The animus of differing political partisans is as irrational as the hostility sporting enthusiasts have for opposing teams that sometimes leads to fisticuffs. Highly partisan, two-party, almost balanced control of Washington has all but institutionalized government "gridlock," crippling the legislative process. There are remedies.
With more open-mindedness on the part of the electorate, the merit and value of electing candidates from outside the major parties would become obvious.
It matters little that fresh first-term representatives may form coalitions with the major parties. What matters is that they faithfully represent the constituency that elected them and not seek political careers.. In sufficient numbers, they will upset the two-party standoffs and provide the deciding votes.
True democracy will be restored. It may become possible to institutionalize term limits.
The road to open-mindedness: I became totally dissatisfied several years ago with the indifference of elected officials, including my own lifetime party. Politically disenchanted, I registered as an individual voter and self-diagnosed my mind-set as an "environmentally acquired subliminal partisan addiction." My successful therapy involved watching two politically contradicting TV news channels; I recommend MSNBC and Fox News. They are polar opposites and combined will alter your mind-set.
It took quite a while to free myself of ingrained partisan influence. With balanced news, it became easier and easier to weigh the merits of all opinions and form a nonpartisan conclusion.
Becoming apolitical is rewarding and worth the effort.
Wally Hughes
Charlton