I enjoy reading Steve Wood’s thoughtful commentaries in The Forecaster. And once I wade through his heir of superiority I’m often impressed with his on-target assessments and insights. I can’t say this is true, however, for “The party is over, it’s independent day.”

Woods encourages Democrats and Republicans alike to bail from their party and unenroll. He says we should “stop fueling these two self-serving partisan machines.” While I understand his frustration with this bizarre election cycle, like it or not, the nuts and bolts of our government encourages (almost mandates) a two-party system. It’s almost impossible to envision how a third party could ever get a foothold and be successful. So bailing to the “independent” moniker is nothing more than waiving a white flag. It says, “I’ve given up trying to solve the problems within my party and my government.”

I don’t care if you’re liberal or conservative, choose a party and work your tail off to change what you don’t like within that party. Do what the tea party did and wrestle away significant control of an organized party’s message and strategic direction. Fight for what you believe in, and you may be surprised how many people join your crusade. Or you can do what Woods did, and just throw up your hands and unenroll and join the sheep in the middle with no party affiliation, infinitesimal power in Augusta or Washington, and no discernible convictions.

Andy Wright
Cumberland Foreside