Jayne Morris-Crowther: Democrats do not hate the United States of America at all

Lately there have been a spate of letters that claim Republicans have been doing everything right over the last 60 years and Democrats have done everything wrong. This is simply incorrect and it casts Democrats as the enemy. Democrats do not hate America or cheer when our country is attacked. Plenty of Democrats currently serving in our armed forces would give their lives to defend the Constitution, which protects our right to free expression. Their service and sacrifices are noble and most deserving of our gratitude, not hate for their political affiliation. They should be mindful of President Ronald Reagan’s words, “Let’s just remember that we don’t have enemies, just opponents.”

 

The Founding Fathers understood that open debate allows for the free flow of ideas and the best decisions for the country. Interestingly, President George Washington cautioned that political parties might stifle debate, divide the nation and threaten good government. Among the original founders, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had vastly different visions of how the newly established United States should evolve. While still loosely organized, Hamilton’s Federalists clashed with Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans over many issues but this country has prospered by both of those visions. Today we would be further benefited by that same understanding of political disagreement. But, if one side persists in claiming that the Democrats are the enemy, it makes Democratic ideas illegitimate and not worthy of hearing. In a time where the country faces great challenges, we can listen respectfully to one another thereby find the best path for the nation. If not, we will have lost President Reagan’s conviction about political opponents and fulfilled President Washington’s worst fears.

 

Jayne Morris-Crowther

Laconia