Fifty years ago, I was taught in my history classes that the key to the success of our democracy was the ability of opposing politicians to reach decisions through compromise.
Those calling out “Don’t tread on me” have apparently forgotten the other Revolutionary War slogan, “United we stand or divided we fall.” The art of compromise is being abandoned for a political strategy that can only win by gaining control of all branches of government. Under this strategy little to nothing gets done with the divided government in Olympia or Washington, D.C.
We just witnessed this with the Columbia River Crossing. It makes me think of another Revolutionary War slogan: “Either we hang together, or we will hang apart.”
Ken Earlywine
Vancouver
