Why do American elections take so darn long?

Elections last too longA last-minute, highly opinionated voting guide for your own survival. And it rhymes | Column, Oct. 26

Barry Golson's clever column aimed at the 65 and up age group omitted the negative endurance test of American elections today. Our format to renew democracy every four years is too long, too expensive, too repetitious, too factually slanted and simply too boring to well serve our democracy. Those who seem to benefit most are special interests, wealthy businesses and individuals, questionable candidates, news media and journalists and essential fact checkers. In many ways, democracy is in the back seat and not driving the process. Democracy is being led and manipulated too often. America is still a great place to live, but the current exercises of democracy punch well below our potential to make most citizens proud.

James Gillespie, St. Petersburg

Voting Red?A last-minute, highly opinionated voting guide for your own survival. And it rhymes | Column, Oct. 26

How scary and real was this column by Barry Golson? It contrasted how the Democrats and the Republicans would treat seniors and hit right on the money. My father had once told me that the most feared lobbyists were the AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons. Unfortunately, it is no longer the case. The seniors are left with choosing wisely when voting. Definitely go with the Democrats.

Holly Haley, New Port Richey

Voting blue?Who are the undecided voters? | Oct. 16

To those of you who are still undecided on who to support for president, ask yourself one question: Was my life better four years ago than it is now? Were groceries cheaper? Did it cost less to fill a gas tank? Was your mortgage cheaper? Did I not have to worry about people in the country illegally on the streets of my town and in my children's school system? Could your daughter play sports without worrying about biological males using their restrooms? Finally was the world a little bit safer with fewer wars raging? It's an easy choice, isn't it?

Natalie Sacco, Palm Harbor

Wrong callWho should be Pasco's next school superintendent? | Recommendation, Oct. 23

As a retired Pasco County teacher, I am so disappointed that Chris Dunning did not get the Times Editorial Board recommendation. Is having friends in Tallahassee a good reason for the endorsement of his opponent John Legg? Dunning's 30-plus years in Pasco County as a teacher and administrator at all levels more than qualifies him. He may not have been in Tallahassee, but he has the strength and fortitude to do what is best for all students. His years on the front lines of Pasco education give him the edge.