In Ira Shaprio’s book "The Last Great Senate," he writes in the prologue, “The Great Senate worked on the basis of mutual respect, tolerance of opposing views, and openness to persuasion in the search for bipartisan solutions. The Senate has often been described as a club, but at its best, the Senate actually functioned more like a great team, in which talented individuals stepped up and did great things at crucial moments, sometimes quite unexpectedly.” Those who follow the news know all too well that the current Senate has not performed like a “club" or a “team."

Sen. John McCain’s letter to his colleagues, "A charge to my fellow members of Congress," (Sept. 2), details the lack of action by the Senate and the conflicting views among members that has led to their current dysfunction. Couple that with the inconsistency and eradicable behaviors of the Executive Branch of government and the toxic formula for a paralyzed government has been mixed.

McCain, the Maverick, has once again spoken directly to an issue and laid the challenge down to all. It is time these gentlemen and gentlewomen represent the people, all the people, put aside politics and move this country forward. It is time for the legislative branch to lead us out of toxicity and into health and wellbeing as a nation. 

Paul Berkel

Mystic