11/19 Letters: The end of the two-party era?

Regarding “Unaffiliated voter registrations surpass those of Republicans” (Sept. 17): With the rise of the unaffiliated voter registrations we are witness to the end of extreme politics right and left. Over the next few decades the money pits who fund both extremes will lose influence over our country. As the middle gains influence over policy, the extremes will face a challenge like never before.

This past election showed how the money behind the extremes already has limited influence at the hands of the middle or unaffiliated. This will also cut into special-interest lobby efforts going forward. Finally we are seeing the influence of the majority over the petty screams of the extreme voices. One can only hope that liberals and conservatives alike will take their place in history along with other misplaced ideals of our country. Both extremes have lost their base support to the mainstream true patriots who know that the people of this country rule the day in spite of the extremes. May both extremes rest in peace.

Remembering Vietnam

I watched Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s “The Vietnam War” with a mixture of anger and sadness that I’ve not been able express adequately in words. Anger toward the political leaders who betrayed a generation of young Americans and sadness for those – on all sides – who were wounded physically and spiritually by that betrayal.

For this reason I am grateful for Walter Bennett’s stunning essay, “The Vietnam War is not over (and we are still losing)” (Nov. 12). Among other things, Bennett demonstrates the power of a gifted literary artist to help us see with moral clarity and act with compassion.

Police spotlight

I want to thank Colin Warren for “Police charge her with stealing food, buy her groceries” (Nov. 8) on the compassion of Hillsborough Officers Keith Bradshaw and Candace Sprague. After they arrested Theresa West for stealing food and realized she really needed help, they took money out of their own pockets to buy groceries for her family. For that, officers Bradshaw and Sprague deserve an invitation to the White House to be recognized for representing the finest traditions of American law enforcement.

I’m a leftist Democrat, and I’m as fed up as anyone over police abuse of defenseless people. But a key to restore public admiration for law enforcement is to give much more coverage to heroic cops like Keith Bradshaw and Candace Sprague. May their kind increase and multiply.

This story was originally published November 18, 2017 at 6:00 PM with the headline "11/19 Letters: The end of the two-party era?."