For nearly two and a quarter-centuries, politicians made the two-party system work. President Lincoln placed members of the opposition party in his cabinet. Decades of presidents remained steadfast — during wartime, peacetime, good times, depression, and recession — in their commitment to the system. Working with Republican Congressional leaders, President Clinton passed a balanced budget — a lasting milestone of the past.

In the following years, our forefather’s vision of democracy slipped away. Compromising became a lost art. Self-interest among Congressional leaders swelled. Special interest groups accelerated in terms of power and influence. Democracy’s “centerpiece role of the individual” came under attack. Party-line voting became the norm. And, “We the People” was replaced by “We the Party.

The two-party system has become dysfunctional; now, more than ever, it’s time to reaffirm our commitment to our democratic heritage — to set aside party divisiveness, lessen special-interest influence, place the common good above partisan politics, and to ensure all people have the same rights and privileges.

It’s time for conciliation, compromise, and cooperation to guide the way, so we can proudly shout:

                                                         LET’S UNITE AMERICA!   

                                                                                                                                                                          Les Cochran                                                           We the People; NOT We the Party                                                                                              Les@LesCochran.com