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Political moderates called to act

A recent article in Atlantic Monthly by Professor Tom Nichols of the U.S. Naval Academy deserves a notice. Professor Nichols who admits to being one for almost 40 years proclaims in the article that he is no longer a “Republican.” What he is and maybe has always been is a “moderate.”

The problem with today’s politics on both the Republican and Democratic sides is that the true moderates are becoming an endangered species. The ascent of Donald Trump to the presidency and the reaction to his election has pushed both parties to a place they have been heading for decades. Both parties have taken extreme views and the odds of any meaningful legislation, on behalf of the American people is now more difficult. The one recent exception is the bipartisan bill to address the opioid crisis which was recently passed.

Even the Supreme Court which was once the one branch where the public could believe that partisan politics was less in play has been tainted. The recent confirmation process for newly confirmed Judge Kavanaugh had no winners as some Democrats are already calling for his “impeachment.” We have hit a new low. While I have reservations about Judge Kavanaugh based on his demeanor during the hearings, only time will tell us.

What I do know is that if Moderates in both parties stay home on election day the extremes of the Republican and Democratic parties will prevail and the result will be a continuation of the acrimony and inaction that has plagued the House and Senate for too long. The real question is whether voters with no party affiliation, true independents will be so disgusted that they, too, will stay home on election day.

In this day of 10 second sound bites, twitter and easy answers, a voter who is willing to take on the difficult task of using reason without being manipulated by emotional outbursts is vital. Do the research, check the record and then go vote on Nov. 6.

Read the Atlantic article for yourself at www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/10/tom-nichols

Teresa Porter

Marietta

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