The the Editor,

We find ourselves in the midst of governing and economic chaos clearly showing the governing strategies of both political parties. Republicans have traditionally based their emphasis on money issues like balancing the budget or trying to.

History shows that even when they have control they run up more debt than Democrats. Democrats have emphasized providing essential government services…security, food, shelter, education/training, health care, disaster relief…for all residents. In summary, Republicans say you’re on your own, Democrats say we can conquer all challenges if we work together.

We know the direction Republicans are taking. They have adopted the Heritage Foundation 2025 plan as their platform for the future. Read it. They won and have been executing the plan perfectly. Few of us expected the unnecessary cruelty, inhumane treatment of innocents, disregard for the constitution and laws derived therefrom, anointing a would be King with little interest in governing for the people, not only of the United States, but most countries around the world formerly trusting us to be a fatherlike figure for them in their quests for democracy.

What to do?

Identify candidates who are forward looking, have insights into real issues confronting us in this crazy world of accelerating technology across affecting all aspects of life. This can be mostly for good if competent government guidance and control is exercised to channel progressive efforts for the common good. These efforts must be focused on the basic necessities of life – food, shelter, health care, education, security…those big things that individuals or groups cannot provide themselves.

Most importantly, we must save our fair and efficient election processes, ensuring that all eligible voters have safe and secure access for their vote, whether by mail, absentee ballots, polling places…just as we now have. Although there are challenges to these processes from those who want suppress the vote, they are tried and true over several decades. 

Arming our candidates with a common way forward, traditional get out the vote efforts will be more effective. Simply asking for more money to support old thinking is not going to cut it this time. Ideas, challenges to opponents’ views, historical facts showing differences of party policies and their results over time will bring reality to bear on the integrity of party and candidate propaganda.

A major event in the media is the spinoff, MSNOW from MSNBC. The first look is Rachel Maddow’s WE THE PEOPLE show attempting to educate/reducate the populace on the roots of our great democracy. Be sure to watch for it.  

Saving our democracy is at stake. The current administration has demonstrated they know how to win elections but don’t have a clue how to govern for the people once in office.

Lee Purrier

Park Rapids, Minn.