To the editor:

This is about the recent exodus of a significant number of politicians from the U.S. Congress. Many of the reasons for the above include: “Congress is dysfunctional,” “mean-spirited,” “partisanism,” “corrupt politics,” etc., etc.

Most recently, Sen. Evan Bayh shocked the Washington, D.C., political scene by his decision to resign from Congress. When asked to comment on his decision, Bayh stated, “I do not like Congress.”

Well, Sen. Bayh, you were not asked by your voters/supporters to like Congress. The voters of Indiana voted for you because they believed that you were uniquely qualified to be a “game changer” in the political arena amid the mean-spirited partisanship that exists in the U.S. Congress.

Former President Harry Truman once said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”

While in the military, my shipmates and I were often told by superiors that “failure is not an option.” Perhaps the voters should convey this feeling to politicians running for office.

With all of the above said, I continue to have faith in the American political system. Prior to voting for a candidate, I will continue to study the issues, continue to study a candidate’s body language and, above all, will remind myself not to read lips.

Bob Hinton,

Lawrence