(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I thank my Republican friend for his response to my recent letter to the editor. We certainly have different viewpoints. I must say, however, that some of my most delightful conversations are with my Republican friends, (and they are my friends) when we can discuss politics and still be friends.

Do you remember when we all used to listen to the “news” — the “same news?” It was not Republican news and it was not Democratic news. It was “the news.” And you did not know the viewpoint of the newscaster, which was a good thing.

I am tired of hearing all the partisan rants on the morning programs. We are all so entrenched on one side or the other and have such a dislike for those on the other side, that we forget that we are “Americans first,” and need to “work together,” to solve our many problems.

I am afraid for the future of our country. I am frightened when our differences turn to hatred, and sometimes to bloodshed. I am saddened when it is our way “or the highway.” Can’t we accept the fact that we are a diverse society, with many religions (or none at all), and we emigrated from every country in the world? Americans used to take pride in being called the “melting pot.”

So, I thank you for your letter, and I hope we can meet somewhere in the middle as Americans, and work together to solve our country’s problems. I am still your Democratic friend,

Carol Lazear Mitchell

Marietta