Much indeed to be regretted, party disputes are now carried to such a length, and truth is so enveloped in mist and false representation, that it is extremely difficult to know through what channel to seek it. This difficulty to one, who is of no party, and whose sole wish is to pursue with undeviating steps a path which would lead this country to respectability, wealth, and happiness, is exceedingly to be lamented. But such, for wise purposes, it is presumed, is the turbulence of human passions in party disputes, when victory more than truth is the palm contended for.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Timothy Pickering, Jul. 27, 1795
Last week, I watched with interest the Republican National Convention. There was much said during the convention that resonated within me. I appreciated the shared experiences of hard work, service, love of country.
I believe in the American Dream. I am the great-grandchild of immigrants who came to this country for the freedom to pursue their religion. My grandfather was a coal miner. I have the same problems with my lungs that he did. Luckily, I have the opportunity for medication and to live a life free of the coal dust that led to the pneumonia that killed him at the age of 43, three years younger than I am today. I know how both my paternal and maternal grandparents worked to provide a better life for their children.
I grew up with stories of my father's experiences in the 82nd Airborne. My husband served in the military for 12 years. Many more of my extended family have served or are currently serving in the various branches of the armed forces.
I enjoyed listening to Ann Romney. As a Mormon and a woman, we have more similarities than differences. I too have spent many hours at home with the children while my spouse fulfilled his professional, civic and religious responsibilities.
I have great respect for Mitt Romney. That respect comes from living in Utah during the ramp up to and the execution of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Coming so close after September 11, 2001, and with the scandal that surrounded the previous organizers, there was little expectation for a successful event and more a feeling that an epic failure would result. There was even discussion of cancelling the Olympics that year due to concerns regarding security. Yet at the end of those two magical weeks, IOC President Jaques Rogge stated, "People of America, Utah, and Salt Lake City, you have given the world superb games. You have reassured us that people from all countries can live peacefully together." To me, Mitt Romney showed that even in the face of daunting opposition and doubt, he could lead a team that would get the job done.
Last night, I watched the opening of the Democratic National Convention. Again, there were many things said that spoke to my heart. Again I heard experiences of sacrifice and pursuit of the American Dream. I respect Michelle Obama for her support of her husband, her choice to provide structure for her children and provide them with a "normal" life with dreams for what they can accomplish. She too has a great story of choices, often not between good and bad, but between two good alternatives. It is hard to be a mother and wife.
There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.
JOHN ADAMS, letter to Jonathan Jackson, Oct. 2, 1789
Both political parties have great ideas. Members of both parties love this country and are passionate about wanting a better life for future generations. The stagnation that we face today in moving this country forward comes from putting party membership above citizenship.
The role of government was defined by the Preamble to the Constitution. Like many of my generation, I learned those words and were reminded of them each Saturday morning as we watched cartoons.
It is time that our elected members of Congress and the President stop the political rhetoric that is dividing the people of this nation. The two major parties need to become reconciled as George Washington wished (...the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them. GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Thomas Jefferson, Jul. 6, 1796). Our politicians need to remember that they represent "We the People". As individuals, we are aware that at the end of the day what we have in common is more important than our differences. Focus by our leaders needs to be on the common goal and not the next election. If they are not willing to do the job, then we've got to let them go.
