I think it is time for columnist David Collins to quit beating the dead horse of local Republicans and Donald Trump. Moderate Democrats cringe at the antics of Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Moderate Republicans cringe at the antics of Trump and Sen. Mitch McConnell.

People belong to political parties for a variety of reasons, but the most common reasons are to have a voice in the selection of candidates and to be eligible to be selected for local offices and commissions. In many cases, you do not have the possibility of serving on a board, commission, or an elected position without being affiliated with a political party. Many would say that is a sad state of affairs, but nevertheless, it is the fact.

Moderate party members do not vote a straight ticket, nor do they express support for radical members of their party. It is time to quit beating up moderate Republicans because they do not publicly support Trump and thus antagonize their more radical neighbors.

Carl A. Strand Jr.

Mystic