The occupation of Iraq is deteriorating, gas prices are in the ozone, health care is increasingly unaffordable and the deficit is beyond the pale. Yet the issues getting addressed in Congress are flag burning, gay marriage and tax cuts for the upper 1 percent. Any wonder the approval ratings for Congress are even lower than those for President Bush?
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Michael Roberts
West side
Retired railroad worker
Is there a disconnect between the issues Congress is emphasizing and those important to most people's lives? Politicians have their own agenda. They're out of touch with the needs of everyday people.
What issues are most important to you? I'm a veteran, so the war in Iraq is important. Also, the economy especially high gas prices.
Can Democrats regain control of the House this fall? The way things are going now, they can.
Describe your ideal candidate. Someone more aware of the have-nots.
Do the upcoming elections matter? They could change the direction this country's going. We badly need a change of direction.
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Lindall Lummis
Old Colorado City
Retired shop owner
Are politicians out of touch with the needs of everyday people? What matters most to me is national health insurance. Costs are off the charts. That's more important than wasting money on Iraq, or things like gay marriage, flag burning or school prayer.
Can Democrats gain control of the House this fall? My fingers are crossed. I think people have had it up to here with this administration.
Describe the ideal candidate. Someone more attuned to the environment. Someone who cares more about the middle class and less about the rich.
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Steve Fortinberry
Biloxi, Miss.
Chef
Do the hot-button political issues have anything to do with people's real-life needs? No, but I think [politicians] have our well-being at heart.
Rate the following issues in order of importance: affordable health care, flag burning, minimum wage, environmental protection, and gay marriage. Health care is most important, minimum wage least important.
What's your key issue? Foreign policy, definitely. If we don't watch out, we could be in World War III.
Is it possible for the Democrats to gain the majority this fall? We can only hope.
Describe your ideal candidate. Someone who isn't willing to accept the status quo, who's willing to make some waves.
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Matt Nykiel
Broadmoor Bluffs
College student
Is Congress addressing the issues most important to the lives of everyday people? Way too much time is being spent on things like flag burning and keeping "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Describe the ideal candidate. Someone who accepts different ideas and beliefs. Someone who cares less about the rich and more about those in need.
Rate the following issues in terms of importance: gay marriage, affordable health care, flag burning, minimum wage. Affordable health care, minimum wage, gay marriage, flag burning.