by Richard Lee

Created on: June 14, 2008

I do not believe so much that the country is divided, but i do believe that the two major political parties are deeply divided. Fed by a media that wishes more to shape policy than to report the events transpiring, this division is getting greater it seems every passing day. Each party has has its' zealots who believe thier way is the only way. They obviously can't count because they believe compromise is a four letter word. Perhaps if the media would go back to reporting the news as it occurs instead of injecting personal or even network opinion people would be more likely to decide on the issues.

That being what I belive to be the bad news, there are also signs that this trend is not irreversible. Although the Democrats have thier ultra liberal fanatics on the far left, and the Republicans have thier ultra conservative fanatics on the far right, both parties also have a vast base of support from voters who believe the ideals of this country are worth preserving for all people. As a case in point look at Senator Joe Lieberman. Because he refused to unilaterally toe the party line, he was denied his parties endorsement for reelection. He ran as an independant and was reelected by voters who were voting for the candidate not the party.

The country is not divided, the political parties are divided in such a deep way it sometimes seems they are trying to divide the country. How many times have you thought yourself, or heard other people say what this country needs is a politician with the conviction to follow through on the enthusiasm and promises they campaign on. Most elected officials, but sadly not all, really do want to do what they believe is best for this country. The problem being, they do not always have the moxie to vote against their own party. Good ideas are not exclusive to one party or the other. These officials were elected because they promised to do what is best for all their constituents. They should have the integrity to vote what is best for the country, not what is best for the party.

Because people have different opinions does not make the country divided, it makes the country great. To have a difference of opinion is not wrong. It gives people the opportunity to learn and to compromise. Both major politcal parties should realize that the majority of their members lean for the most part towards the center. By the way, I am a registered democrat who votes republican as often as not. I would vote for anyone who possese the integrity of Senator Joe Lieberman in a heartbeat. I am from New York state.

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