The United States was once a government of the people, by the people, and for the people and as President Lincoln surmised, that government "Shall not perish from the Earth." The United States, however, has become a government of lobbyists, special interests and big political donors; by lobbyists, special interests and big political donors; and for lobbyists, special interests and big political donors. 

Unless the citizens demand a major change and elect representatives who will honestly fulfill the promise of this great country, Lincoln's words will surely ring hollow and this 240-year democratic republic will sadly perish from the Earth.

Michael Calkins

Norwich