This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Some 94 percent of the American public was in favor of background checks on gun sales. But Congress rejected public opinion and voted against background checks. Our elected representatives did not listen to their conscience, their president or their constituents. Instead, they listened to NRA lobbyists.
Now 60 percent of Americans oppose any involvement in Syria's civil war and suddenly senators and representatives claim to be listening to their recently visited states and districts.
They have a convenient out for opposing their president, but a conflict of interest with regard to the military-industrial complex. Will they ignore their constituents again or vote with their conscience and support the president and the military lobby? They must feel like they have lost their identities. It is so hard to represent the best interests of the country.
Richard C Russell
Taylorsville