Both Sides Need To Prioritize Country Over Party

Dear Editor,

We are all suffering because Republicans and Democrats are prioritizing party over country instead of considering what is best for all of us.

Sadly, our political system is filled with hatred and mistruths, which often come from the candidates themselves.

Canvassers tell lies to scare voters into voting a certain way.

Republicans think Democrats are 100% wrong in their political beliefs and Democrats think that Republicans are 100% wrong. There is no dialogue or common ground between the two major parties.

Political commercials often contain untruths. Images of politicians are distorted. There are far more negative ads than positive ones.

As soon as local political signs are put in the ground, they disappear in the middle of the night.

After the 2020 elections, there was a violent assault on the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop the counting of Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, 2021. Thousands went to jail, but the politicians who incited the violence got away with it scot-free.

All Americans suffer due to the political hate and violence. We have to step back and put country over party. This should include starting a dialogue, which is not filled with hate and loathing but is a constructive dialogue that allows us to hear and contemplate what other Americans are thinking. We then have to look for common ground between our political parties and act accordingly.

Let us try to communicate for the sake of our country and especially for the sake of our children. Ask yourself this question: Do you want your children and grandchildren to grow up associating nothing but hate and violence with politics? If your answer is yes, the hatred and violence associated with today’s politics will continue for the generations to come.

-Emily Siegel

Chair, North Salem Democratic Committee