Republicans and Democrats have accused “the other party” of bringing about the end of democracy. The United States has a representative democracy which assumes elected representatives follow the wishes of the people. The low approval ratings of our recent Presidents and the Congress show the people are not happy. I believe elected officials have worked mostly to get reelected. Many politicians blindly follow their “party line” without even listening to policies and ideas that would be best for our democracy. Today, discussions about political ideas seldom occur. Most discussions about politics are essentially character assassinations. Political discussions can end in an argument, or worse. This letter expresses my view of some challenges in our democracy.

Recent presidents have acted as if they are fully “in charge.” Executive Orders have become too common. In the past, the President or members of Congress presented ideas to be rationally and civilly discussed. Discussion and compromise created legislation that was good for our democracy. Without it, Presidents have filled the vacuum with Executive Orders, which is not how our constitutional democracy works. The “checks and balances” system of three branches of government has worked for almost 250 years. Both parties should focus on compromise and what is best for our democracy — not their political futures. The areas below could be places to start.

OPINION: I believe Republicans feel Democrats push entitlements and spending. One example, U.S. Taxpayers are paying for foreign nationals to spend an undetermined amount of time in New York City hotels (and vote in municipal elections). Our founding fathers wrote, “all people are entitled to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Would the majority of Americans vote to provide happiness without requiring effort (pursuit) by those receiving free housing, food, medical care, etc.? On the other hand, many Republican ideas about guns and no abortions are not favored by the majority.

OPINION: I believe Democrats feel Republicans favor the wealthy and powerful to the detriment of others. Favoritism is not democracy. This idea of favoritism leads to the idea that someone else who is better off than I should pay for my favorite programs (and I should pay little or nothing). I believe Democracy requires fairness to all. All should have the opportunity to benefit from their labors and the financial risks of their investments. How that is accomplished requires compromise and must be decided fairly by elected representatives.