We need both parties

Quite frankly, I am … well, I don’t really know WHAT I am!

For most of my adult life, I have considered myself to be Republican. I believed it was the party of ethics and fiscal responsibility. When I was with friends at parties, there were “lively” discussions, but it never got nasty. I’m sure that there are others like me.

Something bad has happened. Now, those discussions often become arguments, flared with anger and nastiness, even when talking with other “Republicans.” There is a new radical faction - Trumpicans (for lack of a better word) - who seem ready to attack anyone who is “disloyal” to the president and are completely willing to share falsehoods rather than facts.

Trump scares me to death. He uses the tactics of a tyrant. His Tweets are filled with hate and venom aimed at some “enemy” and I get the sense that he’d rather poison than just fire people. His actions and rants are those of a despot – a caesar or czar.

But both parties are fractured, with an extreme group in the Democrats who seem bent on taking control from Biden, even before he is sworn in! I want to give Joe a chance (like I did with Donald), but Bernie is not my guy. These internal divisions could signal the end of us.

Where is my Republican Party? I need you. And where is the Democratic Party? Please, come back. The country needs both of you.

Doug Kaer

Spokane Valley