Both the Democratic and Republican parties have failed our country and led us to the edge of the abyss.
Decades of rapid change and major challenges coincided with a dearth of able forwarding-looking leadership.
Public Service has become a derisive phrase. Partisan finger-pointing has helped get us here and extreme voices have gained ascendancy. The broad center is bewildered and frustrated.
Demagogues exploit the natural differences between us. They turn us against each other, but the true divide is between the majority of common folk and those of enormous power and wealth who have little concern for anyone else.
Most people want a stable, safe environment in which they can have a reasonable livelihood and hope for a future for their children. They know life is difficult and that it goes better when we have a sense of all being in the same boat.
The only focus now must be on retaining the freedom of choice; else we lose our birthright to a few.
The folks in the toughest part of this struggle are Republicans. Local elected Republicans like Glenn Wiggins, Jim Buck, Martha Ireland and others, balanced principles, integrity and the common good.
Those at the state and national level must now show similar wisdom and courage.
Republicans are on the the front line.
They, and we, need to ask, “will I be able to look my grandchildren in the eye?”
Doug Holst
Port Angeles