Voters can choose to take high road

Bob Cain, Las Vegas

Tuesday, July 3, 2012 | 2:03 a.m.

I am disenchanted with the level of vitriol in the presidential campaigns. I believe that the incessant barrage of sticks and stones from the candidates and their moneyed surrogates demean us all. They describe “going negative because it works,” cynically absolving themselves of the tragic missed opportunity for a serious national dialogue on issues that affect my life and the future of my country.

But I bear in mind that democracy is a messy business and always has been, and so I refuse to be turned off: I will fly the flag this Fourth of July and I will vote come November. In the meantime I will watch and listen to the endless stream of self-seeking flotsam spilling from my television and computer and with luck, glean just enough to make an informed choice. Does it make any difference if I take the high road and the big money does not? It matters to me.