls daily from local politicians and their friends as well as from big names like Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee. This was intended, I believe, to acquaint those being called with the sincerity and quality of the candidates. Very impressive.

However, would it be asking too much to hear from our elected representatives more often than just before an election or when they use speed-dialed lists of telephone numbers that are bought and sold? Who does buy and sell our telephone numbers?

What happens to those who are elected between elections? Do they simply hang out with the big-money folks? Some of us feel a bit like parents with kids who are too busy for dear old mom and dad.

Is it too much to ask why you don't contact us to see how we are and what we might need and not just call when you want something?

Harvey Nowland
Gainesville