Editor,

The current debate over sequestration is another stark example of how and why real change in our country must come from the bottom up rather than the top down. Thinking Americans throughout the land have good, honest, common sense ideas about how to resolve the budget deficit as well as how to deal with the pressing problems of gun control, immigration and affordable health care.

In contrast, an alarming number of our legislators in Congress -- on both sides of the aisle -- are locked into a political template and offer no more than a knee-jerk reaction to any issue that does not conform to their pre-conceived, partisan views. It is long past time for responsible Americans to advocate for what is good for the country; and call out all the deadwood in Congress who believe that rigid party politics is more important that moving our country forward.

Michael Traynor

Burlingame