Letter to the Editor: Compromise in government

Dear Editor:

There has been so much talk about "compromising" during this political season. I have been wondering about this so I stopped to look up the meaning and it is:

1. a formal meeting or assembly of representatives for the discussion, arrangement, or promotion of some matter of common interest.
2. the act of coming together; an encounter; meeting.
3. an association, especially one composed of representatives of various organizations.

There must be discussion, listening, and compromise between parties, and branches of the government. Otherwise we have a "dictator" or "tyranny" or nothing gets done. No one can get everything they want. There should be a lot more transparency in all bills that are brought to the floor for a vote! We should never, ever pass something to find out what is in it. We the people should know what our elected officials are really voting on.

I hope that some of my dear friends would stop and think seriously about this issue, and those that they may be supporting for our President and other positions. Do we really want someone who is going to stand so firmly that they become a dictator? There are a few ideals that we do need to take a stand on, but not every issue that comes forward. Sadly, some states have become so red or so blue, that people lose hope or interest that their voices can be heard. We can't just throw in the towel and give up, we need to educate ourselves on the issues, write to our officials, write "Letters to the Editors", talk to our friends and neighbors, be open to listen to other points of view and research. There is a wealth of information out there...don't just go to your own preferred websites, dig deeper. 

Many of us are angry at the state of the union, and the world. But what are you going to do with that anger? Support politicians who mirror that anger at their opponents? What good does that do? Cutting down others to boost yourself only ends up belittling your own reputation and character. We should all be able to discuss issues without being mean.

I hope we all can do this better each day as we move forward to choose our next President and members of Congress.

Maggie Allen
Downey