Patriotism knows no party
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
2 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
This letter is in response to John Vail's opinion on Independence Day parades (Missoulian, July 7), in which you referenced a Harvard University study about Republicans being more energized than Democrats at these parades, and that kids who attend parades "turn into voting Republicans more often as adults." I'm not familiar with this particular study, but I do know that you can find another study that would counter this position.
My husband and I participated in our small town's parade on the fourth with our own homemade float. We enjoyed the camaraderie, the flag waving, the red, white and blue colors, and the community spirit. When the F-16s from Malstrom AFB flew overhead, my heart did flip-flops of pride.
I am a Democrat and my husband is a Republican. We meet in the middle on some issues, and we agree to disagree on others. We respect each other's opinions. We are both patriots. We both want a stronger country for our children and grandchild. We are both frustrated with the hardheaded ideology in Washington and Helena and want to see mature compromise. We both agree that divisiveness and polarization are creating problems in our country. We both want people to try to come together to find common ground. We both agree that the Democratic and Republican parties are seriously flawed, and that neither party has all the answers. We both feel that we should vote according to our conscience, not according to our party affiliation.
Open-mindedness and a willingness to deeply listen to others' opinions and reflect on them is the only way our country will make any progress. Otherwise, we will be stuck in a steep canyon of narrow-mindedness. Try listening to someone in the other party.......you might be surprised at how similar your concerns are.
See you at the next Independence Day parade.
Nancy Teggeman
Polson
