Now more than ever, the First District of Michigan needs someone with political temperance. The mood of the Nation trickles down from our elected leaders.
I've had enough with division and extremism in this country.
FORSYTH TWP, Mich. — Political leaders and citizens of every era have passionately voiced their disagreements on critical issues. I still look at the political landscape and become disappointed or frustrated.
This should frighten all of us.
One in three Americans believes violence against the government can be justified.
Around 40% of politically active members say the other party is “evil".
Over 60% say the other party is a threat to our country.
Commentators are suggesting another "civil war".
I know the argument. "How can I unite with people who want to take my rights away?"
I'm running on unifying the First District with all of us working toward the same goals.
We all wish for peace and prosperity, better jobs, and a more robust economy. We want affordable and accessible healthcare that respects privacy and freedom.
We need quality education and sound infrastructure. We expect the government to help us protect the Great Lakes.
Michiganders, as stewards of the environment, are mandated to preserve our natural resources. We want the government to use taxpayer dollars wisely and stand up for freedom, justice, and liberty.
Now more than ever, the First District of Michigan needs someone with political temperance. The mood of the Nation trickles down from our elected leaders.
So, why is there political hate and anger from both Democrats and Republicans toward each other?
The anger comes from the fear the "opposite" political party's beliefs and policies will wreck America. People feel each side will betray their way of life, and they need to be in power to prevent that from happening.
However, when I look around this district, when we meet face to face, when we look each other in the eyes, I do not see hatred and division in the hearts and minds of most people.
We must address the policies we fear from each other — the policies each claim are "wrecking America" — and strive like hell to find common ground. That's the difficult work of a representative government, and it's what Senators and Representatives should do. The First District has the opportunity to show the Nation how democracy really works.
It's time to get out of the echo chambers in which we surround ourselves and stop talking past each other. Let's start with the goals and work backward, finding the right policies to make them a reality. Let’s start listening, discussing, and finding solutions to our problems.
I've had enough with division and extremism in this country. Let’s show the Nation how we, Northern Michiganders and Yoopers can lead and celebrate together as Americans.
About Dr. Lorinser
For his entire career, Dr. Bob Lorinser (D-MI1) has dedicated his life to the service of his community and country.
After receiving three advanced degrees (Medical Doctor, Masters of Social Work, and Masters in Public Health), Dr. Lorinser worked as a social worker in a Veterans Affairs Hospital and as a physician with the Indian Health Service, serving the Navajo Nation. In 1989, he found his home in Michigan's First District, where he practiced family medicine for three decades.
Dr. Bob joined the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Services in 2011 to serve as a diplomat and Regional Medical Officer. The Lorinsers served the United States for ten years, with tours in Pakistan, South Korea, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Iraq.
When he returned to the states in 2020, Dr. Bob offered his services as Medical Director of Marquette County Health Department. He and his wife of 40 years, Peggy, live in Gwinn and have three children and four granddaughters.
Dr. Bob Lorinser hopes to serve and represent constituents in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. He is unopposed in the Democrat primary and poised to face Rep. Jack Bergman (R, Acme) in the general mid-term election this November. For more information, visit VoteDrBob.com.