The survival of our democracy is a miracle in itself. The concept is timeless, but the reality is elusive. Success for democracy requires willingness on the part of leaders to set aside their differences and work for the good of all regardless of party and politics, and willingness on the part of the people to support the leaders whether they voted for them or not.

The problem with our two-party system is that the names of the two parties, Democrats and Republicans, are not descriptive. Both parties are elements in a democratic republic, just like the Greeks. Variations on this formulation for governance dot the recorded history of the world. Multiparty systems are less functional because of the inability to find common ground among enough of them to form a lasting government. Just look at the trouble we have with only two parties!

In case this looks like an argument for a one-party system, let's put that one to rest. Dictatorships by whatever title fail because of the ideological and social limitations most of them depend on. Too few people are willing to speak truth to power. Those who try don't last long enough to accomplish anything.

Larry White

East Lyme