Letter to the Editor: Switch to ‘no party’
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My concern (worry?) about the current national political condition has resulted in considerable time devoted to pondering about what I may do to help reverse this miserable state of affairs. Isn't it a mess? An old Webster's Dictionary defines mess as "A confusing and disagreeable mixture of things." A more recent American Heritage Dictionary defines mess as "A disturbing, confusing and troublesome state of affairs."
Of course, major national conditions influence our local political climate. I believe that the swing has gone too far from the middle, resulting in a mess that has brought us all sorts of unqualified, opportunistic people who want to be nominated to be candidates in the general election. Well qualified candidates may get bypassed by this situation.
I strongly believe in the two-party system. But how did we get to this intolerable mess where all Republicans are extremely conservative and all Democrats are extremely liberal? Political fiction! Don't you imagine a majority of citizens reject that propaganda? I have decided to be revolutionary by changing my political registration to "no party," so I may choose a Republican ballot in the primary and assist with the eliminating process. Meanwhile, I hope positive leadership will regain control of our two parties and negotiating will no longer be considered waffling. I believe half of a pie is better than no pie. Another hope is that many other voters will change to "no party" by April 19, the last day for making the change, and vote a Republican ballot in May.
Incidentally, I am a long-time political observer and activist. In 1944, I attended a Republican rally at the age of 13. In 1956, at the age of 25, as a Republican I was elected to a six-year term as a Putnam County Commissioner in a strong Democratic County. My political activity was displaced by my career in the chemical industry, which took us to four states. In 1995, we retired to Parkersburg, and at the age of 90 I'm please do report we have enjoyed the return.
My bipartisan philosophy has led to appointments by both a Republican governor and a Democratic governor. For several years I was vice-chairman of the Wood County Democratic Executive Committee under the outstanding leadership of Walt Auvil.
Subsequently, I chaired two elections. Again, I urge people to register "no party," and request a Republican ballot in May. Also, I suggest Republicans be especially conscientious in deciding how they vote in this primary election in May.
Harold D. Brown
Vienna