Country above party

I am a longtime independent with no use for either party. I am a moderate who believes negotiation and compromise are necessary to success. What we are experiencing at the hands of these parties is appalling.

Recently, we watched two families be destroyed in front of our nation by partisanship. Both sides used these families to gain political advantage, and then bragged about how their behavior had fired up their bases. Apparently these politicians can’t do math or they would realize neither of their ever-shrinking, rabid bases constitute a majority. It is we, the moderates, who will determine elections and candidates should realize that.

I have seen major defections from both parties from longtime members, citing the fact that their parties have abandoned them to the extremists. These parties are ruled by outdated, aging demagogues who don’t have the grace to know when to step aside. Their primary goal is not the good of the country; it is getting re-elected, even if they have to destroy us in the process. Is it any wonder young people aren’t interested in them?

If you are tired of the constant din from the shrieking fringes, if you are tired of people so entrenched they can’t move, or if you are just plain tired, come join us. The air is free of venom here, logic rules and a path forward is clear. There are no people here blinded by fealty to party. Here, we put country above party. Do you? JULIE MORTON

Van Buren