Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I am a dinosaur. No really, I am. I am so old I remember a time when Americans were fiercely independent and deeply religious. I remember a time when, if you needed help, you didn’t go to the government with your hand held out. You turned to your family, friends, church and neighbors and they were there to help you in your time of need. We took care of each other. Government did not try to micromanage every area of our lives.

We enjoyed individual rights back then and took responsibility for our own decisions and actions. We expected to work hard and enjoy the fruits of our labor. We gave to people less fortunate than ourselves, not because we were mandated to, but because we wanted to. We expected nothing in return for that help except that they would use it in a responsible manner to help themselves. Was it perfect? Of course not. Did some people fall through the cracks? Yes, and as long as we have human nature, there will always be some who do.

Was it better then or is it better now? Do you want to continue with the government growing larger and larger, making more and more demands on the decisions for "We The People" without listening to our voice? Are we going to remain a country "of the people, by the people and for the people?" Or will we become a nation ruled by men and women who take away our right to decide for ourselves, by people who make decisions for us because they think they know what is best for us?

Make your choice now about what you believe in and what you want and vote accordingly on Nov. 2. Vote while it can still make a difference.

Sue D. Kilmon

Cardinal, Va.