Letter: Be informed, vote

Minds aren't changed by letters. But even the rigid can become informed.

Our financial meltdown was caused by regulators who turned a blind eye to malfeasance by financial institutions too big to fail, lenders that failed to block liar loans, and liars, speculators and the duped who bought more than was affordable.

Our wars are caused by petroleum addiction, refusal to pursue alternative energy, a financial and military industrial complex which profits hugely from conflict, under-informed citizens, other nations' disinformation campaigns and by attacks on us because we try to impose our ways upon different cultures.

Joblessness results from buyers insisting upon the cheapest price, workers without the right skills, companies that are slaves to quarterly earnings, unfair competition by China and by a government totally enthralled with business interests and their campaign contributions. We are in debt because we want it all on the cheap, we refuse to permit taxes commensurate with our needs for services, our penchant for wars, lower consumer demand and because politicians borrow to meet our every desire. Politicians are polarized and unable to agree because they are influenced by money, extremists, rigid beliefs and fear.

Please vote in the upcoming election.

Bill Kester, Pendleton