To the editor:

The current Congress is holding the American public hostage, having refused to pass any significant legislation during the past two years. Democracy cannot afford this gridlock. As world communications and historical and economic events proceed at breakneck pace, our Congress has slowed to a crawl. We have a big congressional election taking place in Michigan’s 6th District.
Mike O’Brien (D) is challenging the long-term 26-year-incumbent Fred Upton (R). As a career politician, Mr. Upton is part of the problem. He is beholden to large-oil corporate donors and far-right PACs. It is time to end this cycle of  “pay for play.”
At one time, Fred Upton was considered a moderate. Then Mr. Upton began pandering to the far right and he voted to cut $11 billion in services to returning veterans. He supports the cutting of funds to education, which will eventually result in increased local/state taxes (or the underfunding of the already short-funded schools). This election, we have the opportunity to send Mike O’Brien to Congress as a true representative of the 6th District. Unlike Upton, O’Brien comes from some very humble roots.
He’s experienced the ups and downs of the average middle class American.  He is not beholden to any special interests, and intends to bring civility back to Congress – reaching across the aisle to get things done.
We cannot afford a do-nothing Congress in these fast-moving times.
Mike O’Brien is polling in a “dead-heat” with Fred Upton.
Don’t let others decide the outcome.
Please get out and vote for Mike O’Brien on Nov. 6.

Neil Lifson
Wayland