Editor,

For too long, the game of “Red Vs. Blue” politics has been played at the national level. We cheer for our “team” to win, regardless of WHO that person really is or what they stand for. We look for the “R” or “D” on the ballot and check the box without thinking. Political news is not about legislation, but rather about one side attacking the other. This kind of thinking and actions are not limited to one side. Both major parties engage in belittling the others in an attempt to gain momentum for their party or attention. Both sides introduce legislation in hopes to improve their chances of winning the next election. It appears that our elected officials at the national level are more interested in fighting with each other than addressing the issues our country faces.

The real question here is how do we change that? How do we get our elected officials to address the issues facing our nation and stop the pointless press conferences and attention grabbing? It starts with US. We, as a nation of people with a voice need to start electing people based on their principles and values rather than their party affiliation. We need to stop allowing career politicians (term limits). Serving in our state or national legislature should be just that, serving. It shouldn’t be a way for them to get rich off of special interests or lobbies. It should be a way that you and I can shape the future to improve our collective lives and leave this place in better shape than when we found it.

I’m tired of the two parties. I left the GOP because of what they have become. While I still lean conservative, I have become much more moderate as I listen to both sides. I will always vote for the person I feel can best accomplish the job. I don’t care what their party affiliation is. I care about their thoughts and ideas for a better future. Both sides of the aisle have good ideas, and one should never discount something said by someone simply because they don’t belong to the same political party.

I was invited to an informal meet and greet type gathering put on by the local Democratic Party. I was extremely hesitant to attend, simply because of my political leanings. I ended up choosing to go, because I value the opinion of the person who invited me. I did not have high hopes for accomplishing anything, but felt it would be good to attend and interact with everyone. I got the opportunity to talk with County Council Chair Sara Scott, and it was a wonderful interaction. I was able to air my concerns in an informal fashion and have a productive discussion about them. I left the gathering feeling more hopeful than before, because I could approach an elected official that would listen and offer thoughts without attempting to discredit me. I will not be joining the Democratic Party any time soon, but this is a perfect example of how people that do not necessarily see the world in the same way can have a productive discussion on how to make things better.

It’s time we start electing PEOPLE, not political parties or career politicians.

Aaron Walker