Political divide hurting U.S.

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jul 5, 2006

You published recently two letters -- one from a Republican claiming that the Democrats' only message is "Hate Bush," and one from a Democrat claiming that the Republican message was only "Hate, hate, hate."

These letters illustrate the great divide in our country and how we have allowed fringe elements to define our values. There is nothing in either party platform about hate. Most people in both parties legitimately want what is best for the country, but we do often have very different ideas about how that can be accomplished.

I grew up as a Democrat but changed to Republican when I saw how far to the left the Democratic Party was going, but I can see how sincerely many of my family members believe in the values of the Democratic Party.

It does disturb me that Michael Moore's brand of hatred and glorified half-truths are given honor in the Democratic Party and that conservative speakers are not allowed on many campuses and are shouted down when they are allowed to speak.

Until we can have open and civil discourse and respect for each other, we will not solve the problems of this country.

Evelyn Scott

Draper