EDITOR’S NOTE: The following letter was signed by 13 students in the Lakeland High School Block 6 Government Class

To the editor:

We are concerned about the process our country is going through in choosing a president. Candidates are more focused on each other than the problems of our country.

We need to focus on the things that will help our country and the things that matter. The parties need to work together to achieve goals, not tear each other down. The facts need to drive our decisions, not political opinions.

Can we focus less on the flaws of the candidates and more on what they can do for our country? The presidential debate focused on issues of the past and left America wanting answers about which of these two candidates could actually run our country.

The job of the president includes responsibilities as chief of state, chief executive, chief diplomat, commander in chief, chief legislator, head of a party and chief guardian of the economy.

Can we focus on this job description? Can we assess these candidates by the job they may actually do? Can we work to create an environment that encourages candidates to focus on the job they want to do, rather than pointing fingers at each other?

People should be able to turn on a debate and learn about the candidates and the issues and not experience reality television.

Without progress from the candidates, we are left with a choice of the lesser of two evils, rather than a positive role model and leader for our country.

We are students at Lakeland High School, and we want change. We intend to become active citizens who will help bring in a better America, and we want to make America great again by being strong together.

Block 6 Government Class

Lakeland High School

Ms. Barker, teacher