It has become increasingly apparent that over the last decade or two both the Republican and Democratic parties have been so influenced by the philosophies of the extreme fringe of their respective parties that now the good of the party is taking precedence over the good of the nation. The inability of the two parties to work together and learn to compromise on most issues is destructive to our democratic process.

In my discussions with many Vermonters it appears that most of us here, in this state, are independent thinkers and generally in the middle of the road politically. Now there is a man running for Congress as a Republican, by the name of Liam Madden who espouses not only Republican party philosophies, but also values that are usually associated with the Democratic party platform. It is time that we sent a centrist to Congress and begin to expel those who are so stuck in their own party ideas that the country is having difficulty moving forward.

I have been a registered Democrat my entire adult life and have actively worked for a number of Democratic candidates, including Adlai Stevenson, John Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy. I am disillusioned, disgusted and betrayed by the new Democratic party philosophy, Unfortunately, though different, I do not find the Republican party philosophy any better. To find a man like Liam Madden running for Congress, and if he gets elected, it will help to restore my faith that there are potential leaders who will put the welfare of the nation ahead of that of the party and there may be some hope after all.

Donald Moses MD

Bridport