Our area needs thoughtful solutions

Published 7:43 pm Monday, January 16, 2012

It only seems appropriate as we begin this active, frustrating and often times disappointing political season, we try to set the tone with someone famous for non-violent protests, a person bent on improving the world he lived and bettering the lives of an entire nation.

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

Those words, so eloquently presented by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., should not only set the tone, but set the stage for a transformative election year.

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Selma — well known for its role in our country’s civil rights and voting rights history —  also has a history of playing host to divisive and ugly elections where the truth and the concerns of the electorate are often the victim.

The city of Selma, Dallas County and the entire Black Belt have real issues. There are issues whose solutions can only be found through calm and intellegent thought.

As this political season begins to heat up, we challenge the candidates — and their passionate supporters — to stress the solutions they will bring to the office, the reasons why they should be elected.

Dr. King was a man who inspired a people through thoughtful words and strong morales. We can only hope those seeking office this year will bring with them the heart of a public servant and the passion to find the solutions we need.